Warning: Disconnect power before servicing.

Goodman Furnace EE5 Error Code: 5 Consecutive Ignition Lockouts

Quick Answer

Goodman EE5 is the end of the ignition failure lockout chain: F01 then EE3 and now EE5 after five consecutive failed ignition attempts. At this point the control board has determined the ignition system has a persistent fault and stops all further attempts. The root cause is identical to F01 and EE3 - failed ignitor, fouled flame sensor, or gas supply problem.

Goodman EE5 is the end of the ignition failure lockout chain: F01 then EE3 and now EE5 after five consecutive failed ignition attempts. At this point the control board has determined the ignition system has a persistent fault and stops all further attempts. The root cause is identical to F01 and EE3 - failed ignitor, fouled flame sensor, or gas supply problem. The difference is the reset procedure: a standard breaker cycle will not clear EE5. You must hold the power button on the furnace switch or control board for 3 seconds. Fix the root cause before attempting this reset or the cycle repeats immediately.

GoodmanFurnaceSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate72% DIY Success
Time to Fix
30–90 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$10 – $50
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Fine steel wool

What Does the EE5 Code Mean?

EE5 is five failed ignition attempts in a row - the deepest lockout. Fix the same things as F01: ignitor, flame sensor, gas supply. Then use the 3-second reset hold, not just a breaker flip.

Most Likely Causes

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

Cracked or open-circuit hot surface ignitor40%
Severely fouled flame sensor not passing microamps24%
Gas valve not opening on demand22%
Gas supply interruption or pressure problem14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Furnace completely silent with EE5 displayed
  • No response to thermostat calls for heat
  • Prior history of intermittent ignition failures
  • No glow at ignitor during startup sequence

Can you reset a Goodman furnace to clear the EE5 code?

EE5 requires a 3-second hold on the furnace power switch to clear - a standard breaker flip will not work. With power on, hold the furnace power switch or control board reset button for 3 seconds until the board resets. Only attempt this after fixing the root cause. If the furnace immediately fails to ignite again, it will return to EE5 without going back through F01 and EE3.

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.

1

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

With power OFF and gas OFF, test the hot surface ignitor. Disconnect the connector and measure resistance in ohms. A functional silicon carbide ignitor reads 40-90 ohms. OL means the element is cracked.

2

Remove and inspect the flame sensor rod

3

Confirm gas supply

4

To clear EE5

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

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

Why does a regular breaker reset not clear EE5 on a Goodman furnace?
Goodman control boards store the EE5 lockout state in non-volatile memory on some board revisions, and the board specifically requires a 3-second intentional hold to differentiate an operator-initiated reset from a momentary power interruption. This prevents accidental clears during power flickers.
How many times can I reset EE5 before I damage the furnace?
Resetting without fixing the cause will not damage the furnace mechanically, but the repeated failed ignition sequences stress the ignitor and gas valve over time. More importantly, repeatedly resetting masks a developing ignitor or gas valve failure that will only get worse.
Is EE5 worse than EE3?
EE5 is a deeper lockout state - five consecutive failures versus three - and requires a different reset procedure. The underlying cause and fix are identical. EE5 just means the problem has been present longer without resolution.

Related Goodman Furnace Error Codes

Models Known to Experience EE5 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