[rsaybe]

Hello, I have a Trane setup here, the AC, compressor heater and a "Whole House Electronic Air Cleaner" model number TFD21DALFR000AA.

I have been experiencing the three flashing red leds (R1, R2 & R3) together with the pre-filter led flashing on the "whole house air cleaner". I know this is indicating some fault with the unit.

I retrieved the fault codes and it's showing the following;

The 2nd yellow led (Y2) is lit and the first red led (R1) is lit. It shows the same fault code on all three of the stored codes.

The fault codes table description section shows this to be "HV off when it should be on".


If it helps to know, this system is from 2006 and no longer under any manufacturer's warranty. I also just cleaned the filter, field charger and collection cells and reset the system and still getting those fault codes.

I also just recently learned about a recall that was announced back in 2007 for collection cells (which I was never notified and found out on my own searching online). Not sure if this can have anything to do with my issue.

Any trane experts or hvac techs here that may be familiar with this or know about the fault codes on these whole house air cleaners?

 

[supers05]

Check the fuse on the inside of the door. Other than that you'll have to change the power element. I don't think the power element is available so you need the whole door.

Warranty replacement involving the service bulletin expired in 2008 and I don't see anything newer. I don't think it's technically a recall.

 

[user_12345a]

I don't recommend spending a bunch of money on any electronic air cleaner.
You may be able to disconnect the power and replace the cells with a media filter cartridge.

A media filter cabinet is not expensive but the issue is it most likely won't be the exact dimensions - ending up requiring sheet metal work to install.

 

[rsaybe]

Check the fuse on the inside of the door. Other than that you'll have to change the power element. I don't think the power element is available so you need the whole door.

Warranty replacement involving the service bulletin expired in 2008 and I don't see anything newer. I don't think it's technically a recall.

Thanks for that tip. The service guide does note that there is a fuse inside the door. I'll open the unit up and check to see if the fuse is blown.

I also thought that maybe the entire door might be the problem. The service guide does talk about testing the power door using a probe to determine if this is at fault. It says to touch the probe to the power door high voltage terminal and read the volt meter. If the voltage reading is 9.6 KV + or - 600 V then the power door is working correctly. If the voltage is not correct then the door needs to be replaced.

I may have too check this out. I don't have a probe but I do have a vault meter. Do you know of any reliable inexpensive high voltage probe testers?


About the service recall on the collection cells. It was registered with the consumer product safety commission in 2007. Here's the direct link below from the cpsc.gov website referencing the fire hazard concerns.

Trane CleanEffectsAir Filtration Systems Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

Looks like an actual recall that occurred. My model number (which I also noted in my initial post) seems to be on that list of effected units under "CleanEffects Models.


You mentioned this being expired. I don't see anything like that from the website. Does or can a recall ever expire? Shouldn't I still be eligible for the recall if I still own the unit and the collection cells were never replaced?

Isn't Trane still responsible in providing this replacement part for our installed unit? Especially if the concerns of a fire exist with the collection cells.

 

[rsaybe]

I don't recommend spending a bunch of money on any electronic air cleaner.
You may be able to disconnect the power and replace the cells with a media filter cartridge.

A media filter cabinet is not expensive but the issue is it most likely won't be the exact dimensions - ending up requiring sheet metal work to install.

Thanks for that info. If this ends up becoming too pricey, having an option to just install a regular media filter cartridge may be something to look into. Although using a media filter cartridge would require that I actually replace them periodically. Which may also become costly down the road.

The nice part about this electronic air cleaner is that you never really need to change out the filters. Just pull everything out, clean them up and insert them all back into the cabinet.

Of course until something breaks down or malfunctions as is the case now.

 

[supers05]

Thanks for that tip. The service guide does note that there is a fuse inside the door. I'll open the unit up and check to see if the fuse is blown.

I also thought that maybe the entire door might be the problem. The service guide does talk about testing the power door using a probe to determine if this is at fault. It says to touch the probe to the power door high voltage terminal and read the volt meter. If the voltage reading is 9.6 KV + or - 600 V then the power door is working correctly. If the voltage is not correct then the door needs to be replaced.

