Warning: Disconnect power before servicing.

Goodman Furnace F01 Error Code: Ignition Failure After 3 Attempts

Quick Answer

Goodman F01 means the furnace tried to light three times and the flame sensor never confirmed a flame. The two most common physical causes are a cracked or failed hot surface ignitor and a coated flame sensor rod. Test the ignitor with a multimeter: silicon carbide ignitors should read 40-90 ohms - an open (OL) reading means the ignitor is cracked and must be replaced.

Goodman F01 means the furnace tried to light three times and the flame sensor never confirmed a flame. The two most common physical causes are a cracked or failed hot surface ignitor and a coated flame sensor rod. Test the ignitor with a multimeter: silicon carbide ignitors should read 40-90 ohms - an open (OL) reading means the ignitor is cracked and must be replaced. If the ignitor glows but flame does not hold, clean the flame sensor rod with fine steel wool or emery cloth. Low gas pressure is the third possibility and requires a manometer to verify. Gas valve failure is possible but least common.

GoodmanFurnaceSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate80% DIY Success
Time to Fix
30–90 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$10 – $300
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Fine steel wool or 400-grit emery cloth

What Does the F01 Code Mean?

F01 is a 3-strike ignition lockout. The furnace tried and failed three times to light. Start with the hot surface ignitor resistance test, then check the flame sensor before assuming a gas issue.

Most Likely Causes

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

Cracked or open-circuit hot surface ignitor40%
Coated or corroded flame sensor rod24%
Failed gas valve22%
Low gas supply pressure14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Furnace cycling on and off without heat
  • LED flashing F01 on control board
  • Clicking or humming during ignition attempt with no flame
  • Ignitor glowing but burners not lighting
  • No glow at ignitor location during startup

Can you reset a Goodman furnace to clear the F01 code?

After replacing the ignitor or cleaning the flame sensor, flip the circuit breaker off for 30 seconds, then restore power and call for heat. If F01 repeats three more times, it will escalate to EE3. If it escalates to EE5, a manual reset (3-second power hold) is required.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterFine steel wool or 400-grit emery clothScrewdriver 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

With power OFF and gas OFF, locate the hot surface ignitor near the burners. Disconnect the ignitor connector and set your multimeter to resistance (ohms). Measure across the ignitor terminals.

2

Locate the flame sensor rod

3

Restore power and gas

4

Verify gas supply

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
Gas ValveB1282732 · $150–$300

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $155 (Parts) vs $2350 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I test a Goodman hot surface ignitor?
Disconnect the ignitor wiring harness, set a multimeter to ohms (resistance), and probe the ignitor terminals. A good silicon carbide ignitor reads 40-90 ohms. An OL (open loop) reading means the ignitor element is cracked and must be replaced. Never touch the ceramic element - oil from your skin causes premature failure.
How often should I replace the ignitor on a Goodman furnace?
Hot surface ignitors typically last 3-7 years depending on run cycles and voltage. If your furnace is over 5 years old and showing F01, replacing the ignitor proactively as part of annual maintenance is a cost-effective prevention strategy.
What if cleaning the flame sensor does not fix F01?
If cleaning does not fix it, test the sensor circuit. Set your multimeter to DC microamps and place it in series with the flame sensor wire. Normal operation should show 0.5-8 microamps during a live flame. Less than 0.5 microamps indicates either a grounding fault or a failed sensor. Also check that the sensor mounting bracket makes good contact with the burner box ground.

Related Goodman Furnace Error Codes

Models Known to Experience F01 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