How to Replace a Carrier Furnace Ignitor

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Things You'll Need

  • Phillips-head screwdriver

  • Replacement Carrier furnace ignitor

Carrier is one of the most trusted names in home heating. The gas furnace uses a hot surface ignitor to light the gas to heat your home. The furnace also uses a flame sensor that will shut the furnace off if the sensor does not detect a flame source when the gas is flowing. If your furnace is not operating, it is probably due to a faulty furnace ignitor.

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Step 1

Turn the power off to the Carrier furnace. A red "off" switch that is similar to a light switch should be on a wall near the furnace. Or turn off the circuit breaker inside the home electrical panel if you do not see a red switch. Turn off the gas valve to the furnace as well.

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Step 2

Lift up on the front access panel and pull the access panel away from the furnace. Locate the furnace ignitor beside the burner assembly. The furnace ignitor is a ceramic part with a wiring harness connecting to the ignitor. Pull the wiring harness apart by grabbing both pieces with each hand and pulling the wiring harness from the wire block on the end of the ignitor wires.

Step 3

Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the two screws that secure the furnace ignitor to the furnace with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Carefully, pull the ignitor out of the furnace.

Step 4

Take the ignitor with you to an authorized Carrier dealer or a HVAC dealer for a replacement. The parts staff will need the defective part to obtain the correct ignitor for your furnace.

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Step 5

Insert the new furnace ignitor into the furnace. Do not touch the part of the ignitor that fits inside the furnace. The natural oils from your skin will cause the ignitor to wear out prematurely.

Step 6

Secure the ignitor to the furnace with the two retaining screws. Connect the wiring harness to the wire terminal block on the new ignitor by pushing the two pieces together. Place the access panel back into position and slide the access panel down to secure the panel to the furnace.

Step 7

Turn the power back on to the furnace and turn the gas back on at the gas valve.

Warning

Always discoonect power and gas supply to furnace before working on the system.

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