I may have too check this out. I don't have a probe but I do have a vault meter. Do you know of any reliable inexpensive high voltage probe testers?


About the service recall on the collection cells. It was registered with the consumer product safety commission in 2007. Here's the direct link below from the cpsc.gov website referencing the fire hazard concerns.

Trane CleanEffectsAir Filtration Systems Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

Looks like an actual recall that occurred. My model number (which I also noted in my initial post) seems to be on that list of effected units under "CleanEffects Models.


You mentioned this being expired. I don't see anything like that from the website. Does or can a recall ever expire? Shouldn't I still be eligible for the recall if I still own the unit and the collection cells were never replaced?

Isn't Trane still responsible in providing this replacement part for our installed unit? Especially if the concerns of a fire exist with the collection cells.

A high voltage meter is usually expensive. I don't have one and won't buy one for an electronic air cleaner. They do have an alternative testing method if you're interested. It's too dangerous for me to suggest it to a DIY'r but since you have the service manual, do at your own risk.

That's a voluntary recall. No order made. Voluntary recalls are usually only valid for the warranty period. Trane was offering labour to replace them but that's long expired and don't see anything newer. There probably won't replace it at this age. Even if it was a result of a class action lawsuit (which I don't believe it was), it likely would have only extended the warranty a few years. IE. The carrier recall auto extended the regular warranty to the registered warranty period without further consumer action. It's past the lifespan of the product so they will just tell you to throw it in the garbage.

 

[user_12345a]

The media filter cartridges are affordable if you buy from the right places - at big box store, they go for a lot.

I would replace the clean effects or any eac with a regular media cabinet if regular filter cartridges don't fit before ever dumping money into one.

I consider EACs to be junk due to declining efficiency as they get dirty, high cost to buy and repair, and the fact they can see like they're working but all the dust just goes right through them and ends up sticking to the blower assembly due to being charged but going through the collection cells.

I know the clean effects is supposed to be better.

 

[rsaybe]

A high voltage meter is usually expensive. I don't have one and won't buy one for an electronic air cleaner. They do have an alternative testing method if you're interested. It's too dangerous for me to suggest it to a DIY'r but since you have the service manual, do at your own risk.

That's a voluntary recall. No order made. Voluntary recalls are usually only valid for the warranty period. Trane was offering labour to replace them but that's long expired and don't see anything newer. There probably won't replace it at this age. Even if it was a result of a class action lawsuit (which I don't believe it was), it likely would have only extended the warranty a few years. IE. The carrier recall auto extended the regular warranty to the registered warranty period without further consumer action. It's past the lifespan of the product so they will just tell you to throw it in the garbage.

Thanks for your reply, yes, I was checking out prices and they do seem a little on the pricey side especially one that's capable of measuring in excess of 9.6 KV.

I believe the alternative method you mentioned involved a screwdriver. I see that. Although the probe seems like such an easier an safer method.

I ended up calling Trane about my fault codes and scheduled an appointment for a tech that is suppose to arrive tomorrow. They charge $99 for the diagnose and checkup. Still considerably cheaper than the price of the probe so I don't feel so bad there. I sure hope that the tech will be able to let me know for certain what the issue is.


About the recall. It funny when I called Trane and mentioned this, the representative didn't have any idea what I was talking about and couldn't find any recall for these collection cells. Gez.

You say it's past the lifespan of the product. You referring to the collection cells? They are not mean to last a lifetime?

Heck, I recall the installer telling me I would never have to replace anything inside this filter for all long as I own it.

 

[rsaybe]

The media filter cartridges are affordable if you buy from the right places - at big box store, they go for a lot.

I would replace the clean effects or any eac with a regular media cabinet if regular filter cartridges don't fit before ever dumping money into one.

I consider EACs to be junk due to declining efficiency as they get dirty, high cost to buy and repair, and the fact they can see like they're working but all the dust just goes right through them and ends up sticking to the blower assembly due to being charged but going through the collection cells.

I know the clean effects is supposed to be better.

