Carrier Error Code 14: Ignition Lockout
Your Carrier furnace failed to ignite after 4 attempts and has entered safety lockout. This comprehensive guide explains the causes, DIY troubleshooting steps, and when professional help is required.
Auto-Reset After 3 Hours
Code 14 automatically resets after 3 hours. Manual reset: Turn off power for 60 seconds. However, the furnace won't run until the ignition problem is fixed.
What It Means
Furnace failed to ignite gas and prove flame after 4 consecutive attempts. Safety lockout prevents gas buildup.
Most Common Cause
Dirty or failed flame sensor (60-70% of cases) prevents flame detection, causing repeated ignition failures.
Estimated Fix Time
15-30 minutes for sensor cleaning (DIY). 1-2 hours for component replacement (professional).
Understanding Carrier Error Code 14
Carrier error code 14 is an Ignition Lockout error that occurs when your furnace fails to ignite gas and establish flame in 4 consecutive attempts. This is a critical safety mechanism designed to prevent dangerous gas accumulation in your heating system.
Unlike Carrier error code 13 (Limit Circuit Lockout related to airflow), code 14 specifically indicates ignition system problems. The control board attempts to start your furnace 4 times before triggering the lockout to protect your home from potential explosion hazards caused by unburned gas buildup.
The lockout automatically resets after 3 hours, at which point the furnace will attempt to restart. However, simply waiting for the auto-reset won't solve the underlying problem—the furnace will likely fail to ignite again and immediately trigger another code 14 lockout.
Relationship to Error Code 34
Code 14 is the lockout escalation of Carrier error code 34 (Ignition Proving Failure). When code 34 occurs 3 consecutive times, the control board escalates to code 14 lockout. Fix the root cause of code 34, and code 14 will clear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carrier Error Code 14
What is Carrier error code 14?
Carrier error code 14 is an Ignition Lockout, meaning the furnace failed to ignite and prove flame in 4 consecutive attempts. This safety lockout prevents gas buildup and protects your home from potential explosion hazards. The control board will automatically reset after 3 hours, or you can manually reset by cycling power.
What's the difference between Carrier error code 14 and 34?
Error 34 is an Ignition Proving Failure—a single failed ignition attempt where the furnace couldn't detect flame. Error 14 is the Ignition Lockout that occurs after 3 consecutive Code 34 failures. Code 14 is more severe because it represents repeated ignition failures, triggering a safety lockout to prevent dangerous gas accumulation.
How do I reset Carrier error code 14?
Code 14 resets automatically after 3 hours. For a manual reset, turn off power to the furnace at the breaker or disconnect switch, wait 60 seconds, then restore power. However, resetting alone won't fix the problem—you must diagnose and repair the underlying ignition issue (dirty flame sensor, gas supply, igniter, etc.) or code 14 will immediately return.
Why does Carrier error code 14 keep coming back?
If code 14 returns immediately after resetting, the root cause hasn't been addressed. Common persistent issues include a dirty or failed flame sensor, faulty igniter (hot surface igniter or spark igniter), gas supply interruption, loose ground wire connections, pressure switch failure, or a defective gas valve. Recurring code 14 requires professional diagnostic equipment.
Can I fix Carrier error code 14 myself?
You can perform basic troubleshooting: clean the flame sensor with steel wool or fine sandpaper, verify gas supply is on (check main shutoff and furnace shutoff valves), inspect for loose wire connections, and reset the system after making repairs. However, testing igniter resistance, gas valve voltage, flame sense microamps, and pressure switches requires specialized tools and training.
Is Carrier error code 14 dangerous?
Error code 14 itself is a safety mechanism preventing dangerous gas buildup. The lockout protects your home from potential explosion hazards by stopping ignition attempts after 4 failures. However, attempting DIY repairs involving gas lines or igniter wiring can be extremely dangerous. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, evacuate immediately and call your gas company.
How do I clean the flame sensor for code 14?
Turn off power to the furnace. Locate the flame sensor (thin metal rod near the burners). Remove the mounting screw and carefully disconnect the wire. Gently polish the sensor rod with steel wool, fine sandpaper (600-grit), or a dollar bill until shiny—do NOT use chemicals. Reinstall, ensuring the sensor is positioned directly in the flame path, then test.
