Reefer Parts
questions, answered.

ColdRider sells preventive maintenance parts for the full line of Carrier Transicold and Thermo King APUs, trucks, and trailers. This includes alternators, starters, filters, belts, fuel pumps, and water pumps.

Parts can be bought through the online store or by calling (214) 575-7575. In the coming months, ColdRider plans to offer a list of approved service locations.

Complete the contact form at our web store and let us know how you would like to work with us. We will respond within 24 hours.

ColdRider filters, V-belts, and fuel pumps come from the same factories that manufacture those parts for Thermo King and Carrier. ColdRider's other parts are not built in the OE factories, but they carry warranties similar to the OE warranties.

ColdRider's parts manufactured by Thermo King/Carrier vendors match OE parts for fit and reliability while costing much less. ColdRider's other parts offer warranties similar to original equipment parts while costing much less.

You need the exact model and serial number, usually found on a data plate on the unit. Dealers use lookup tools or apps which are not widely available to the rest of us.

ColdRider provides general guidance for each model within its web store. While this is usually accurate, it is always wise to confirm with a professional technician.

Based on frequency of online mentions:

• Compressor shaft seals (especially on SB-series units — one of the top repairs)
• Controller/electronic boards (e.g., SmartReefer or ELITE)
• Alternators, starters, and batteries
• Belts, filters, hoses, and sensors
• Expansion valves

Based on frequency of online mentions:

• Refrigerant leaks (hoses, seals, fittings)
• Compressor components (valve plates, etc.)
• Coils (often dirty/clogged rather than failed)
• Electrical items: fuses, relays, high-speed solenoids, sensors
• Door seals and bulkhead issues (affecting airflow)

• Display: Shown on the control panel screen. You can usually view active codes by pressing specific buttons (e.g., Power + Check on many models).
• Color/status indicators: Green — OK to run or minor issue, monitor and report at the end of the day. Yellow — check as specified, monitor temperatures closely and repair if the unit shuts down. Red — take immediate action, usually causes a shutdown and should be repaired right away to avoid cargo damage.
• Zones: On multi-temp units, codes may show which zone (e.g., Zone 1 or 2) is affected.
• Parentheses (e.g., (20)): Often means the code may clear automatically after a restart or with code 84 (Restart Null).
• Clearing codes: Usually done after fixing the root cause; the procedure varies by controller model, so check your manual.

Not every code applies to every unit. Always note the exact code(s), unit model, and serial number when calling for service.

1. Sensor-related codes (very common)

These often trigger when a temperature or pressure sensor fails or reads incorrectly.

• 02 — Check Evaporator Coil Sensor (Zone) → Yellow: manually monitor temperature, report at end of day.
• 03 — Check Return Air Sensor (Zone) → Yellow.
• 04 — Check Discharge Air Sensor (Zone) → Yellow.
• 05/06/07 — Ambient, coolant, or engine RPM sensor issues → usually green/yellow.
• 80/86/87 — Compressor or pressure sensors.

2. Engine & starting problems (extremely common)

• 20 (or (20)) — Engine Failed to Start → Yellow/Red: one of the top codes, often caused by weak batteries, low fuel, bad glow plugs, fuel system issues, or starter problems.
• 17 — Engine Failed to Crank.
• 18 — High Engine Coolant Temperature.
• 19 — Low Engine Oil Pressure.
• 31 — Check Oil Pressure Switch.
• 61 — Low Battery Voltage → very common, often linked to alternator or battery issues.
• 66 — Low Engine Oil Level → red if critical.
• 25 — Check Alternator.

3. Refrigeration system codes

• 09 — High Evaporator Temperature.
• 10 — High Discharge Pressure/Temperature → often red, check for dirty coils, low refrigerant, or fan issues.
• 21/22 — Cooling or Heating Cycle Check.
• 23/24 — Cooling or Heating Cycle Fault (can cause shutdown).
• 81/82 — High Compressor Temperature (shutdown risk).
• 93 — Low Compressor Suction Pressure.
• 99 — High Compressor Pressure Ratio.