If the cost to repair the unit is too much I may look into just installing a media filter cartridge like you suggested. I wonder if I just removed the collection cells and the field charger maybe I can find a media filter cartridge that will fit in it's place? Both of these units have their own slots were I can possibly slide a filter in place.

I can unplug the power from the door and just use the already installed box as the enclosure for the media cartridge. If this is at all possible.

 

[supers05]

Thanks for your reply, yes, I was checking out prices and they do seem a little on the pricey side especially one that's capable of measuring in excess of 9.6 KV.

I believe the alternative method you mentioned involved a screwdriver. I see that. Although the probe seems like such an easier an safer method.

I ended up calling Trane about my fault codes and scheduled an appointment for a tech that is suppose to arrive tomorrow. They charge $99 for the diagnose and checkup. Still considerably cheaper than the price of the probe so I don't feel so bad there. I sure hope that the tech will be able to let me know for certain what the issue is.


About the recall. It funny when I called Trane and mentioned this, the representative didn't have any idea what I was talking about and couldn't find any recall for these collection cells. Gez.

You say it's past the lifespan of the product. You referring to the collection cells? They are not mean to last a lifetime?

Heck, I recall the installer telling me I would never have to replace anything inside this filter for all long as I own it.

Lol. The typically sales pitch for EACs.

Not sure why trane couldn't find it. It's literally in their portal as a critical service bulletin for that model number.

The screwdriver method was what I was talking about. It wouldn't be the first time I've been touched by a few thousand volts, but I hate it more each time, lol. Spark ignitors can be quite high too. A crack in the wire insulation or touching the wrong metal object will remind you what you're dealing with real fast.

 

[supers05]

If the cost to repair the unit is too much I may look into just installing a media filter cartridge like you suggested. I wonder if I just removed the collection cells and the field charger maybe I can find a media filter cartridge that will fit in it's place? Both of these units have their own slots were I can possibly slide a filter in place.

I can unplug the power from the door and just use the already installed box as the enclosure for the media cartridge. If this is at all possible.

Yes, very likely. My first guess is that you'll find a 4" thick filter that'll work great. Might need a bit of foam, metal, or even cardboard and tape to get a full seal.

 

[rsaybe]

So a technician came to the house today to check on the EAC.

I don't think this guy was very capable. He looked like he was straight out of school. I felt like I knew more than him. And this was whom they called a "Trane Comfort Specialist".

He had no service manual or access to it even though I let them know before hand the model of my unit which they were coming to check on.

He was not familiar with any of the fault codes I was having. I had to show him my service guide and point out the fault codes table showing the description "High Voltage off when it should be on".

He spent about 30 minutes taking the door apart and exposing the fuse, circuit board and power supply.

The fuse looked OK. He plugged in the power door and left it open and used his standard volt meter to check for any voltage coming from the high voltage terminals behind the power door checking for some readings (despite the service guide saying this should be tested with a probe and volt meter). He didn't have a probe.

The tech didn't see any voltage reading at all so he assumed the power supply inside the door was bad. He said he would have to get back to me with the total cost to replace this part. I paid him the $99 diagnostic fee and he went on his way.

After he left I checked over the service guide again and saw that he didn't do the test correct. The service guide states that the first green led must be flashing prior to testing the high voltage terminals for any voltage.

When the door is first powered on the first green light is steady (not flashing). The guide states "The air cleaner has to have a call for operation for the first Green LED to flash on and off". By default this takes 10 minutes after powering on the system to kick in.

The technician never waited the ten minutes and conducted the testing while the green led was steady (not ready and flashing) so there was no voltage yet. I did the test myself afterwards using the screwdriver method (once the first green led was flashing) and saw the arc. I did this test a few times to check the outcome. After every arc the high voltage power supply shuts down and stays off for one minute (exactly as mentioned in the service guide).

According to the service guide, I believe this arcing confirms that the power door assembly is working OK.

Now I'm even more lost as to the reason for this fault code.

