Goodman Furnace Codes 1 Blink: Meaning, Troubleshooting, and Fixes

The Goodman Furnace Code “1 Blink” signals an issue detected by the furnace’s diagnostic LED. This article explains what that blink typically means, step-by-step troubleshooting, safety precautions, likely causes, and when to contact a licensed HVAC technician. The guidance applies to most Goodman and Amana mid-efficiency and high-efficiency gas furnaces but may vary by model; always confirm with the furnace’s data plate and manual.

Item	Summary
Common Meaning	Pressure Switch Open / Venting Or Inducer-Related Fault
First Steps	Check vents/air filter, power, thermostat, and error history
DIY Fixes	Replace filter, clear vents, check pressure hose, reset power
When To Call A Pro	Stripped blower, bad inducer motor, faulty pressure switch, gas valve issues

What “1 Blink” Typically Means

The single blink diagnostic code on many Goodman furnaces most commonly indicates a pressure switch open condition or a failure in the inducer/venting system that prevents the pressure switch from closing. In plain terms, the furnace fails to confirm proper draft/venting before allowing ignition.

Different Goodman models may label LED codes differently; some legacy units can use one blink to indicate an open high-limit or other single-fault conditions. Therefore, model-specific verification is essential.

How The Pressure Switch And Inducer Work

The inducer motor starts first to create a draft that clears combustion gases from the heat exchanger and vent. A pressure switch senses that draft; when it sees proper negative pressure it closes a circuit allowing the furnace to proceed to ignition. If the pressure switch remains open, the furnace will lock out and display the 1-blink code on compatible models.

Key Components Involved: inducer motor, pressure switch, vacuum/pressure tubing, venting/chimney, furnace control board, and related safety switches (limit switch, rollout switches).

Initial Safety Precautions

Before any inspection, ensure safe conditions. Turn off power to the furnace at the switch or breaker and shut off the gas if a gas smell or persistent ignition attempt is present. If there is any suspicion of a gas leak, evacuate the home and call the gas utility or emergency services.

Only qualified technicians should work on gas components, wiring, or sealed combustion sections. Homeowners can perform non-invasive checks such as filters, vents, hoses, and simple resets.

Quick Checklist For Homeowners (First 10 Minutes)

• Verify thermostat is calling for heat and set correctly.
• Check furnace power switch and circuit breaker; reset if tripped.
• Inspect and replace the air filter if dirty; a clogged filter affects airflow and safety switches.
• Confirm vents and intake/exhaust terminations outside are clear of debris, bird nests, or snow.
• Look at the pressure switch tubing for kinks, blockages, or disconnections.
• Note if the inducer motor attempts to run (noise/vibration) before lockout; this helps diagnostics.
• Record the exact blink pattern and any additional LED behavior or error history.

Step-By-Step Troubleshooting

1. Confirm Model-Specific Code Meaning

Locate the furnace model and serial number on the data plate, then consult the owner’s manual or Goodman technical literature online. This confirms that “1 blink” means pressure switch/inducer on that specific model.

2. Inspect Venting And Combustion Air

Ensure outdoor vent terminations—both intake and exhaust—are clear of obstructions, ice, or animal nests. Blocked venting prevents the inducer from creating required draft. Clear debris as needed.

3. Check The Inducer Motor

When the thermostat calls for heat, the inducer should start. If the inducer does not spin or hums, the motor or capacitor may be failing. Intermittent spin or sluggish operation often indicates motor age or bearing wear.

4. Examine The Pressure Switch And Tubing

Inspect the rubber or vinyl tubing to the pressure switch for holes, disconnections, or water/condensate. Disconnects or leaks prevent the pressure signal. Replace brittle tubing and clear condensate traps if present.

5. Check For Condensate Or Drain Blockage

High-efficiency furnaces produce condensate that can back up into the pressure switch tubing or draft inducer area. Ensure the condensate trap and drain lines are clear and the condensate pump (if present) is functioning.

6. Verify Safety Switches And Limit Switch

A tripped high-limit or rollout switch could cause similar symptoms. Check for overheating causes such as blocked return vents or a malfunctioning blower. Reset procedures vary—consult the manual.

7. Test Electrical Connections

Loose or corroded terminals at the pressure switch and control board can cause false open readings. With power off, inspect and tighten connections. Avoid touching high-voltage components without professional training.

