Goodman Furnace Not Getting Gas: Troubleshooting and Repair Guide

The following guide helps diagnose and resolve a Goodman furnace that appears to not be receiving gas, offering safety checks, step-by-step troubleshooting, common failure points, and guidance on when to call a professional. It prioritizes safety and practical fixes to restore heat quickly and reliably.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Quick Action
Furnace Won’t Light	No gas supply, closed valve, faulty igniter	Verify other gas appliances, check gas valve
Clicking But No Burner	Igniter or gas valve issue, control board	Inspect igniter, listen for gas flow
Intermittent Flame	Flame sensor dirty, gas pressure fluctuating	Clean sensor, check supply pressure

Why This Problem Matters

A Goodman furnace not getting gas can leave a home without heat and may indicate a safety risk. Distinguishing between a supply problem and an internal component failure allows homeowners or technicians to apply the correct fix, minimizing downtime and avoiding unnecessary repairs.

Safety First

If there is any smell of gas, evacuate the home immediately and call the gas utility or 911. Do not operate electrical switches or use open flames near a suspected leak. A gas odor or confirmed leak is an emergency requiring professional intervention.

Common Causes Of A Goodman Furnace Not Getting Gas

Understanding typical failure points helps narrow the troubleshooting process. Common causes include: closed or partially closed gas shutoff valves, a tripped utility gas meter or service interruption, faulty gas valves on the furnace, defective igniters or pilot systems, dirty flame sensors, control board issues, and low system gas pressure due to regulator or supply issues.

Initial Checks Before Any Repair

Start with simple verifications that are safe and quick: ensure the thermostat is set to heat with a temperature above room temperature, check the furnace switch and breaker, confirm the furnace gas valve is open, look for a gas odor, and verify other gas appliances (range, water heater) are working to rule out a utility outage.

Step-By-Step Troubleshooting

1. Verify Gas Supply

Confirm the gas company has not shut off service and check the home gas meter and main shutoff valve. If other gas appliances are cold, the issue is likely upstream of the furnace. If the gas meter shows a shutoff or if a planned outage exists, contact the utility provider.

2. Check Local Shutoff And Furnace Gas Valve

Locate the gas shutoff near the furnace—usually a lever or knob. The valve should be parallel to the gas line for open. If closed, open it and attempt to relight the furnace per the manufacturer’s lighting instructions. If the valve is open and there is no gas flow, the internal gas valve or regulator may be faulty.

3. Observe Ignition Sequence

Listen for the inducer fan, followed by the ignition attempt. If the furnace clicks but the burners do not light, this can indicate a failed gas valve, a weak gas supply, or a failing igniter. If the igniter glows but burners do not light, suspect the gas valve or supply pressure issue.

4. Inspect The Igniter Or Pilot

Modern Goodman furnaces typically use hot surface igniters (silicon nitride or silicon carbide) or direct spark ignition. Check for visible cracking or failure of the igniter. For pilot-based systems, make sure the pilot is lit and thermocouple is functional. Replace a visibly damaged igniter rather than attempting to repair it.

5. Clean Or Replace The Flame Sensor

A dirty flame sensor can cause frequent shutdowns after ignition but usually doesn’t prevent initial ignition. Still, if the flame appears and then goes out, remove the flame sensor and clean the metal rod lightly with fine emery cloth; do not sand aggressively. Reinstall and retest.

6. Check For Error Codes And LED Blink Patterns

Goodman furnaces often use control board LEDs to indicate faults. Consult the furnace label or manual for blink code interpretation. Document any blink sequence; error codes frequently point to ignition failure, gas valve problems, or pressure switches.

7. Test The Gas Valve And Pressure

Testing a gas valve and line pressure requires a manometer and knowledge of gas appliance service. A technician can measure inlet and manifold pressure to confirm if the valve is opening and delivering correct pressure. If the valve does not open electrically, the control signal or the valve itself may be defective.

Specific Component Troubleshooting

Gas Shutoff And Supply Line

Ensure the pipe leading to the furnace is not pinched or kinked and that sediment or rust has not clogged a manual valve. For homes with recent plumbing or gas work, ensure the line was properly purged and pressure-tested.

