On the covered Goodman gas furnace, EEL means a problem with the igniter circuit. Goodman lists an improperly connected or shorted igniter, a poor unit ground and an igniter relay fault on the integrated control module. First, note whether the furnace clicks or hums with no glowing igniter.
Differential
Likely causes of “Goodman gas furnace code EEL”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A loose or shorted igniter connection
What separates it The furnace clicks and the inducer runs but no glow appears
How to confirm With power off, check that the plug is seated and the leads are undamaged
- 2
A poor furnace ground
What separates it Intermittent faults that change from call to call
How to confirm A technician checks the ground wire and the chassis connection
- 3
A failed igniter relay on the control
What separates it The igniter shows no power at the plug during the ignition step
How to confirm A technician measures output at the igniter plug during the sequence
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the igniter ever glows orange
- Any clicking or humming when the call for heat starts
- Whether the furnace was recently serviced
- The model and serial number
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleNote whether the furnace clicks or hums with no glowing igniter.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleGoodman's corrective actions: check and correct the wiring from the integrated control module to the igniter, diagnose and replace a shorted igniter as needed, verify and correct the unit ground wiring, and check the igniter output from the control and replace it if necessary.
Note the sequence at the next call for heat
ReversibleWrite down whether the inducer starts, whether you hear clicking, and whether a glow appears.
Power the furnace off before inspecting anything
ReversibleTurn the furnace power switch off. Look at the igniter plug for melted pins or loose leads.
Correct the wiring, ground or igniter
ReversibleGoodman's corrective actions: fix the wiring from the control to the igniter, replace a shorted igniter, correct the ground, and check the igniter output from the control.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Shown as
- EEL on the control's display.
- Applies to
- Goodman two-stage furnaces with the integrated control module.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Do not touch a hot-surface igniter with bare fingers; skin oil can shorten its life
- !Call for service; igniter and relay checks need a meter and the furnace live
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does EEL mean on a Goodman gas furnace?+
A problem with the igniter circuit. Goodman lists an improperly connected or shorted igniter, a poor unit ground and an igniter relay fault on the integrated control module.
Is replacing the igniter enough?+
Only if the igniter is the fault. The ground and the control output are checked before a new part goes in.
Will it reset itself?+
A restart may clear it briefly, but a real wiring or igniter fault returns on the next call for heat.