Troubleshooting Goodman Furnace Inducer Motor Not Turning On

The Goodman furnace inducer motor not turning on can prevent safe startup and heating. This article explains causes, step-by-step diagnostics, fixes, cost estimates, and prevention to help homeowners and technicians restore reliable operation.

Issue	Quick Check	Possible Fix
No power to inducer	Check breaker and 120V at motor	Reset breaker or replace relay
Pressure switch open	Listen for click, inspect venting	Clear vent, replace switch
Capacitor failure	Visual bulge or no start	Replace capacitor
Motor seized	Spin wheel manually	Replace motor/inducer assembly

How The Inducer Motor Works

The inducer motor is a small blower that starts before the main burners to create negative pressure in the furnace heat exchanger. This ensures proper venting of combustion gases and engages safety interlocks such as the pressure switch. If the inducer fails to run, the furnace will typically lock out and not ignite, protecting against dangerous conditions.

Common Reasons Goodman Furnace Inducer Motor Not Turning On

Several factors commonly cause a Goodman furnace inducer motor not turning on: lack of power, failed pressure switch, clogged vent or inducer wheel, bad capacitor, control board or relay failure, thermostat signaling issues, and seized bearings in the motor. Environmental conditions like excessive moisture or rodents can also block venting or damage wiring.

Safety Precautions Before Troubleshooting

Always turn off power to the furnace at the service switch or breaker before inspecting components. Use a multimeter rated for household voltage to verify power and avoid contact with live terminals. If gas lines or burners are accessed, consider shutting off the gas supply and call a professional if unsure.

Tools And Items Needed

• Multimeter (AC/DC)
• Screwdrivers and nut drivers
• Needle-nose pliers and wire strippers
• Replacement capacitor (if required)
• Replacement pressure switch or inducer motor (if required)
• Manufacturer wiring diagram or service manual

Step-By-Step Diagnosis

1. Verify Basic Power

Check the furnace breaker and the service switch. Measure voltage at the inducer motor’s supply wires; Goodman motors commonly run on 115/120V. No voltage at the motor usually indicates a tripped breaker, blown fuse, or control board/relay failure.

2. Confirm Thermostat Call For Heat

Ensure the thermostat is commanding heat. With the thermostat calling, the furnace control board should initiate the inducer motor sequence. If there is no call, verify thermostat wiring and batteries.

3. Listen For Control Board And Relay Activity

When power and call for heat exist, the board should send voltage to the inducer. Listen for relays clicking. If the board fails to activate the inducer, inspect the control board and associated relays for burned components or blown fuses.

4. Inspect The Pressure Switch And Venting

The pressure switch confirms venting is clear. Check tubing for cracks or disconnection and clear blockages in the flue and intake. A blocked vent or faulty switch often prevents the inducer from running or causes the inducer to start but not satisfy the switch.

5. Test The Inducer Motor And Capacitor

Measure line voltage at the motor while calling for heat. If voltage is present but the motor does not run, test the start/run capacitor with a multimeter that measures capacitance. Replace a capacitor showing significant deviation from rated microfarads or with visible damage.

6. Check For Mechanical Seizure

Turn power off and try spinning the inducer wheel by hand. If the wheel is stuck or gritty, bearings may be seized or debris lodged. Minor resistance could mean a failing motor; heavy seizure means motor replacement is required.

7. Inspect Wiring And Connections

Examine control wiring for corrosion, loose terminals, or rodent damage. Repair or replace any damaged wires and ensure tight, clean connections at the control board, pressure switch, motor, and capacitor.

Typical Fixes And How-To Guidance

Reset Breaker And Replace Fuses

If a breaker tripped or a fuse blew, reset or replace and monitor. Repeated trips indicate a deeper electrical issue; do not repeatedly reset without identifying the cause.

Replace Faulty Capacitor

Matching capacitance and voltage rating is critical. Disconnect power, discharge the old capacitor safely, and install the new one. A bad capacitor often causes a slow or no-start condition even when voltage is present.

Repair Or Replace Pressure Switch

Check the switch tubing and vacuum. Replace the pressure switch if it fails continuity tests or shows internal corrosion. Ensure the new switch matches specifications for the model furnace.

Clear Venting And Condensate Blockage

Inspect the exhaust and intake pipes for leaves, bird nests, snow, or ice. For high-efficiency units, check the condensate trap and drain; a clogged trap can affect inducer function. Clear blockages and test operation.

Replace Inducer Motor Or Assembly

If the motor is electrically dead or mechanically seized, replace the inducer motor or the complete assembly as recommended by Goodman. Follow manufacturer torque and wiring diagrams. Replace gaskets and seals to maintain proper drafts.

Control Board Or Relay Replacement

If the board does not send voltage despite correct inputs, replace the control board or relay module. Confirm compatibility and transfer any required configuration settings or jumpers.

When To Call A Professional

Hire a licensed HVAC technician if the diagnosis involves gas valve work, complex control board troubleshooting, repeated lockouts, or if the homeowner lacks tools or electrical experience. Technicians can safely test gas pressures, combustion, and run advanced diagnostics that protect equipment and occupants.

Estimated Costs And Parts

Item	Typical Cost (Parts)	Notes
Start/Run Capacitor	$15–$50	Model-specific values
Pressure Switch	$20–$80	Depends on OEM part
Inducer Motor/Assembly	$150–$450	Motor vs complete assembly
Control Board	$150–$600	Model-dependent complexity

Labor costs vary regionally; expect $100–$300 for a service call and basic repair, higher if parts replacement or advanced diagnostics are required.

Preventive Maintenance To Avoid Inducer Failures

• Schedule annual HVAC service including inducer inspection and lubrication where applicable.
• Keep intake/exhaust pipes clear of debris and maintain proper termination clearances.
• Replace air filters regularly and maintain condensate drains to prevent backflow.
• Inspect electrical connections and capacitors for early signs of wear.

Troubleshooting Checklist

1. Verify thermostat is calling for heat and batteries are good.
2. Check house breaker and furnace service switch.
3. Measure voltage at inducer motor during call for heat.
4. Inspect pressure switch tubing and venting for blockages.
5. Test or replace capacitor if motor hums or struggles to start.
6. Manually spin the inducer wheel with power off to detect mechanical seizure.
7. Inspect wiring, connectors, and control board relays for faults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does The Furnace Try To Start But Then Shut Down?

If the inducer starts but the pressure switch does not close within the expected time, the furnace will shut down. Causes include blocked vents, disconnected tubing, or a failing pressure switch.

Can A Bad Capacitor Cause The Inducer To Not Spin?

Yes. A weakened or failed capacitor can prevent the motor from achieving the torque needed to start, resulting in a hum or no movement even with proper voltage.

Is The Inducer Motor Expensive To Replace?

Replacement costs can vary widely. A direct motor swap may be in the $150–$450 range for parts; total cost including labor depends on the difficulty and OEM pricing.

Will The Furnace Reach Lockout If The Inducer Fails?

Yes. Modern furnaces use safety interlocks; if the inducer does not create the required draft, the control board prevents ignition to avoid unsafe combustion conditions.

Key Takeaways

Addressing a Goodman furnace inducer motor not turning on requires a methodical approach: confirm power and thermostat call, test the capacitor and motor, inspect pressure switch and venting, and repair wiring or replace failed parts. When unsure or working with gas components, consult a licensed HVAC technician.