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Carrier 88: Compressor and inverter lockout for 2 hours, elevated from fault 79

Source: Carrier manual (PDF) (opens in a new tab) ↗ · Updated

Status code88Carrier
What does Carrier 88 mean?

Compressor and inverter lockout for 2 hours, elevated from fault 79 after 5 occurrences. The compressor failed to start often enough that the control stopped the retries.

Homeowner part this code names: AC coil cleaner.

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Call a pro: jump to when to call a pro Equipment type: AC / heat pump
How it shows: Amber status LED on a Carrier Infinity 25VNA8 heat pump or 24VNA9 air conditioner. A short flash is 0.25 seconds on and a long flash is 1.0 second on. Code 88 is 8 short and 8 long

Carrier 88 is a compressor and inverter lockout for 2 hours, elevated from fault 79 after 5 occurrences. Causes in the table are a blocked inverter heat exchanger, condenser airflow too low, evaporator airflow too low, high load in cold-ambient heating or high-ambient cooling, overcharge, and inverter damage. Code 79 is the local fault when the compressor fails to start. 88 is the lockout after those attempts.

Likely causes

  • Blocked inverter heat-exchanger fins
  • Condenser airflow too low or off
  • Evaporator airflow too low or off
  • High load at cold-ambient heating or high-ambient cooling
  • Overcharge
  • Inverter damage

Safe checks for 88

  1. With the disconnect and the breaker off, look at the outdoor coil for ice or debris. In heating that coil is the condenser. In cooling, the indoor coil is the evaporator the table also names
  2. Technicianclean blocked inverter fins, check both fan motors, check charge, and replace the inverter if it is damaged
Safety firstOutdoor units carry line voltage even when the thermostat is off. Switch off the unit's disconnect and breaker before touching anything. Refrigerant, wiring, compressor and control-board work must be done by a licensed HVAC technician.

Capacitors can hold a charge after the power is off. Safety terms.

When to call a pro

Call a licensed HVAC technician if 88 is stored. Fault 79 was the control still trying to start the compressor.

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Parts & tools for this fix

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AC and heat pump coil cleaning supplies: guide

In this code: With the disconnect and the breaker off, look at the outdoor coil for ice or debris. In heating that coil is the condenser. In cooling, the indoor coil is the…

Robinair 18403 fin comb / straightenerSearch: Gentle garden hose nozzleSearch: Condenser coil cleaner, general search

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