Goodman Furnace E2 Error Code: Rollout Switch Open

Quick Answer

Goodman E2 is one of the most serious furnace fault codes. The rollout switch is a one-time thermal safety device located near the top of the burner assembly. When flames roll out of the combustion box - due to a cracked heat exchanger, blocked flue, or overfire condition - the rollout switch trips and locks out the furnace permanently until manually reset.

When I see an E2 on a Goodman board, I immediately look for soot marks or heat damage around the burner vestibule. This code isn't just a nuisance. It means the fire meant for the heat exchanger is actually licking out toward the wires and gas valve. It's usually triggered by back-pressure from a cracked heat exchanger or a bird nest in the vent. If you just reset it without a full inspection, you're ignoring a major fire hazard.

GoodmanFurnaceSeverity: criticalDifficulty: advanced55% DIY Success

Time to Fix

60–240 min

Difficulty

advanced

Parts Cost

$15 – $30

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, 1/4-inch nut driver

What Does the E2 Code Mean?

Think of the rollout switch as the furnace's ultimate panic button. On Goodman units, these switches are manual reset for a reason. They only trip when temperatures outside the burner box hit dangerous levels. I replaced three of these last Tuesday alone, and in every single case the furnace ran for about five minutes before tripping. If yours trips almost instantly on startup, check for a total flue blockage or a serious overfire condition.

Most Likely Causes

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

Cracked or failed heat exchanger allowing combustion gases to escape40%

Blocked flue or exhaust vent backing combustion gases into the cabinet24%

Severely dirty burners causing flame impingement22%

Overfire condition from gas pressure set too high14%

Symptoms You May Notice

Furnace hard-locked out with E2 on the display and won't restart no matter how many times you cycle the thermostat.
You open the cabinet and there's a visible black scorch mark or brown heat stain on the metal above the burners, in spots that should look perfectly clean.
Faint acrid burning smell coming from your vents, especially noticeable on the first startup of the day.
That rollout switch button has physically popped out about 1/8 inch from its housing. You can both see and feel it.
Furnace fires up and runs for maybe 3-5 minutes, then cuts out hard and throws E2 instead of reaching temperature.

Can you reset a Goodman furnace to clear the E2 code?

Find the rollout switch mounted right on the burner box. It's a small round disc with a center button, usually white or gray, about the size of a quarter. Press that button firmly until it clicks. It'll take real finger pressure, don't be shy about it. Once it resets, restore gas and power, then set your thermostat to heat and watch if it holds. If it trips again within minutes, stop and call a pro. Don't keep resetting it.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriver1/4-inch nut driverFlashlightTelescoping inspection mirrorCombustion analyzer (technician tool)Digital manometer (technician tool, for gas pressure verification)

Diagnostic Checklist

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

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	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Rollout Limit SwitchB11726-14 · $15–$30	B11726-14	$15 – $30

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just press the rollout switch button and restart my Goodman furnace?

I tell my customers that resetting an E2 without an inspection is like silencing a smoke detector while the kitchen is on fire. The switch tripped because flame rollout actually happened. If you reset it and the heat exchanger's cracked, the furnace will pump carbon monoxide into your vents. You need a pro to check the manifold pressure and the integrity of the heat exchanger cells before you trust that unit again. It's a safety device, not a nuisance code.

What does a cracked heat exchanger mean for my Goodman furnace?

A crack means the seal between the fire and your breathing air is gone. On these Goodman models, a failed heat exchanger often means it's time for a new furnace. The labor to pull the entire blower and heat exchanger assembly usually costs nearly as much as a new, more efficient unit. And once one cell cracks, the others are usually right behind it because they've all been through the same number of heat cycles. I've seen people spend $600 on a heat exchanger replacement and be back the next heating season.

Where is the rollout switch on a Goodman GMVC96?

You're looking for a small circular component with two wires attached, usually sitting right on the metal plate above the burners. On Goodman GMVC96 models, there's often one on each side of the burner assembly. If you've got a two-stage furnace, make sure you check both of them. Look for the tiny button right in the middle of the plastic housing. You'll need to remove the top cabinet door to see them clearly, and have a flashlight handy because it's dark in there.

How much does it cost to fix a Goodman E2 error code?

Honestly, it depends entirely on the root cause. Blocked flue vent? Maybe $150-250 for a service call and cleaning. Gas pressure adjustment? Add another hour of labor, so $200-300 total. But if you've got a cracked heat exchanger on a Goodman that's over 12 years old, you're probably looking at $1,200-1,800 for a new unit installed. The heat exchanger part alone runs $400-600, and the labor to replace it is almost as expensive as a new furnace. Most techs, myself included, will tell you to replace the whole unit at that point.

Why does my Goodman furnace keep retripping E2 right after I reset it?

That's the furnace telling you the root problem is still there. Every time you reset that rollout switch and it trips again within a few minutes, you're confirming there's an active flame rollout happening during every single cycle. Most common reason is a heat exchanger crack that only opens up once the metal gets hot. Could also be manifold gas pressure that's drifted too high, or a flue blockage you didn't fully clear. Don't keep resetting it. Each retrip is stressing the wiring and gas valve components. Get a tech out with a combustion analyzer.

Related Goodman Furnace Error Codes

Code: HUBGoodman Furnace Error Codes: LED Flash Code Guide for GMVC and GMSS Series Code: F01Goodman Furnace F01 Error Code: Ignition Failure After 3 Attempts Code: RESETHow to Reset a Goodman Furnace and Clear Error Codes

Models Known to Experience E2 Errors

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

GMVC96, GMSS92, GCVC96, AMVC96, ASST96, GMEC96, GMES96, GMVC80

Written by

Raj Patel

HVAC & Water Systems Specialist · 15 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026