Carrier 58MVP Error Code 13: Limit Circuit Lockout

What Does Code 13 Mean?

Status code 13 on the Carrier 58MVP is a limit circuit lockout. It sets when the high-limit safety switch or flame rollout switch has stayed open longer than 3 minutes, or when 10 successive limit trips occurred during high-heat operation. The furnace has shut down completely as a safety measure and will auto-reset after 3 hours.

The limit switch monitors temperature inside the heat exchanger. When airflow across the exchanger is insufficient, temperatures climb above safe levels, the limit opens, and gas to the burners is cut off while the variable-speed blower keeps running to remove heat. Code 13 is the escalated, locked-out version of status code 33 (a limit circuit fault that is still active); when a 33 condition persists past 3 minutes it becomes this 13 lockout. Carrier's guide explicitly cross-references code 33 for this reason.

The most common cause is a dirty or clogged air filter that starves the blower of return air; blocked or closed supply and return registers do the same. Because the 58MVP modulates airflow to match the heating stage, a marginal airflow restriction a single-stage furnace might tolerate can still trip the limit here, especially on high-heat.

What You'll Notice

• The furnace fires briefly, then the burners cut out while the blower keeps running to cool the cabinet
• Little or no warm air from the registers even though the furnace tried to start
• Short cycling (repeated start/stop) in the period before the full lockout
• The control board LED blinks code 13 and the furnace stays dead for up to 3 hours
• A visibly dirty or gray air filter, or registers that were recently closed off

Common Causes

How to Fix It: Replace the Air Filter and Restore Airflow

What You'll Need

• Replacement air filter (correct size for your system) 🛒 Find at FiltersFast · 🛒 Find at Amazon
• Flashlight

Steps

1. Turn off power at the breaker and shut off the gas supply valve Locate the furnace circuit breaker and flip it to OFF. Turn the gas shutoff valve to the OFF position (perpendicular to the pipe). If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your gas company.
2. Check and replace the air filter Remove the air filter from the return duct or furnace filter slot. If it is visibly dirty, clogged, or has not been changed in over 3 months, replace it with a new filter of the correct size. Make sure the airflow arrow on the new filter points toward the furnace.
3. Verify all supply and return vents are open Walk through every room and ensure all supply registers and return grilles are fully open and not blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs. Even a few closed vents can significantly restrict airflow and cause overheating.
4. Inspect the blower area (visually only) With the power off, look at the blower wheel through the access panel opening for heavy dust buildup, which reduces airflow. Do not remove, tighten, or service the blower wheel or motor yourself — leave that to a technician.
5. Restore gas and power, then test Turn the gas valve to ON and the breaker to ON. The furnace may need up to 3 hours to auto-reset, or you can reset it by cycling power (off 30 seconds, then on). Set the thermostat to call for heat and watch a full cycle.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:

• Code 13 returns after replacing the filter and opening all vents
• The blower motor does not reach full speed or makes unusual noises
• The flame rollout switch has tripped (it has a red manual-reset button a technician should inspect before resetting)
• The blower wheel is loose, damaged, or heavily caked with dust
• The lockout keeps recurring even with a clean filter and open registers

✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026