 

[lenaitch]

Out house is 25 years old and as far as I know had an EAC from the beginning. We had a new furnace installed a couple of years ago and at the first service call, the tech pointed out the dirt that was on the blower. I pulled the guts, disconnected the power and found media filters that fit the cavity perfectly. We seem to be good with a filter every 6 months so quite manageable and we buy them online.

 

[supers05]

So a technician came to the house today to check on the EAC.

I don't think this guy was very capable. He looked like he was straight out of school. I felt like I knew more than him. And this was whom they called a "Trane Comfort Specialist".

He had no service manual or access to it even though I let them know before hand the model of my unit which they were coming to check on.

He was not familiar with any of the fault codes I was having. I had to show him my service guide and point out the fault codes table showing the description "High Voltage off when it should be on".

He spent about 30 minutes taking the door apart and exposing the fuse, circuit board and power supply.

The fuse looked OK. He plugged in the power door and left it open and used his standard volt meter to check for any voltage coming from the high voltage terminals behind the power door checking for some readings (despite the service guide saying this should be tested with a probe and volt meter). He didn't have a probe.

The tech didn't see any voltage reading at all so he assumed the power supply inside the door was bad. He said he would have to get back to me with the total cost to replace this part. I paid him the $99 diagnostic fee and he went on his way.

After he left I checked over the service guide again and saw that he didn't do the test correct. The service guide states that the first green led must be flashing prior to testing the high voltage terminals for any voltage.

When the door is first powered on the first green light is steady (not flashing). The guide states "The air cleaner has to have a call for operation for the first Green LED to flash on and off". By default this takes 10 minutes after powering on the system to kick in.

The technician never waited the ten minutes and conducted the testing while the green led was steady (not ready and flashing) so there was no voltage yet. I did the test myself afterwards using the screwdriver method (once the first green led was flashing) and saw the arc. I did this test a few times to check the outcome. After every arc the high voltage power supply shuts down and stays off for one minute (exactly as mentioned in the service guide).

According to the service guide, I believe this arcing confirms that the power door assembly is working OK.

Now I'm even more lost as to the reason for this fault code.

There's a feedback circuit for the control board to see the high voltage. (it has its own resister network to make it safe) In guessing that circuit is bad.

 

[rsaybe]

Out house is 25 years old and as far as I know had an EAC from the beginning. We had a new furnace installed a couple of years ago and at the first service call, the tech pointed out the dirt that was on the blower. I pulled the guts, disconnected the power and found media filters that fit the cavity perfectly. We seem to be good with a filter every 6 months so quite manageable and we buy them online.

I may go this route. Still trying to see if we can get this electronics to work correctly without spitting out any fault codes.

I took the measurements from inside the EAC box and it looks like I would need a media filter cartridge measuring 20x20 by 3 in thick. Or I can use another slot which held the field charger that is only 2 inches thick.


The nice thing about the EAC is that we essentially never need to buy any filters (as long as the unit functions as it's suppose to).

 

[rsaybe]

There's a feedback circuit for the control board to see the high voltage. (it has its own resister network to make it safe) In guessing that circuit is bad.

Interesting. I included a few photos showing the inside of the power door assembly. There is also a close up of the the power supply and the circuit board.

Is this the circuit board that carries this "feedback circuit" you mentioned? If this is the issue I would need to replace the whole board right?

Can this board be found for replacement?

 

[supers05]

Interesting. I included a few photos showing the inside of the power door assembly. There is also a close up of the the power supply and the circuit board.

View attachment 712774

View attachment 712775


View attachment 712776

Is this the circuit board that carries this "feedback circuit" you mentioned? If this is the issue I would need to replace the whole board right?

Can this board be found for replacement?

The red wire from the black box is the high voltage with the thicker white wire being ground. One of the smaller white wires will be feedback, which appears to be built into the black box. The smaller white wires are too close to the red wire. There's a good chance the was a spark between them. Move them away and see if it'll work.

The yellow and white wires from that circuit board is the door switch.

 

[gabpoulin]

So did you find the problem finally? I have the same trouble with mine

 

[user_12345a]

So did you find the problem finally? I have the same trouble with mine

Not worth trouble to fix any eac.