Carrier · Furnace

14.2 Lockout - flame lost 3 times after 70 s of heating

High severity 59SC6A

What the control is telling you

Flame was established but lost 3 times after 70 seconds of heating, so the control locked out.

Applies to: Carrier 59SC6A

Likely causes

  • Dirty or weak flame sensor signal
  • Low or fluctuating gas pressure
  • Poor ground
  • Flue/combustion air problems disturbing the flame
  • Pressure switch opening during the cycle

Test and repair steps

  1. Warning: Turn off gas and power and lock out before removing burner parts.
  2. Clean the flame sensor with 0000 steel wool only (no sandpaper or emery cloth); check it sits in the flame.
  3. Verify ground continuity green/yellow wire to gas valve and manifold bracket screw, and the flame-sense ground wire to furnace sheet metal.
  4. Check natural gas supply (4.5-14 in. w.c.) while burning and manifold pressure (2.8-3.8 in. w.c. for 40k-120k models; max 1.8 in. w.c. on 26k).
  5. Inspect burners and orifices for dirt or blockage; clean burner with brush and vacuum.
  6. Inspect vent and combustion-air pipes for water, sags or blockage.
  7. Run 2 complete heat cycles and look at the flame: it should be clear blue, almost transparent.
  8. Reset the lockout by briefly removing 115 VAC power, or by breaking 24 VAC at SEC1/SEC2 on the control (not at W, G or R); otherwise it auto-resets after 3 hours.

Settings for these units

Filter sizes by casing width and filter cabinet · 59SC6A

LocationSizeSide return filterBottom return filterType
Furnace casing14-3/16 in. wide16 x 25 x 3/4 in.14 x 25 x 3/4 in.Washable
Furnace casing17-1/2 in. wide(1) 16 x 25 x 3/4 in.(1) 16 x 25 x 3/4 in.Washable
Furnace casing21 in. wide(1) 16 x 25 x 3/4 in.(1) 20 x 25 x 3/4 in.Washable
Furnace casing24-1/2 in. wide(1) 16 x 25 x 3/4 in.(1) 24 x 25 x 3/4 in.Washable
Filter cabinet16 in. high(1) 16 x 25 x 3/4 in. or (1) 16 x 25 x 4-5/16 in.-Washable or media
Filter cabinet20 in. high(1) 20 x 25 x 3/4 in. or (1) 20 x 25 x 4-5/16 in.-Washable or media
Filter cabinet24 in. high(1) 24 x 25 x 3/4 in. or (1) 24 x 25 x 4-5/16 in.-Washable or media

Side-return filters can differ in size - measure the existing filter.

Every return-air inlet needs a filter.

Minimum clearances to combustibles · 59SC6A

PositionMinimum clearance
Rear0
Front (combustion air openings in furnace and in structure)1 in. (25 mm)
Required for service24 in. (610 mm) (see note)
All sides of supply plenum1 in. (25 mm) (see note)
Sides0
Vent0
Top of furnace1 in. (25 mm)

Service and supply-plenum values are marked 'consult local building codes'.

Keep 1 in. (25 mm) from combustibles to supply ductwork for 36 in. (914 mm) horizontally from the furnace.

Models that show this code

11 models in 59SC6A

59SC6A026M14--1059SC6A040M14--1059SC6A040M17--1259SC6A060M14--1259SC6A060M17--1659SC6A080M17--1659SC6A080M21--2059SC6A100M21--2059SC6A100M21--2259SC6A120M24--2259SC6A140M24--22

Other codes on the same units

  • 10.1 L1 polarity fault
  • 12.1 W (heat call) on at power up
  • 13.1 Limit lockout - main limit open over 3 minutes
  • 14.1 Ignition lockout after 4 tries
  • 14.3 Lockout - 7 flame-loss events in one heat call
  • 21.1 24 VAC on gas valve when it should be off
  • 22.1 False flame
  • 23.1 Main pressure switch stuck closed

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Source: Carrier 59SC6A Installation, Start-up, Operating and Service Instructions, Fig. 60 Service Label p.54; Cleaning Burners and Flame Sensor p.66; Fig. 61 notes p.56. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.

Homeowner looking at this code? See what it means for you and when to call a technician.

For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.