Goodman Furnace Not Turning On: Troubleshooting Guide and Fixes

The Goodman furnace not turning on can disrupt comfort and safety. This guide helps homeowners diagnose common causes, perform safe troubleshooting, and decide when to call a professional. It covers power issues, thermostat checks, gas supply, ignition problems, safety switches, and estimated repair costs to provide practical, actionable solutions.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Quick Fix
No power to furnace	Tripped breaker or switch off	Reset breaker, turn on switch
Furnace runs briefly then stops	Blower or limit switch issue	Check filters, clean vents
Ignitor not glowing	Faulty ignitor or gas valve	Inspect ignitor, replace if cracked
Clicking but no ignition	Gas supply or valve issue	Verify gas service, call tech

How A Goodman Furnace Starts And Why It Might Not

Understanding system operation helps pinpoint causes when a Goodman furnace not turning on is reported. The sequence typically includes thermostat call for heat, power supply, control board signals, inducer motor, ignition or pilot process, gas valve opening, burner ignition, and blower activation.

If any component in this chain fails, the furnace may not start. Common failure points include thermostat wiring, a tripped breaker, blown fuse on the furnace control board, dirty air filters, failed ignitor, faulty limit switch, or insufficient gas supply.

Safety First: Precautions Before Troubleshooting

Before performing any checks, ensure safety. Turn off power at the service switch near the furnace and at the breaker panel when working inside the unit. If a gas smell is present, evacuate and call the gas company or emergency services. Do not attempt extensive gas-valve or burner repairs without proper training.

Initial Quick Checks When Goodman Furnace Does Not Turn On

Start with simple items that often resolve the issue.

• Check thermostat settings: Ensure it’s set to Heat and temperature is above room level. Replace batteries if present.
• Confirm power: Verify the furnace switch is on and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
• Inspect the service switch: The switch near the furnace can be accidentally turned off during maintenance.
• Look for error codes: Many Goodman units have LED indicators on the control board; consult the manual for code meanings.

Thermostat Problems And Solutions

A Goodman furnace not turning on is often traced to thermostat issues. Thermostat wiring problems, incorrect mode, or a dead thermostat battery prevent the furnace from receiving a call for heat.

Steps: Verify thermostat mode set to Heat, raise the target temperature to force a call for heat, replace batteries, and if available, switch to a proven thermostat temporarily. Check the 24V transformer output at the furnace if there’s no response.

Power And Electrical Troubleshooting

Power problems are common causes. Check the home’s breaker panel for tripped breakers associated with the furnace or HVAC system. Reset if tripped but monitor for re-trips, which indicate a deeper electrical fault.

At the furnace, inspect the low-voltage fuse on the control board. Replace a blown fuse with the same amperage type. Also verify that wiring connections to the control board are secure and that there’s no visible burn or corrosion.

Airflow And Filter Issues

Restricted airflow can cause a furnace to shut down or fail to start due to safety limit switches. A dirty filter, blocked return vents, or closed registers increase heat exchanger temperature triggering a shutdown.

Replace or clean the filter, open all registers, and ensure return paths are not obstructed. Regular filter changes often prevent recurring shutdowns and improve efficiency.

Ignition System Failures

Modern Goodman furnaces use hot surface ignitors or intermittent pilots. If the ignitor is cracked, discolored, or not glowing, the furnace will not light. Hot surface ignitors degrade over time and typically fail without prior warning.

Visual inspection can reveal damage. Replacement is a common repair; it’s relatively inexpensive but requires careful handling to avoid breaking the brittle ceramic surface. If the ignitor glows but burners don’t ignite, the gas valve or gas supply may be at fault.

Gas Supply And Valve Checks

If the furnace tries to light but no flame appears, verify gas supply. Ensure the home’s main gas valve is open and gas service is active. If other gas appliances work, the issue likely lies with the furnace gas valve or control board signal.

Gas valve and regulator issues require licensed technicians. Testing gas pressure and valve function involves specialized tools and safety protocols; homeowners should not attempt in-depth repairs.

