Warning: Disconnect power before servicing.

Carrier Furnace Code 14: Ignition Lockout

Quick Answer

Carrier furnace Code 14 (1 short, 4 long LED blinks) is an ignition lockout. The furnace attempted ignition multiple times, failed each time (same root cause as Code 34), and has gone into safety lockout mode. A manual reset is required to unlock the board.

Code 14 is the furnace finally giving up after three failed tries to light. It usually happens when something like a dirty flame sensor gets ignored too long. And since the board's locked for safety, you can't just flip the thermostat and hope for the best. You've got to physically clear the lockout and actually fix why it couldn't prove flame in the first place.

CarrierFurnaceSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate78% DIY Success
Time to Fix
20–75 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$10 – $50
Tools Needed
Phillips #2 screwdriver, 1/4-inch nut driver or hex screwdriver

What Does the 14 Code Mean?

Think of Code 14 as the three-strikes-and-you're-out rule for Carrier control boards. A Code 34 is one missed shot, but this code means the system's done trying altogether to keep from dumping unburned gas or burning out the ignitor. I always tell customers that when they see this, the furnace is actually protecting itself from a way bigger repair bill down the road.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Fouled flame sensor rod that triggered repeated Code 3440%
Failed hot surface ignitor causing repeated ignition failure24%
Low gas pressure preventing reliable flame establishment14%
Control board timing sequence fault12%
Gas valve not opening fully or at correct timing10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Furnace is completely dead to the world, no response at all when you bump the thermostat up a few degrees.
  • Control board LED is blinking 1 short, 4 long, pause, repeat. Just sitting there cycling through that pattern.
  • If you were home earlier, you probably heard it trying a few times with Code 34 before everything went quiet.
  • No inducer motor spinning up, no click from the gas valve, no orange glow from the ignitor. Total silence.
  • You reset it, it attempts one cycle, fails, and comes right back to Code 14 within about 3 minutes.

Can you reset a Carrier furnace to clear the 14 code?

Flip the power switch on the side of the furnace off and leave it for at least 60 seconds. Flip it back on and call for heat from the thermostat. If the switch doesn't clear it, cut the breaker for 60 seconds instead. Just remember: resetting only clears the lockout counter. If you don't fix whatever caused it, you'll be right back down here within one heat cycle.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriver1/4-inch nut driver or hex screwdriver0000 steel woolMultimeter with microamp DC settingWork glovesFlashlight or headlamp

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range210 µA DC
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Flame Sensor RodLH680016 · $10–$20
Hot Surface IgnitorHH18HA483 · $25–$50

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Carrier Code 34 and Code 14?
Code 34 is a single missed ignition attempt. The furnace will usually try again on its own after a short delay. Code 14 is what happens after it fails three times in a row, so the board goes into hard lockout and stops trying entirely. Think of 34 as the furnace saying 'that didn't work' and 14 as it saying 'I'm done until you fix this.' One resets itself, the other needs you to physically intervene and address the root cause.
How many times does a Carrier furnace try before triggering Code 14?
Three times, basically. The first two failures show up as Code 34 on the status LED. Third failure triggers the full lockout and you get Code 14. After that the board sits in lockout for about three hours unless you manually cycle power to force a fresh start. It's designed this way to prevent gas buildup from repeated failed attempts. Smart design honestly. Annoying when it's midnight and cold, but smart.
Is it safe to keep resetting a furnace in Code 14 lockout?
Once or twice to get through a cold night? Yeah, that's fine. But don't make it a habit. Every failed ignition cycle lets a little unburned gas sit in the heat exchanger, and it puts extra stress on the ignitor each time it fires. I've seen ignitors that should've lasted 10 years burn out in two because someone kept resetting the furnace every day instead of spending 10 minutes cleaning the flame sensor. If you're resetting more than once a day, something needs to actually be fixed.
How much does it usually cost to fix a Code 14 lockout?
If it's just a dirty flame sensor, you're looking at zero dollars and 10 minutes of your time. A replacement sensor runs $15-25 if you want a fresh one. Dead ignitor is $30-60 for the part and about 30 minutes of work. Gas valve replacement is where it gets expensive, usually $150-300 for the part plus labor. Most of the time though? It's the sensor. Clean it first before you spend a dime on anything else.
Can I clean the flame sensor myself or do I need a tech?
Totally doable yourself as long as you cut power first. Find the rod on the left side of the burner assembly, remove the one screw holding it, pull it out, and scrub it with 0000 steel wool. Put it back, restore power, call for heat. That's the whole job. No special tools, no certifications needed. Where I'd call a tech is if the sensor is clean and it's still failing, because then you're probably looking at a gas valve or control board issue that involves live wiring and gas lines.

Related Carrier Furnace Error Codes

Models Known to Experience 14 Errors

This repair applies to most Carrier furnaces with this error code. Common model numbers include:

59TP6A060E17, 59MN7A080V17, 59SP5A060E14, 59TP6B080V20, 58PAV090-16, 59SC5A060E17, 59TN6B080V20

RP

Written by

Raj Patel

HVAC & Water Systems Specialist · 15 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026