Goodman Furnace Ignition Failure: Causes, Troubleshooting, and Fixes

The article explains common causes and practical troubleshooting steps for a Goodman furnace ignition failure, helping homeowners identify problems, assess safety, and decide when to call a professional. It covers ignition types, diagnostics, DIY fixes, and maintenance tips to reduce future failures.

Symptom	Likely Cause	Quick Fix
Pilot Won’t Light	Faulty pilot assembly or gas supply	Check gas valve, clean pilot or call tech
Ignitor Clicking But No Flame	Bad gas valve, blocked burners	Inspect burners; test valve or replace ignitor
Intermittent Ignition	Thermostat, control board, or wiring	Verify thermostat settings; inspect wiring

How Goodman Furnace Ignition Systems Work

Goodman furnaces typically use either a hot surface ignitor (HSI) or a direct spark/pilot ignition system. The thermostat signals the control board, which powers the inducer motor and opens the gas valve. For HSI systems the ignitor heats and then lights gas at the burners. For electronic spark systems, a spark module ignites gas directly. A sensor or flame rollout switch confirms ignition and allows the furnace to run.

Common Causes Of Goodman Furnace Ignition Failure

Ignitor Or Spark Module Malfunction

HSI ignitors crack or weaken over time and fail to reach required temperature. Spark modules or electrodes can wear, become misaligned, or accumulate carbon, preventing reliable ignition. Ignitor failure is a frequent cause of no-heat calls.

Gas Supply Problems

Insufficient gas pressure, a closed or partially closed shutoff valve, or a failing gas valve can prevent ignition. Municipal supply interruptions and faulty regulators also reduce gas flow. Confirming reliable gas flow is essential to diagnosis.

Faulty Flame Sensor Or Flame Rollout Switch

A dirty or failing flame sensor may not detect flame, causing the control board to shut the gas off after ignition. A tripped flame rollout switch indicates combustion issues or blocked venting and will prevent ignition until addressed.

Control Board, Thermostat, Or Wiring Issues

Control board relays, faulty thermostats, loose connections, or damaged wiring can interrupt ignition sequences. Intermittent failures often point to electrical or control problems rather than the ignitor itself.

Blocked Burners Or Venting Issues

Dirt, rust, or spider webs in burner ports can prevent proper gas-air mixing and ignition. Similarly, blocked vents, clogged condensate drains, or obstructions in the combustion air path lead to safety switch trips and ignition failure.

Safety First: Precautions Before Troubleshooting

Always turn power off at the furnace switch and shut off gas supply before inspecting internal components. If there is a strong smell of gas, evacuate the home and contact the gas company or emergency services. Use a multimeter only if experienced with electrical systems. When in doubt, hire a licensed HVAC technician.

Step-By-Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Verify Thermostat And Power

Ensure the thermostat is set to “Heat” at a temperature above room level and check batteries if applicable. Confirm the furnace switch is on and the breaker has not tripped. Simple power issues are a common but often overlooked cause.

2. Observe The Furnace Sequence

Turn the thermostat up and watch the furnace sequence. Listen for the inducer motor, the ignition attempt (click or hum), and any repeated lockouts. Noting the sequence helps isolate where the failure occurs.

3. Check Error Codes And LED Indicators

Goodman furnaces often display error codes via an LED on the control board. Count flashes or consult the manual for specific codes. Documenting codes speeds diagnosis and ensures accurate communication with a technician if needed.

4. Inspect The Ignitor Or Spark Assembly

Visually inspect the HSI for cracks or heavy glaze. For spark systems, check electrode spacing and condition. Replace cracked or damaged ignitors; handle HSI components carefully as they are brittle.

5. Clean Or Replace The Flame Sensor

Remove the flame sensor and clean light deposits with fine emery cloth or steel wool, then reinstall. A dirty sensor often causes ignition cycles to fail after initial lighting.

6. Check Burners And Pilot Assembly

Inspect burner ports for debris and clean with a soft brush or compressed air. For pilot-equipped units, ensure the pilot assembly is properly aligned and the orifice is clear. Proper burner flame pattern should be steady and blue.

7. Verify Gas Valve Operation

Listen for the gas valve activating when the ignition command occurs. If there is no sound or no gas flow, test the valve coils or measured voltage at the terminals with caution. Replace a failing valve with OEM-specified parts.

8. Test Pressure Switch And Venting

Inspect the pressure switch tubing for cracks or blockages. Confirm that inducer motor operation creates proper draft. Blocked or restricted venting often prevents the pressure switch from closing and will stop ignition.

9. Inspect Wiring And Control Board

Look for burned, loose, or corroded connections at the control board, ignitor, gas valve, and transformer. Electrical faults can cause intermittent ignition failures and may require professional repair or board replacement.

When To Replace Parts Vs. Call A Professional

Replace simple, low-risk parts such as the flame sensor, air filter, or thermostat batteries as DIY tasks. Ignitor replacement can be done by a competent homeowner with safe power isolation. Complex tasks—gas valve replacement, control board troubleshooting, or venting repairs—should be handled by an HVAC technician for safety and code compliance.

Maintenance Tips To Prevent Future Ignition Failures

• Change air filters every 1–3 months to maintain airflow and combustion efficiency.
• Schedule annual professional tune-ups to inspect ignitors, burners, and gas valves.
• Keep the furnace area clean and free of debris, dust, and nests that can clog burners or vents.
• Inspect and clean the flame sensor and burner assembly yearly.
• Ensure proper venting and combustion air pathways; clear external vents of debris and snow.

Cost Considerations And Typical Repair Estimates

Costs vary by region and part. Expect a flame sensor replacement to be one of the least expensive repairs and ignitor or spark module replacement to cost more. Gas valve or control board replacements are typically the most expensive repairs, especially when labor and safety testing are included. Always obtain multiple bids for major repairs.

When Ignition Failures Indicate Bigger Problems

Frequent flame rollout switch trips, persistent carbon buildup, yellow or sooty flames, or repeated control board errors suggest combustion inefficiency or venting problems. These symptoms may require a combustion analysis and thorough inspection to prevent safety hazards like carbon monoxide production.

Key Diagnostic Checklist

• Thermostat setting and power supply checked
• Control board LED codes recorded
• Ignitor and spark electrodes visually inspected
• Flame sensor cleaned and tested
• Burners and pilot orifices cleaned
• Gas valve operation verified
• Pressure switch and venting inspected
• Wiring and connections tightened

Additional Resources And Manufacturer Guidance

Consult Goodman product manuals and the official Goodman website for model-specific wiring diagrams, parts lists, and LED error code charts. OEM replacement parts preserve compatibility and warranty where applicable. For safety-critical repairs, use a licensed HVAC contractor familiar with local codes.

Recommended Search Keywords For Further Research

Users researching this topic may use keywords like “Goodman furnace no ignition,” “Goodman hot surface ignitor replacement,” “Goodman furnace error code,” and “Goodman gas valve stuck.” Including these phrases in searches helps find model-specific guides and videos.

Repair And Safety Best Practices

Always verify the gas supply is safely shut off before servicing. Use OEM parts or high-quality aftermarket components designed for Goodman equipment. After any repair, confirm safe ignition, proper flame pattern, and that safety switches and carbon monoxide alarms function properly.

If persistent problems remain after basic troubleshooting, arrange a professional inspection to ensure the system operates safely and efficiently.