Limit Switch And Safety Devices

The high-limit switch prevents overheating by shutting the furnace off. If the sensor fails or furnace overheats due to airflow problems, the switch can keep the furnace from starting.

Inspect for persistent limit trips indicated by error codes or repeated cycling. Replace defective switches and address root airflow or blower issues to prevent recurrence.

Blower Motor And Inducer Motor Problems

A Goodman furnace not turning on may have a failed blower motor or inducer motor. The inducer fan runs before ignition to clear combustion gases. If the inducer fails, the control board will prevent ignition.

Listen for unusual noises or lack of startup sounds. Motors can fail mechanically or electrically; capacitors often contribute to motor issues and are a common replacement part.

Control Board And Electronic Issues

The control board orchestrates startup sequence. Corrosion, burned traces, or failed relays can stop the furnace from initiating. Diagnostic LEDs and error codes on the board give clues to the offending circuit.

Control board replacement is costlier and should follow elimination of simpler causes. Use manufacturer OEM parts for compatibility and safety.

When To Call A Professional HVAC Technician

Call a licensed HVAC technician when the issue involves gas components, complex electrical repairs, or if basic troubleshooting doesn’t restore operation. Safety risks increase with gas valves, combustion testing, and control board replacements.

Seek professional help if the furnace emits unusual odors, continuous clicking without ignition, repeated safety lockouts, or if repairs exceed homeowner comfort or skill level.

Estimated Repair Costs And Parts

Typical cost ranges in the U.S. for common repairs: ignitor replacement $100–$300; thermostat replacement $75–$250; control board $300–$700; inducer motor $200–$600; gas valve $200–$500. Labor rates vary by region and complexity.

Request itemized estimates and warranties. Using genuine Goodman parts preserves performance and warranty coverage.

Preventive Maintenance To Avoid Future Failures

Scheduled maintenance reduces the chance of a Goodman furnace not turning on. Annual professional tune-ups include combustion analysis, safety checks, filter replacement, and thermostat calibration.

• Change filters every 1–3 months depending on use.
• Keep the area around the furnace clean and clear of debris.
• Have a technician inspect heat exchangers and safety controls yearly.
• Consider a programmable or smart thermostat for optimized operation.

Diagnostic Checklist For Homeowners

Use this checklist to gather information before calling support or a technician. Documenting observed behavior speeds diagnosis.

1. Is the thermostat set to Heat and temperature above current room temp?
2. Are furnace and breaker switches in the ON position?
3. Are there any LED error codes or blinking patterns on the furnace control board?
4. Is there a gas odor or evidence of gas supply issues?
5. Has the air filter been changed recently?
6. Does the inducer motor or blower make unusual noises?
7. Does the furnace attempt to start (clicking, ignitor glow) or is it completely dead?

FAQs About Goodman Furnace Not Turning On

Why Does The Furnace Click But Not Ignite?

Clicking often indicates the control board attempting ignition. If ignition fails, the ignitor, gas valve, or gas supply are common causes. A tech should test the valve and confirm gas flow.

Why Does The Furnace Run For A Few Seconds And Shut Off?

Short cycling can be caused by airflow restrictions, a failing limit switch, overheating, or control board faults. Replace filters first, then troubleshoot limit switches and blower components.

Can A Homeowner Replace The Ignitor?

Homeowners with mechanical aptitude can replace an ignitor following safety cutoff of power and careful handling, but care must be taken to avoid damaging brittle parts. When in doubt, hire a professional.

Resources And Manuals

For model-specific guidance, consult the Goodman furnace owner’s manual and installation documents available on the manufacturer’s website. These resources include wiring diagrams, error code charts, and part numbers for replacement components.

Keep a record of furnace model and serial numbers to expedite parts ordering and service calls. When contacting support, describe observed symptoms and any error codes to get faster assistance.

Key Takeaways For Homeowners Facing A Goodman Furnace Not Turning On

Simple checks—thermostat settings, power switches, breaker, and filter—often solve the problem. For ignition, gas, and control board issues, prioritize safety and contact a licensed HVAC professional. Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of sudden failures and extends furnace lifespan.