Goodman Furnace EE3 Error Code: 3 Consecutive Ignition Lockouts

Quick Answer

Goodman EE3 is a cumulative lockout counter: after three consecutive ignition failures (F01), the board escalates to EE3 as a deeper safety state. The root cause is identical to F01 - failed hot surface ignitor, fouled flame sensor, low gas pressure, or a failing gas valve. EE3 requires a manual reset to clear; a simple thermostat cycle will not do it. The diagnostic path is the same as F01: test the ignitor resistance first (40-90 ohms), then clean the flame sensor, then verify gas supply. Fixing the root cause and doing a proper reset clears EE3 permanently unless the fault persists.

GoodmanFurnaceSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate77% DIY Success

Time to Fix

30–90 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$10 – $50

Tools Needed

Multimeter, Fine steel wool

What Does the EE3 Code Mean?

EE3 is three F01 lockouts back-to-back. The furnace has given up on its own. Fix the same components as F01 first: ignitor, flame sensor, and gas supply. Then do a manual reset.

Most Likely Causes

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

Failed hot surface ignitor (cracked element)40%

Gas supply interruption or low pressure24%

Failing gas valve not opening fully22%

Flame sensor rod coated and not reading microamps14%

Symptoms You May Notice

Furnace completely locked out with EE3 displayed
No ignition attempts when heat is called
Furnace was cycling on and off (F01 repeating) before going fully silent
No heat for extended period

Can you reset a Goodman furnace to clear the EE3 code?

Flip the furnace circuit breaker off for 30 seconds, then restore power. EE3 requires a full power cycle to clear - a thermostat cycle alone will not reset it. Fix the root cause before resetting or the furnace will immediately re-enter EE3 (or escalate to EE5). If the lockout counter has reached EE5, a 3-second hold on the power button is required.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterFine steel woolScrewdriver setFlashlight

Diagnostic Checklist

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

With power OFF and gas OFF, locate and test the hot surface ignitor

With power OFF and gas OFF, locate and test the hot surface ignitor. Disconnect the ignitor connector and measure resistance across the terminals with a multimeter set to ohms. A good ignitor reads 40-90 ohms.

Remove the flame sensor rod (one mounting screw)

Verify gas supply

After fixing the root cause

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
Hot Surface IgnitorB1401015S · $25–$50	B1401015S	$25 – $50
Flame Sensor RodB11726-06 · $10–$20	B11726-06	$10 – $20

Verify part fitment for your Goodman model

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs

Labor Approach

Our Verdict

REPAIR

Estimated Cost: $30 (Parts) vs $2350 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between F01 and EE3 on a Goodman furnace?

F01 is a single ignition lockout after three internal attempts within one call for heat. EE3 means three separate F01 lockouts occurred in a row across multiple thermostat calls. Both point to the same root causes but EE3 represents a deeper lockout that requires a full power cycle to clear.

Will resetting EE3 without fixing the cause damage my furnace?

It will not cause immediate damage, but the furnace will fail to light again and escalate to EE5. EE5 requires a 3-second power button hold to clear. Repeated reset-without-fix cycles can stress components and mask a developing gas valve or ignitor failure.

Can a dirty air filter cause EE3?

Not directly - EE3 is an ignition failure counter. However, a severely restricted filter can cause high limit trips and general control board stress. Always check and replace the filter as part of any troubleshooting sequence.

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: EE5Goodman Furnace EE5 Error Code: 5 Consecutive Ignition Lockouts Code: E1CGoodman Furnace E1C Error Code: Flame Sense Without Call for Heat Code: RESETHow to Reset a Goodman Furnace and Clear Error Codes

Models Known to Experience EE3 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