Carrier Furnace Code 32 [Solved]

Is your carrier furnace flashing code 32? If so then you have come to the right place. In this guide we’ll be exploring a few possible reasons a carrier furnace would flash code 32 and the steps you can take to troubleshoot and reset this status code.

A carrier furnace code 32 indicates that the low-heat pressure switch is open.

PS: See link for the troubleshooting manual at the bottom of this guide.

Possible Causes for Carrier Furnace Code 32

Causes	Possible Fixes
Inducer motor not creating vacuum	Check and ensure the inducer motor is running.- Verify the pressure switch hose for blockage, pinching, or improper connection.
Blocked flue or weak induced draft blower	Clear any obstructions from the flue.- Check the induced draft blower’s performance.
Blocked vent or intake, water backed up in hoses	Check and clear any blockages in the vent or intake. Ensure no water is backed up in hoses connected to the drain.
Pressure switch malfunctioning	Test the pressure switch by creating a vacuum through the hose while the inducer motor is running.

Troubleshooting steps for for carrier status Code 32

Check and Ensure the Inducer Motor is Running

Begin by confirming whether the inducer motor is running when the furnace is turned on. The inducer motor is crucial for initiating the airflow that leads to combustion.

The motor’s role is to create a draft that draws air through the furnace system, aiding in combustion and venting.

Verify the Pressure Switch Hose for Blockage, Pinching, or Improper Connection:

(If your pressure switch attaches directly to the exchanger there won’t be a vacuum hose.

We can skip that part.)

The pressure switch is directly related to the operation of the inducer motor. It relies on the vacuum created by the motor to determine if the furnace is safe to operate.

Examine the rubber hose that connects the pressure switch to the inducer motor. Ensure there are no blockages, pinches, or cracks in the hose that might prevent the vacuum from being established.

Additionally, confirm that the hose is properly connected to both the pressure switch and the inducer motor. An improper connection could disrupt the vacuum and trigger the code 32 error.

Check and Clear Any Blockages in the Vent or Intake:

Begin by inspecting both the exhaust vent (flue) and the combustion air intake. These openings allow air to enter and exit the furnace system. Look for any visible blockages such as debris, or any other obstructions.

These blockages can prevent the proper airflow necessary for combustion and venting.

Clear any obstructions you find to ensure unobstructed airflow.

This can help prevent the furnace from overheating and improve its efficiency.

Ensure No Water Is Backed Up in Hoses Connected to the Drain

If your furnace has a drainage system with hoses connected to it, make sure these hoses are clear and free from any water backup.

Inspect the hoses for any signs of water accumulation, which might indicate a drainage issue.

A blocked or clogged drainage system can lead to water backup, potentially affecting the furnace’s performance and can trigger the status code 32

If no obstruction and no water backed up, do this. Disconnect rubber hose from inducer. Leave attached to the switch. Call for heat at the thermostat, then suck on the hose and see if you hear the switch click and if burners ignite.

Further Troubleshooting Carrier Code 32 Beyond Basics

If the initial checks don’t resolve the issue, the troubleshooting process becomes more technical and requires specialized equipment.

This equipment helps assess if the vacuum levels around the pressure switch are within the proper range.

Specialized Vacuum Testing:

This involves using tools like a vacuum manometer or a magnehelic gauge. These instruments measure the amount of vacuum created by the inducer motor and its impact on the pressure switch.

Connecting the Gauge:

The gauge is connected between the inducer motor and the pressure switch. This setup helps determine if the vacuum is sufficient to trigger the pressure switch’s “close” or “open” states.

Proper Vacuum Levels:

The goal is to ensure that the vacuum is pulling at least the required amount specified for “closing” or 20% more than what’s necessary for “opening.” These levels are usually marked on the switch’s label.

Limitation for Homeowners:

As a homeowner, you might not have access to these specialized testing tools. Therefore, performing this advanced diagnostic requires the expertise of an onsite HVAC technician.

Importance of Accurate Testing

Without precise measurements of the vacuum levels, troubleshooting becomes uncertain. Guesswork can lead to unnecessary part replacements.

Changing Parts

If you’re troubleshooting without accurate vacuum measurements, you might start replacing parts as a trial-and-error approach.

A logical starting point could be the pressure switch, as it’s relatively affordable. If the issue persists, consider examining the inducer assembly next.

Final thoughts

To wrap up, that is all there is to know about carrier furnace code 32. Please see this troubleshooting manual for further troubleshooting. And if you haven’t reset this error code after going through this troubleshooting guide, I encourage you to engage an on site tech for further troubleshooting.

Thanks for reading.