Furnace Blower Will Not Turn On - Error Code on White-Rodgers 50A50-241


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Old 12-14-13, 12:10 PM
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Furnace Blower Will Not Turn On - Error Code on White-Rodgers 50A50-241

It's freezing and I don't have heat.

My York 80 furnace fires up and runs for approximately 2 minutes. The small exhaust fan runs but the large blower fan fails to start. I'm able to turn the blower freely by hand.

I have an error code flashing on the White-Rodgers 50A50-241 board. The red LED light flashes 4 times, then pause, then 4 times again and so on.

I've read possible failure of capacitor or high limit switch.

What is my next course of action?

Thanks.
 
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Old 12-14-13, 01:20 PM
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Welcome to the forums.

The code is telling you that you have an open limit control and that would be the heat exchanger safety sensor.

Your blower turns freely by hand.
Does it hum when it's activated but not spin ?
Do you have a "FAN ON" position on your thermostat.... see if that works.

You can carefully try giving the blower a spin using a stick. You DON'T want to get your hand caught in there. Remember when the blower door is open.... the door switch will not allow the unit to operate.

We need to determine whether you have a control or motor issue.
Do you have a voltmeter and know how to use it ?
 
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Old 12-14-13, 04:08 PM
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Yes, found out that the code is a High Limit Switch Error, the result of the furnace overheating from the blower fan not turning on.

I realized the safety switch.

I set the fan on manual on my thermostat and felt the motor getting warm... carefully spun the blower and the fan started up.

Pretty much concluded that the Run Capacitor is the culprit, however, am not 100% certain. My multimeter doesn't measure UF. That said, measuring resistance across the capacitor, the ohms really don't drop much. Any further suggestions?

With the fan running and now on manual, I should maintain heat. Figured I'll just replace the capacitor and see if that resolves the issue.
 
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Old 12-14-13, 04:19 PM
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Definitely replace the start capacitor.
Leave the fan set to FAN ON so as not to risk burning the motor up when the furnace cycles.
 
 

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