Goodman Furnace E5 Error Code: Pressure Switch Error

Quick Answer

Goodman E5 is the general pressure switch error code. Unlike F02 (switch stuck closed before start) or 9H (high pressure switch opened during operation), E5 covers a broader set of pressure switch circuit faults including open circuits, short circuits, and failed transitions. The condensate drain is still the first thing to check because drain blockage affects pressure readings directly.

When I see an E5 on a Goodman, I immediately look for water where it shouldn't be. While it flags a pressure switch circuit fault, the switch itself is rarely the villain. More often, it's a symptom of a backed-up condensate drain or a cracked collector box that's messing with the vacuum pressure. If you hear a gurgling sound when the inducer motor kicks on, you're almost certainly dealing with a drainage issue rather than a bad part.

GoodmanFurnaceSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–75 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$8 – $45

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Multimeter with continuity and ohms settings

What Does the E5 Code Mean?

Goodman boards use E5 as a catch-all for timing issues that don't fit the F02 or 9H categories. In the field, I find this code pops up most during the first cold snap of the year when spiders might have nested in the pressure port or when the secondary heat exchanger starts holding water. It's a safety lockout that stops the furnace from lighting without proper venting.

Most Likely Causes

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

Condensate drain clog affecting pressure switch readings40%

Pressure switch failed open or with incorrect trip point24%

Induced draft motor not producing adequate pressure22%

Hose kinked, disconnected, or filled with condensate14%

Symptoms You May Notice

Inducer motor kicks on and you can hear it running, but then the furnace just stops. No ignition click, no gas, nothing. Just shuts down after about 30 seconds of trying.
Control board LED flashing E5 repeatedly. On most Goodman boards that's 5 flashes, a pause, then 5 flashes again.
There's a gurgling or bubbling sound right when the inducer starts, which tells you there's water sitting somewhere it shouldn't be inside the collector box.
Furnace short-cycles constantly, never getting past the inducer stage. You can hear it try and fail every 5 or 10 minutes if you're standing near the unit.
No heat but the thermostat is calling for it. The house is getting cold and you can hear the furnace attempting to start, then giving up.

Can you reset a Goodman furnace to clear the E5 code?

Clear the code by cycling the power switch on the side of the furnace or at the breaker for thirty seconds. However, Goodman units are stubborn. If the pressure switch does not sense the right vacuum within a few seconds of the inducer starting, E5 will lock you out again. Make sure the cabinet doors are seated tightly before you restore power, as a loose blower door can sometimes throw off internal pressures.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverMultimeter with continuity and ohms settingsWet/dry vacuumFlashlight or work lightBulb syringe for flushing drain lineNeedle-nose pliersStraightened paperclip for clearing pressure ports

Diagnostic Checklist

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

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range0–1 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

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
Pressure SwitchB1370187 · $20–$45	B1370187	$20 – $45
Pressure Switch Hose KitB1751711 · $8–$18	B1751711	$8 – $18

Frequently Asked Questions

How is E5 different from F02 and 9H on a Goodman furnace?

Think of E5 as the generic bucket for pressure issues. F02 is very specific, it means the switch is stuck closed before the fan even starts. 9H is a high-stage fault. E5 usually triggers when the inducer starts up but the switch fails to close within a set timeframe, or if it flickers open and closed rapidly. In my experience, E5 is almost always related to moisture in the lines or a slightly clogged inducer port rather than a total mechanical failure.

Can I test a pressure switch without special tools?

You can do a basic functional test with just your ears and a multimeter. By gently applying suction to the hose port, you should hear a distinct mechanical click. If you've got a meter, that click should correspond with the resistance dropping to almost zero ohms. If you hear the click but the meter stays at OL or high resistance, the internal metal contacts are corroded. This is common in high-efficiency furnaces where acidic condensate can sometimes migrate up into the switch body over time.

Does E5 mean my furnace is dangerous to run?

The E5 code is actually your furnace doing its job to keep you safe. It's detected that the exhaust gases might not be leaving the house properly, so it refuses to light the burners. While the code itself isn't a danger, it's pointing to a real failure in the venting system. Never try to bypass this switch or tape it closed to get through a cold night. You could end up with carbon monoxide leaking into your living space and not know it.

How much does it cost to fix a Goodman E5 error?

Honestly, it depends on the cause. If it's just a clogged condensate drain, you can clear it yourself for free or pay a tech maybe $75-100 for a service call. A new pressure switch runs about $15-30 for the part, plus labor if you're not doing it yourself. Inducer motor replacement is the expensive fix, usually $300-500 parts and labor combined. But most E5 codes I see are just a clogged drain or a cracked hose. Start there before you assume you need a new motor.

Can a cracked heat exchanger cause a Goodman E5 code?

Yeah, actually it can. A cracked secondary heat exchanger on a high-efficiency Goodman changes the pressure dynamics inside the system, and the pressure switch can't get a consistent signal. I saw one last month where a homeowner had replaced the pressure switch three times trying to fix an E5, and the real problem was a cracked heat exchanger the whole time. If you've already replaced the switch, confirmed the drain's clear, and the hose is good but E5 keeps coming back, have a tech check the heat exchanger. That's getting into $1,500-2,500 territory for replacement, so hopefully it's not that.

Related Goodman Furnace Error Codes

Code: HUBGoodman Furnace Error Codes: LED Flash Code Guide for GMVC and GMSS Series Code: F02Goodman Furnace F02 Error Code: Pressure Switch Stuck Closed Code: 9HGoodman Furnace 9H Error Code: High Pressure Switch Open Code: 7P1Goodman Furnace 7P1 Error Code: Inducer Motor Fault Code: RESETHow to Reset a Goodman Furnace and Clear Error Codes

Models Known to Experience E5 Errors

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

GMVC96, GMSS92, GCVC96, AMVC96, ASST96, GMVC80, GCES96, AMSS96

Written by

Raj Patel

HVAC & Water Systems Specialist · 15 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026