What causes the flame sensor to fail on Carrier furnaces?
Flame sensors fail from oxide buildup (white or gray coating), physical damage from mishandling, improper positioning away from the flame path, loose wire connections causing intermittent signal loss, or age-related sensor degradation. Even a thin oxide layer can prevent the sensor from detecting flame, triggering code 34 three times and escalating to code 14.
Can a dirty air filter cause Carrier error code 14?
Indirectly, yes. A severely clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat. This can trigger the high limit switch, which interrupts the ignition sequence and prevents flame establishment. Additionally, poor airflow can disrupt proper combustion, making it harder for the flame sensor to detect flame—both scenarios can lead to code 14.
What is a flame sensor and why is it important?
The flame sensor is a safety device that detects whether gas has actually ignited. It sends a small electrical signal (measured in microamps) to the control board confirming flame presence. If the sensor doesn't detect flame within 4-7 seconds after the gas valve opens, the board shuts off gas immediately to prevent dangerous gas accumulation. A dirty or faulty sensor causes most code 14 errors.
Can a bad igniter cause Carrier error code 14?
Yes. A failing hot surface igniter (HSI) or spark igniter that doesn't reach proper temperature or produce sufficient spark won't ignite the gas. The furnace will attempt ignition 4 times—each time code 34 occurs. After 3 code 34 failures, the system escalates to code 14 lockout. Test igniters with a multimeter: HSI should read 40-90 ohms when cold; spark igniters need proper gap and voltage.
What if Carrier error code 14 appears with no gas smell?
This typically indicates an electrical or sensor issue rather than a gas supply problem. Check for a dirty flame sensor (most common), failed igniter, loose ground wire at the burner manifold, faulty gas valve (not opening despite 24V power), or a pressure switch not closing properly. Use a multimeter to verify 24V at the gas valve during ignition sequence.
How long does a hot surface igniter last on Carrier furnaces?
Hot surface igniters typically last 5-7 years with normal use, but can fail earlier due to thermal stress, physical damage from vibration, power surges, or manufacturing defects. Igniters weaken over time—they may glow brightly but not reach sufficient temperature to ignite gas. If your igniter is 5+ years old and you're experiencing code 14, replacement is often the solution.
Can closed vents cause Carrier error code 14?
Yes. Closing more than 20% of supply vents creates excessive static pressure, disrupting proper combustion air supply and burner performance. This can prevent reliable ignition and affect flame sensor readings, leading to repeated code 34 failures and eventual code 14 lockout. Modern HVAC systems are balanced to heat the entire home—closing vents damages system performance and efficiency.
What should I check first when I get Carrier error code 14?
Start with these quick checks: (1) Verify gas supply is on at both the main shutoff and furnace shutoff valve. (2) Clean the flame sensor with steel wool. (3) Check all wire connections for looseness, especially the green ground wire at the burner manifold. (4) Replace the air filter if dirty. (5) Reset the furnace after 60 seconds. If code 14 persists, professional diagnosis is needed.
Why does Carrier error code 14 appear only when it's cold outside?
Cold weather increases furnace runtime and thermal stress on components, making marginal failures more apparent. A weakening igniter may work fine in mild weather (shorter cycles) but fail during extended cold snaps. Additionally, gas pressure can drop slightly during peak demand periods, making ignition more difficult for a furnace with a weak igniter or dirty flame sensor.
How much does it cost to fix Carrier error code 14?
Repair costs depend on the root cause. Simple fixes like cleaning the flame sensor cost $100-150 for a service call. Igniter replacement runs $150-300 (parts + labor). Gas valve replacement costs $200-400. Pressure switch replacement is $150-250. Complex issues involving multiple failed components or control board replacement can reach $400-800. Always get a detailed diagnosis before authorizing repairs.
Need Professional Help with Carrier Error Code 14?
Our certified HVAC technicians have the expertise and diagnostic tools to quickly identify and fix ignition lockout issues. We service all Carrier furnace models throughout the tri-state area.
24/7 Emergency Service Available • Same-Day Appointments • Upfront Pricing • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee