Goodman furnace code E3: Open Primary, Auxiliary, or Rollout Limit
Professional repair
What does E3 mean on a Goodman furnace? One of three protective limits opened: primary (overheat), auxiliary, or flame rollout. Blowers run until it closes. Official causes: dirty filter or duct restriction, faulty limit, blower issue, blocked flue.
This condition involves the gas or combustion side. If you smell gas or a CO alarm sounds: leave, then call your gas utility. Diagnostic info here is reference — combustion repairs are for licensed technicians. All six emergency signs →
GOOD NEWS: THE FIRST CHECKS ARE FREE AND TAKE MINUTES.
Try these first — in this order
Filter + vents first, 5 minutes.
If it's the rollout limit, a tech must inspect the heat exchanger before reset. DIY part cost: $5–25 — a pro visit for this class of fault typically runs $150–350.
What causes it (in order of likelihood)
- Dirty filter / closed vents DIY-CHECKABLE
- Rollout trip — heat-exchanger or venting problem (CO-risk signal) 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 E3 mean on a Goodman furnace?
One of three protective limits opened: primary (overheat), auxiliary, or flame rollout. Blowers run until it closes. Official causes: dirty filter or duct restriction, faulty limit, blower issue, blocked flue.
How do I fix Goodman furnace code E3?
Stop troubleshooting and arrange a technician visit. Don't reset any limit. If E3 returns, stop and call a technician; if a CO alarm sounds, leave and call from outside.
How much does it cost to fix Goodman furnace code E3?
A dirty filter is inexpensive to fix, but a rollout trip may point to venting or heat-exchanger problems. The cost depends on which limit opened and why.
Applies to
GMVC96 · GCVC96
Different Goodman generations use different code maps. If your series isn't listed, don't assume this meaning — check your blower-door label.
Same control platform, same code: Amana furnace code E3
Verified against Goodman GMVC96/GCVC96 Service Manual, p.44
Last verified 2026-07-06 · page updated 2026-10-03 · how we verify
Related Goodman furnace codes
These codes use the same dual 7-segment display (two-stage variable-speed) system.