Goodman Furnace Igniter Not Working — What’s Happening
When your Goodman furnace igniter is not working, the unit has typically completed the early stages of the heat cycle (inducer motor running, pressure switch proving airflow) but fails at the ignition step. The igniter should glow bright orange for several seconds before the gas valve opens. If the igniter does not glow or glows weakly, the furnace cannot light the burner and will lock out or retry.
This symptom is not a fault code on its own. It means either the igniter element itself has failed (cracked, worn out, or electrically open) or the control board is not sending voltage to the igniter because a safety interlock upstream has not been satisfied. Goodman furnaces follow a strict ignition sequence: thermostat calls for heat, inducer starts, pressure switch closes to prove draft, control board energizes the igniter, then the gas valve opens. A breakdown at any of these stages can prevent the igniter from working.
Most Likely Causes
- Failed hot surface igniter element The igniter receives line voltage but does not glow because the ceramic or silicon carbide element is cracked, worn, or electrically open, which is the single most common direct failure in this symptom.
- Pressure switch not closing The control board will not send power to the igniter if the pressure switch does not prove airflow, often caused by a blocked vent, disconnected pressure hose, failed inducer motor, or clogged condensate drain.
- No voltage from control board to igniter The igniter circuit on the control board may have failed, a safety interlock is open, or wiring and connectors between the board and igniter are loose or corroded.
- Gas supply closed or restricted A closed manual shutoff valve, kinked gas line, or low gas pressure will prevent burner ignition even if the igniter glows normally, though this appears as a no-flame condition rather than igniter failure.
- Blocked air intake or exhaust vent Restricted venting prevents the inducer from creating the correct draft signal, so the pressure switch never closes and the igniter is never energized by the board.
- Dirty or blocked air filter and restricted airflow Severely reduced airflow can trip limit switches or prevent normal furnace operation, though this typically causes cycling or overheating rather than igniter failure directly.
How to Diagnose and Fix
- Verify the thermostat is calling for heat and set above room temperature, then listen for the inducer motor to start at the beginning of the heat cycle.
- Check the diagnostic LED on the Goodman control board and note any fault code flashing pattern, then compare it to the legend on the furnace door or service manual for your specific model.
- Inspect the pressure switch tubing for kinks, blockages, water, or disconnections, and verify the condensate drain is clear and draining freely.
- Check that all air intake and exhaust vent pipes are clear of obstructions, ice, bird nests, or debris, and replace the furnace air filter if it is dirty.
- Watch the igniter during a heat call to see if it glows bright orange for 15 to 30 seconds before the gas valve is supposed to open.
- Use a multimeter to measure voltage at the igniter terminals while the furnace is in the ignition stage, expecting 115 to 120 VAC if the control board output is correct.
- If voltage is present and the igniter does not glow, turn off power and gas to the furnace and replace the hot surface igniter with an exact or compatible replacement part.
- After any repair, restore power and gas, run a complete heat cycle, and verify the igniter glows, the burner lights, the flame sensor proves flame, and the furnace cycles off normally when the thermostat is satisfied.
Parts You Might Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hot surface igniter (silicon carbide or silicon nitride) | Amazon | Match the mounting bracket, terminal configuration, and voltage rating to your Goodman furnace model. |
| Pressure switch | Amazon | Replace if the switch does not close when the inducer is running and all tubing and venting are clear. |
| Furnace control board | Amazon | Required if the board does not output voltage to the igniter circuit when all safeties are satisfied and the ignition sequence is commanded. |
Related Error Codes
If your appliance also shows a code on the display, these match this problem:
- Goodman Furnace 1 Flash error code
- Goodman Furnace 2 Flashes error code
- Goodman Furnace 4 Flashes error code
- Goodman Furnace 5 Flash error code
- Goodman Furnace E1 error code
- Goodman Furnace E2 error code
- Goodman Furnace E3 error code
- Goodman Furnace Ee2 error code
- Goodman Furnace Ef error code
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified HVAC technician if you are not comfortable working with line voltage, natural gas, or propane, or if you cannot safely access the furnace control compartment and igniter. Professionals should handle all gas valve testing, gas pressure measurement with a manometer, control board replacement, and any work requiring soldering or rewiring of safety circuits. If the furnace shows an unfamiliar fault code, cycles on and off repeatedly, or you smell gas at any point, shut off the gas supply and call for service immediately. For gas line, burner, or igniter work, or if you ever smell gas, stop and call a licensed technician.