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Goodman Furnace E1C Error Code: Flame Sense Without Call for Heat

Quick Answer

Goodman E1C means the control board sees a flame signal from the flame sensor when the furnace should be off. This is the opposite of F01: instead of not detecting flame when it should, the board is seeing flame when it should not be. The most common cause is a contaminated or shorted flame sensor that passes current even with no flame present.

Goodman E1C means the control board sees a flame signal from the flame sensor when the furnace should be off. This is the opposite of F01: instead of not detecting flame when it should, the board is seeing flame when it should not be. The most common cause is a contaminated or shorted flame sensor that passes current even with no flame present. A leaking gas valve that allows gas to continue burning after shutoff is a more serious cause. A grounding fault in the sensor circuit can also mimic a live flame signal. The control board itself can generate false readings on older units with degraded circuitry.

GoodmanFurnaceSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate70% DIY Success
Time to Fix
20–60 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$10 – $20
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Fine steel wool

What Does the E1C Code Mean?

E1C is a false flame signal with no call for heat. Most often a contaminated flame sensor or a grounding fault in the sensor wire. A gas valve that does not fully close is the serious case.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Contaminated or shorted flame sensor producing false microamp signal40%
Gas valve not closing fully after heat cycle24%
Control board generating false flame sense reading22%
Grounding fault in flame sensor wiring14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Furnace locked out with E1C code
  • Smell of gas after furnace shuts down
  • Furnace not starting a new cycle
  • LED flashing E1C immediately after power-up

Can you reset a Goodman furnace to clear the E1C code?

After cleaning or replacing the flame sensor and verifying wiring, flip the furnace circuit breaker off for 30 seconds, then restore power. If E1C appears again before any heat cycle starts, disconnect the sensor and call a licensed technician to evaluate the gas valve and control board.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterFine steel woolCombustible gas detectorScrewdriver set

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Disconnect the flame sensor wire at the sensor end

Disconnect the flame sensor wire at the sensor end. Power up the furnace without calling for heat and observe if E1C still appears. If E1C clears when the sensor is disconnected, the fault is in the sensor or its wiring.

2

With power OFF, remove and inspect the flame sensor rod

3

Trace the flame sensor wire from the sensor to the control board

4

If sensor and wiring are clear, suspect the gas valve

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Flame Sensor RodB11726-06 · $10–$20

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $15 (Parts) vs $2350 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E1C dangerous?
It can be. A false flame signal from a contaminated sensor is a nuisance fault, but a gas valve that fails to close after shutdown means gas is continuing to burn in an uncontrolled way. If you smell gas after the furnace shuts down, treat it as a gas leak: evacuate and call your gas utility immediately.
How do I tell if my Goodman gas valve is bad?
Use a combustible gas detector near the burner compartment 30-60 seconds after a normal heat cycle ends. Any gas reading indicates the valve seat is not closing fully. Valve replacement requires a licensed HVAC technician in most jurisdictions.
Can E1C be caused by static electricity or power surges?
Yes, a one-time E1C can be a transient fault from a power fluctuation. If it clears after a power cycle and does not return, monitor for recurrence. If E1C shows up consistently on power-up before any heat cycle, it is a wiring or sensor fault.

Related Goodman Furnace Error Codes

Code: HUBGoodman Furnace Error Codes: LED Flash Code Guide for GMVC and GMSS SeriesCode: F01Goodman Furnace F01 Error Code: Ignition Failure After 3 AttemptsCode: EAFGoodman Furnace EAF Error Code: Abnormal Flame SenseCode: RESETHow to Reset a Goodman Furnace and Clear Error Codes

Models Known to Experience E1C Errors

This repair applies to most Goodman furnaces with this error code. Common model numbers include:

GMVC96, GMSS92, GCVC96, AMVC96, ASST96

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026