We have a 20 year old CArrier furnace, Series 100, Model 55DRCO-45CB. It is not heating even though the temperature gauge on the wall is on and set to heat, 70 degrees.

We checked the fuse. It's fine.

We don't see any pilot light--in fact, we don't even know where to look for the pilot light.

Questions:
1. Where is the pilot supposed to be
2. How do we light it?

Note: we are not stupid people, but we sure feel like it right now!

A heater this old has a manual pilot light. Remove the front of the heater. You should see a gas valve inside with a knob "Off Pilot On". Move the knob and line up the indicator mark with Pilot. Coming out of this valve is a small gas line and a very small thermocouple that looks like a wire. Follow both of these and you should see a spot where they come together. Push the control knob down and hold a match where they come together, you may even hear a slight hiss. I use one of the butane lighters for candles. If the gas has been off for a while, it may take some time for the gas to light. When the pilot lights, continue to hold down the knob for 15-20 seconds and let the knob up. The piolt flame should stay on. If it doesn't, restart and hold for another 20 seconds. If the pilot goes out again, your thermocouple is bad and replacement is an easy DIY job. Trace the thermocouple line back to the gas valve, use a small wrench to remove it, disconnect it from the connection at the pilot line and replace. 90% of all units are universal. After the pilot stays on, move the control knob to ON, turn up the thermostat and it should work.

Thank you! Very helpful!
S

Were you able to get the pilot lit? You can"tip" me by checking "Yes :is this helpful". Thanks and glad to help, Brian