Goodman furnace 8 flashes: Igniter Circuit Fault or Poor Ground
Try DIY first, then call a pro
What does 8 flashes mean on a Goodman furnace? Official wording: improperly connected igniter, bad igniter, or poor ground to the equipment.
Before you touch anything: the six signs that mean stop troubleshooting and call a pro →
GOOD NEWS: THE FIRST CHECKS ARE FREE AND TAKE MINUTES.
Try these first — in this order
Replace the igniter (20 min). Never touch the element with bare fingers — skin oils shorten its life.
New igniter but same code? Grounding or board-level issue. DIY part cost: $15–35 — a pro visit for this class of fault typically runs $150–350.
What causes it (in order of likelihood)
- Cracked or disconnected hot-surface igniter DIY-CHECKABLE
- Poor equipment ground TECH
Parts referenced by this code
Always match parts against your model's parts list — part numbers vary within a series.
Questions about this code
What does 8 flashes mean on a Goodman furnace?
Official wording: improperly connected igniter, bad igniter, or poor ground to the equipment.
How do I fix Goodman furnace 8 flashes?
Eight flashes point to an improperly connected or bad igniter, or a poor equipment ground. These aren't homeowner checks, because igniter and grounding work involves the burner area and wiring. Leave the furnace off if it won't heat and have a technician inspect the igniter connection and ground.
How much does it cost to fix Goodman furnace 8 flashes?
Cost depends on whether the problem is a loose connection, a failed igniter, or a grounding issue. Each takes different parts and time, so a diagnosis comes first.
Applies to
GMS8 · GDS8 · GHS8 · GMSS96 · GMH8 · GDH8
Different Goodman generations use different code maps. If your series isn't listed, don't assume this meaning — check your blower-door label.
Verified against Goodman GMSS96 Service Manual, p.33 — “eight flashes”
Last verified 2026-07-06 · page updated 2026-10-03 · how we verify
Other Goodman furnace codes
These links include other Goodman model families. Code meanings can change by model and control board, so confirm your model and service manual before using a definition.
| Pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 7 flashes | Low Flame Sense Signal |
| rapid flashing | Reversed 115V Polarity or Poor Ground |
| 6 flashes | Open Rollout Limit Switch |
| E0display E0 | Ignition Lockout (E0) |