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Carrier · Furnace

22.1 False flame

Critical severity 59SC6A

What the control is telling you

The control sees flame when there should be none. It locks out of gas heating and keeps the inducer running until flame is no longer sensed.

Applies to: Carrier 59SC6A

Likely causes

  • Gas valve leaking through or not closing
  • Flame sensor shorted or wire grounded
  • Moisture or contamination at the sensor
  • Control fault

Test and repair steps

  1. Warning: If flame is visible with no call for heat, shut off the manual gas valve immediately.
  2. Look through the burner area with no heat call to see if a real flame is present.
  3. If a real flame exists, the gas valve is leaking through: replace the gas valve.
  4. If no flame, check the flame sensor and its lead for a short to ground or cracked insulator.
  5. Check for condensate/moisture reaching the sensor area.
  6. If wiring and sensor are fine, replace the control and program it with the rating-plate Model Program Number.

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Source: Carrier 59SC6A Installation, Start-up, Operating and Service Instructions, Fig. 60 Service Label p.54; Sequence of Operation p.69. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.

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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.