Carrier Furnace Light Blinking 3 Times [Solved]

Carrier furnace light blinking 3 times is an error code that is mainly triggered by restricted air flow in the furnace system. Restricted airflow in turn is caused by a few things.

Let’s take a look at the causes for restricted air flow and how you can address the issue to resolve he the blinking light on your carrier furnace.

Causes For Carrier Furnace Light Blinking 3 times

Cause	Fix
Defective blower motor or capacitor	Replace blower motor or capacitor
Dirty Air filter	Replace or clean air filters
Faulty Switch connections	Check the high limit and flame rollout switch
Restricted Duct system	Inspect ductwork for twists

Defective Blower Motor or Capacitor

The blower motor is responsible for circulating air throughout the system. When the blower motor fails, it can trigger the light on your carrier furnace to link 3 times (3 short and 3 long).

If you think that you have a faulty blower motor, you can go to the furnace and open the blower compartment.

Touch the blower. Sometimes a failed motor will also hum and get really hot( if you have been trying to run it for at least 5 minutes.

A weak or dead capacitor is also another possible culprit. You can locate the capacitor on the motor housing.

A capacitor stores the energy needed to start a motor. If a multimeter is available, you can test the capacitor to continue.

A bad motor capacitor will need a replacement.

Dirty Air Filter

A clogged or dirty filter is also another possible cause for the light on a carrier furnace blinking 3 times.

If you have not replaced your air filter in a while, chances are, the filter is clogged and is probably the reason there is restriction of airflow in your furnace.

Is always recommended to replace your filter 1-2 months to ensure that there is no restriction of air in the furnace.

A clogged air filter will restrict the air flowing through the heat exchanger and consequently trigger the 3-3 code.

Try removing the filter from the furnace and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light then your filter is probably clogged and needs a replacement.

Faulty Switch Connections

Check the Switches

First, make sure the switches are working right. The Carrier furnace has a number of switches doing different things. To get started, turn off the unit and let the furnace cool down for 15 minutes.

Once it’s cooled down, test the high limit switch for continuity. If there is no continuity on this switch you’ll need to swap it out to fix the issues.

Look at the Flame Rollout Switch

Now, there’s another switch to focus on – the flame rollout switch. When the system has chilled out and you notice the flame rollout switch has tripped, that’s a sign there is something wrong in your furnace.

This could be because of things like air blowing the wrong way or something blocking the airflow. You might also want to peek at the heat exchanger to determine the cause of the flame rollout

If the flame rollout switch is open, press the hidden button behind the disc to reset it. If it still stays open after pushing it, that switch has gone kaput and you’ll have to stick in a new one.

Restricted Duct system

Ensure all vents and registers are open and unobstructed by furniture or objects, and periodically inspect the ductwork for any visible blockages or damage.

Not only that, you might also want to check the ductwork for twists or disconnections.

Twisted ducts will block the air flow and that can also trigger the a carrier furnace light to blink 3 times

Proper maintenance and keeping the airflow pathways clear help maintain efficient heating and cooling throughout your home.

More Carrier Furnace Error Codes ( Light Blinking 3 times)

Error Code	Error Code Name	Solution
1-3	LIMIT OR FLAME ROLL-OUT SWITCH LOCKOUT	Control will auto-reset after 3 hours. Reset switch or replace fuse link.
2-3	THE PRESSURE SWITCH DIDN’T OPEN	Check for an obstruction in the pressure tubing or a pressure switch that is stuck closed.
3-1	PRESSURE, DRAFT SAFEGUARD, AUX-LIMIT SWITCH DIDN’T CLOSE (OR REOPENED, DOWNFLOW ONLY)	If open for longer than 5 minutes, the inducer will shut off for 15 minutes before retry. Check for: low inducer voltage; proper vent sizing; defective inducer motor; defective blower motor or capacitor; defective pressure switch; restricted vent; excessive wind, inadequate combustion air supply; or obstructed pressure tubing.
3-3	LIMIT OR FLAME ROLL-OUT SWITCH IS OPEN	If the switch is open for longer than 3 minutes, the code will change to #1-3. The flame roll-out switch requires a manual reset. Check for: defective blower motor or capacitor; dirty filter or restricted duct system; loose blower wheel; faulty switch or connections; or inadequate combustion air supply.
3-4	IGNITION PROVING FAILURE	Control will try three more times before lockout #1-4 will occur. If the flame signal is lost after the trial for the ignition period, the blower will come on for a 90 second recycle delay. Check for: build-up on the flame sensor; proper microamp distribution to the flame sensor; defective gas valve or turned off gas valve; faulty hot surface ignitor; low inlet gas pressure; the manual valve is shut-off; continuity of control ground; low flame carryover or rough ignition; ungrounded flame sensor.