4. Electrical & controller codes

• 35/36/38 — Relay, motor, or phase issues (especially on electric standby models).
• 62 — Ammeter Out of Calibration.
• 75–78 — Controller memory or EPROM failures (more serious, may need controller replacement).
• 90 — Electric Overload.

5. Other common codes

• 37 — Check Engine Coolant Level.
• 44/96 — Fuel system or low fuel level.
• 46 — Check Air Flow (dirty coils or blocked airflow).
• 108 — Door Open Timeout.
• Maintenance reminders (e.g., 64, 71–74) for service intervals.

• Display: Shown on the unit's controller screen. You can usually view active and historical codes through the menu or by using diagnostic tools.
• Severity levels (color-coded in many systems): Green — notification/informational, monitor and report at end of trip. Yellow — caution/warning, check soon since the unit may continue running or auto-restart. Red — shutdown, the unit stops or requires immediate attention to prevent damage or cargo loss.
• Behavior: Some codes clear automatically once fixed. Others need a manual reset, often by turning the unit off/on or via technician tools. Reactivation usually requires repair.
• Viewing codes: Check the control panel, use Carrier's Lynx telematics system, or download data logs. Pre-trip tests also generate codes.

Codes can vary slightly by model (truck vs. trailer, older vs. newer like APX controllers). Always refer to your specific unit's manual.

Frequently encountered codes, grouped by type (drawn from official-style lists and service resources):

Engine, fuel & oil related

• 1 / 00001 — Low Fuel Level Warning → add fuel (clears automatically).
• 2 / 00002 — Low Engine Oil Level Warning → add oil.
• 3 / 00003 — Low Coolant Level → check and top up.
• 11 / 00011 — Low Engine Oil Pressure → red if critical, check oil and pressure switch.
• 12 / 00012 — High Coolant Temperature → check coolant, radiator, fan.
• 41 — Engine Stalled.

Pressure & temperature issues

• 13 / 00013 — High Discharge Pressure → yellow/red, check for dirty coils, fan issues, or overcharge.
• 17 / 00017 — High Compressor Discharge Temp → monitor, can lead to shutdown.
• 18 / 00018 — Low Refrigerant Pressure → check for leaks (common issue).
• P194 / P195 / P196 — High/Low Suction or Discharge Pressure.

Starting & running problems

• 31 / 00031 — Failed to Start – Auto Mode.
• 32 / 00032 — Failed to Start – Manual.
• 35 — Check Starter Circuit.
• P145 — Check Speed Solenoid Circuit (example of a common solenoid-related code).

Sensor faults

• 121 — Check Ambient Air Sensor.
• 122 — Check Return Air Sensor.
• 123 — Check Supply Air Sensor.
• 125 — Check Compressor Discharge Sensor.
• 129 — Check Engine Coolant Sensor.
• 130 — Check Engine RPM Sensor.

Electrical & circuit issues

• 51 / 00051 — Alternator (Battery Charger) Not Charging.
• 71 — Bad F2 or F3 Fuse.
• P143 — Check Clutch Circuit.
• P148 / P149 / P150 — Check SV1 / SV3 / SV4 Circuit (solenoid valves).
• 78 / 80 / 81 — Check various solenoid or heater circuits.

Other common codes

• 53 — Box Temp Out of Range.
• 54 — Defrost Not Complete.
• 56 — Check Airflow (often dirty coils or blocked evaporator).
• 61 — Door Open.
• 223+ — Maintenance Due (engine or general service reminders).
• P165 — Cannot Pump Down.

1. Note the exact code(s) and color.
2. Check temperatures manually if safe.
3. For red codes or shutdowns, stop the unit and call for service immediately.
4. For yellow/green codes, continue monitoring and schedule service soon.
5. Record multiple codes — they often appear together.
6. Refer to your unit's operator manual.
7. Contact a ColdRider technician or a Thermo King/Carrier Transicold dealer.

Codes can vary slightly depending on the model (e.g., older SB series vs. newer Precedent) and whether it's a truck, trailer, or APU unit.

Simple items, such as filters, belts, and batteries, are often — but not always — DIY-friendly. ColdRider recommends that other parts be installed by professional technicians.