Carrier Error Code 3: Three flashes – outdoor fan delay after defrost active (24ANB/25HNB) (Heat Pump)
Carrier error code 3 on a heat pump means: Three flashes - outdoor fan delay after defrost active (24ANB/25HNB). It is also called Carrier diagnostic code 3.
Homeowner? What Carrier code 3 means for you
Usually minor Your heat pump is reporting: Three flashes - outdoor fan delay after defrost active (24ANB/25HNB). This code is usually informational or minor. The safe checks below often clear it; call us if it keeps showing up.
Safe things you can check yourself
- Check the thermostat: right mode (Heat or Cool), set a few degrees past room temperature, and fresh batteries if it uses them.
- Check both breakers and the outdoor disconnect box beside the outdoor unit; all should be ON.
- Look at the air filter. If it is grey and clogged, replace it; a blocked filter causes many shutdowns.
- In winter, keep snow and ice off and away from the outdoor unit. A short defrost cycle with steam is normal.
- Try one reset: turn the power off for 30 seconds, then back on. If the code comes back, stop resetting and call a technician.
Call (647) 657-2977Book a service call
Licensed technicians serving Vaughan, Toronto and the GTA.
What does Carrier error code 3 mean?
On the 24ANB/25HNB heat pump, three flashes and a pause on the amber STATUS LED show the 20-second outdoor-fan delay after defrost is active (the factory setting). It appears while the forced defrost pins are shorted for more than 15 seconds in standby, and the LED returns to solid after the short is removed.
Applies to: Carrier 24ANB/25HNB two-stage heat pump
Carrier models that use code 3
25HNB62425HNB63625HNB64825HNB66025HNB92425HNB93625HNB94825HNB960
Other Carrier Heat Pump codes
All Carrier Heat Pump error codes →
Carrier code 3: homeowner questions
What does Carrier code 3 mean?
Three flashes - outdoor fan delay after defrost active (24ANB/25HNB). On the 24ANB/25HNB heat pump, three flashes and a pause on the amber STATUS LED show the 20-second outdoor-fan delay after defrost is active (the factory setting). It appears while the forced defrost pins are shorted for more than 15…
Is it safe to keep using my heat pump with code 3?
Usually yes. Code 3 is normally minor, but if it keeps coming back have it checked.
Can I reset Carrier code 3 myself?
You can try one reset (power off for 30 seconds, then on). If Carrier code 3 comes back, the cause is still there and a licensed technician should check it.
Who can fix Carrier code 3 near me?
Aurora Star Tech Inc. repairs Carrier heat pumps in Vaughan, Toronto and across the GTA. Call (647) 657-2977 or book a service call online.
Homeowner help: AC Running But Not Cooling: What to Check · Heat Pump Not Heating or Blowing Cold Air
Troubleshooting guides
- Amber STATUS or green COMM light not on Carrier · Heat Pump
- Delay before the compressor restarts Carrier · Heat Pump
- Force a defrost cycle by shorting the defrost pins Carrier · Heat Pump
- Heat pump will not defrost - HK32EA defrost board Carrier · Heat Pump
- Noisy compressor or loud defrost shift - Carrier split systems Carrier · Heat Pump
- Outdoor ECM fan not running - Carrier 25HNB9/24ANB1 Carrier · Heat Pump
- Outdoor unit unresponsive after several faults Carrier · Heat Pump
- Outdoor unit will not run - HK32EA defrost board heat pumps Carrier · Heat Pump
- Recall the active status code on the outdoor board (25VNA8/24VNA9) Carrier · Heat Pump
- Refrigerant charging mode on Infinity control (25VNA8/24VNA9) Carrier · Heat Pump
Source: Carrier residential A/C and heat pump service manual 24-25, two-stage defrost section (fan delay defeat), p.54-55. Written in our own words as a summary; always check the original manual.
General guidance for qualified technicians. The manufacturer's installation and service manual and local codes always take priority. Aurora Star Tech is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any equipment manufacturer; brand and model names are used only to identify equipment and belong to their owners.