8. Perform A Controlled Reset

After addressing visible problems, restore power and call for heat. If the furnace still locks out with 1 blink, cycle power at the breaker for 30 seconds and retry. Persistent faults require deeper diagnostics.

Common Causes And Remedies

Cause	Symptoms	DIY Remedy
Blocked Vent/Intake	No inducer draft, outdoor obstruction	Clear snow/debris, cap removal, ensure proper clearance
Faulty Inducer Motor	Motor fails to start or noisy	Call tech; induction motor replacement may be required
Pressure Switch Tubing Leak	Open circuit reading, visible cracks	Replace tubing, check fittings
Condensate Backflow	Water in tubing or trap	Clear drain, service pump, clean trap
Blocked Air Filter/Return	Overheating, limit trips	Replace filter, clear return vents
Control Board Or Switch Failure	Repeated lockouts after fixes	Technician diagnosis and component replacement

When To Call A Licensed HVAC Technician

Contact a licensed technician if the inducer motor does not run, if the pressure switch is replaced but fault returns, if gas components or control boards may be involved, or if the homeowner is uncertain. Diagnosing and repairing inducer motors, pressure switches, gas valves, and control boards requires training and specialized tools.

Call Immediately If: There is a smell of gas, visible flame rollout, or repeated ignition attempts without proper flame detection.

Parts, Costs, And Typical Repair Time

Estimated parts and labor costs vary by region and model. Typical replacement costs (parts + labor) include: pressure switch $100–$250, inducer motor $300–$700, control board $200–$600, condensate pump $150–$350. Labor and diagnostic fees typically add $100–$300 depending on service call and complexity.

Simple fixes like cleaning vents or replacing tubing may take 30–60 minutes. Motor or control board replacements commonly take 1–3 hours.

Preventive Maintenance To Avoid 1-Blink Faults

• Schedule annual HVAC tune-ups in the fall to test inducer operation and safety switches.
• Replace air filters every 1–3 months depending on use.
• Keep intake and exhaust terminations clear of leaves, snow, and debris.
• Inspect condensate drains and traps annually and clean as needed.
• Watch for unusual inducer noises, long ignition cycles, or irregular cycling and address early.

Model Variations And Why To Check The Manual

Goodman and Amana use similar diagnostic systems but code definitions can differ by model and control board revision. Always verify the code meaning for the exact model number on the furnace data plate. Manufacturer manuals provide authoritative diagnostics and safe procedures for testing pressure switches and related components.

How Technicians Diagnose 1-Blink Faults

HVAC professionals use multimeters, manometers, and vacuum gauges to measure inducer vacuum and pressure switch continuity under operation. They may bench-test pressure switches, measure inducer amp draw, and check control board logic for sequencing errors. Technicians also inspect flame sensors and gas valve behavior if ignition sequences are abnormal.

Common Misdiagnoses To Avoid

Replacing the control board before confirming the pressure switch or inducer is functional is a frequent unnecessary expense. Conversely, repeatedly changing pressure switches without checking venting or inducer performance leads to recurring failures. A methodical diagnostic sequence prevents wasted parts and costs.

Summary Of Troubleshooting Steps

1. Confirm model-specific code in the manual.
2. Ensure power and thermostat settings are correct.
3. Check and replace air filter; inspect return vents.
4. Inspect outdoor intake/exhaust for obstructions.
5. Listen for inducer motor operation; note noise or failure to start.
6. Inspect and replace pressure switch tubing if damaged or filled with water.
7. Clear condensate drains and traps.
8. If fault persists, contact a licensed technician for diagnostics and safe repair.

Useful Links And Resources

Homeowners should reference the furnace’s product manual and Goodman/Amana technical support pages for model-specific LED code charts and wiring diagrams. Local HVAC contractor directories and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) can help in finding licensed technicians.

Goodman Official Support | Amana Official Support

Final Notes For Homeowners

One blink on a Goodman furnace most often points to a draft or pressure-related safety trip that prevents ignition. Some basic checks and maintenance can resolve the issue, but because gas furnaces can be hazardous, homeowners should not attempt gas or high-voltage repairs. Document the blink pattern and any observed symptoms to provide the technician with useful diagnostic clues.