Ignition System (Hot Surface Igniter Or Pilot)

Measure the igniter with a multimeter for continuity if accessible. A failed igniter often shows open circuit or higher-than-spec resistance. Replace igniters with OEM or exact-equivalent parts for reliability.

Gas Valve And Solenoids

The gas valve receives a command from the control board. If the control board sends the signal but the valve does not open, replace the valve assembly. Intermittent valve operation may indicate internal wear or electrical coil failure.

Pressure Switches And Inducer Motor

A stuck or faulty pressure switch or a failing inducer motor can prevent the furnace from advancing to the gas valve stage because the sequence requires proper draft and pressure sensing. Check tubing for blockages and ensure the inducer runs smoothly.

Control Board And Wiring

Loose, corroded, or burnt wiring can break the ignition sequence. Inspect wire harnesses to the gas valve, igniter, and safety sensors. Replace damaged wiring and connectors and ensure secure, clean connections.

DIY Fixes Homeowners Can Safely Attempt

• Confirm thermostat settings and replace dead thermostat batteries.
• Open the furnace gas shutoff if it was accidentally closed.
• Reset tripped breakers and the furnace switch after 30 seconds.
• Clean a flame sensor gently with emery cloth.
• Replace a visibly cracked or broken hot surface igniter if comfortable with basic repairs and power isolation.

When To Call A Professional HVAC Technician

Contact a licensed HVAC technician when there is a suspected gas leak, when the gas valve or manifold requires replacement, for gas pressure testing, for control board replacement, or if the homeowner is uncomfortable working inside the furnace. Gas system work should always be performed by qualified personnel with proper permits when required.

Costs And Parts To Expect

Typical repair costs vary regionally. Common parts and ballpark ranges: hot surface igniter $80–$250, gas valve $200–$600, flame sensor $30–$120, control board $150–$600. Labor and diagnostic fees can add $100–$300. Always request a written estimate and warranty for parts and labor.

Preventive Maintenance To Avoid Future Issues

Schedule annual professional furnace tune-ups that include inspection of the gas valve, ignition system, pressure switch, venting, and burners. Replace filters regularly, maintain good combustion air supply, and keep the area around the furnace clean. Routine maintenance reduces ignition failures and improves furnace longevity.

Common Misdiagnoses And How To Avoid Them

Assuming the furnace control board is bad when the real issue is a closed gas valve or utility outage is a frequent error. Always verify gas supply and simple switches first. Misinterpreting flame sensor failures as gas supply problems can lead to unnecessary parts replacement.

Goodman Furnace Error Codes And LED Blink Guide

Goodman furnaces communicate faults via LED blink codes on the control board or through a fault display. Typical meanings include ignition failure, pressure switch open, or limit switch trips. Refer to the furnace’s data plate or manual for specific code definitions. Record the sequence of blinks; technicians use this to accelerate diagnosis.

FAQ

Why Does The Furnace Click But Not Light?

Clicking often indicates an ignition attempt. If there is no flame, the gas valve may not be opening or gas pressure may be insufficient. A failed igniter can also click or make arcing sounds without producing flame.

Can A Dirty Filter Cause No Gas Flow?

A dirty filter can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to lock out before ignition, but it does not directly stop gas flow. However, poor airflow can cause safety limits to prevent the gas valve from opening.

Is It Safe To Replace A Gas Valve As A DIY Project?

Replacing a gas valve involves working with gas lines and electrical connections and can carry significant risk. It is recommended that homeowners hire a licensed professional for gas valve replacement to ensure safe, code-compliant work.

How Long Can A Furnace Be Off Before Damage Occurs?

Short cold spells won’t damage the furnace, but prolonged shutdowns in freezing climates risk frozen condensate or trapped moisture. Restore service promptly and consider professional inspection if the furnace has been idle for a long period.

Resources And Next Steps

Keep the furnace model and serial number handy when calling for service. Use the Goodman owner’s manual for model-specific troubleshooting procedures and LED code charts. If a simple fix is identified and the homeowner is comfortable, proceed cautiously; otherwise, schedule a licensed HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the gas supply or internal components.

Key Takeaway: Start with supply-side checks, follow safe troubleshooting steps, and escalate to a professional for gas valve, pressure, or control-board issues to restore a Goodman furnace that is not getting gas.