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Furnace Blinks 3 Times, Now Blower Won't Turn On — No Power Issue?

Sswafford25
Sswafford25 Member Posts: 2
in Gas Heating

Hi everyone,

I'm having an ongoing issue with my furnace and could really use some guidance. It initially blinked 3 times (repeat) and the blower wouldn’t start. I want to mention that the blower was just replaced a few years ago, so I don’t think it’s a problem with the motor itself.

Here's what I've done so far:

- Checked the round fuse on the power switch – looks fine

- Checked the automotive-style fuse on the control board – appears good

- Turned off the furnace, turned off the thermostat, and killed the breaker

- Turned the breaker back on, turned on the furnace, and set the thermostat to call for heat

After doing this, the control board stopped blinking like it was before. But now, it seems like there's no power to the furnace at all, and the blower motor doesn’t turn on even though the thermostat is set to run the blower.

Additionally, I noticed some yellow grease on the pins at the back of my thermostat, which pops off the wall. The pins plug into a port at the base of the thermostat mount. I'm mechanically inclined, and I’ve fixed many things before, but this has me a bit frustrated. Does the grease indicate some sort of corrosion or contact issue?

Any advice

Comments

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 18,828

    Look on the furnace and find the control operation. It should tell you what 3 blinks mean. You need an electrical meter to test.

    You need the bottom door on the furnace to be closed to "make" the door switch for the furnace to get power.

    Post furnace Model #

  • Sswafford25
    Sswafford25 Member Posts: 2

    Door switch was disconnected long ago. Furnace is like 10-15 years old. I will get the model and such posted momentarily for you. 3 blinks means ignition failure I believe. There's a little sensor above the chutes that was corroded so I cleaned it with some rubbing alcohol but I was gentle with it. My next step is to clean the thermocouple and chutes because there's a PVC pipe connected to the furnace that runs parallel up the right side of the furnace before cutting over top the furnace before running out the wall at the base of the foundation (concrete basement). Well the PVC is leaking somewhere dripping water down right in the middle of the top of the furnace.. Way to go on the technician who installed this in this fashion. Anyway, I need to find the source of the leak and fix it for sure.

    I have a multimeter so I can test the control board and such if you can help me with what exactly I need to do if you don't mind. This is my 64 year old mother's home so I am trying to save her $. She already works 2 jobs and is barely surviving as is so I know she can't afford a new furnace 😞

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 14,599

    what do you mean by "chute"?

    are you sure the condensate isn't dripping out of the inducer fan housing?

  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 7,080

    If it was ignition failure, once it reached lockout, the blower should automatically run.

    Leave the flame sensor and "chutes" (burner tubes?) alone for now. Get your meter out.

    Post some pics.

    Condensate from the exhaust is leaking, and dripping on top of the furnace?

    So nothing at all happens now when you raise the thermostat?

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