Goodman furnace code E4: Flame Sensed With No Call for Heat
Safety issue — act now
What does E4 mean on a Goodman furnace? Flame detected while the gas valve is de-energized. Blowers run continuously as protection. Same emergency profile as 5 flashes on flash-code models.
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 →
Gas off at the appliance valve, same-day licensed tech. Not a DIY code. DIY part cost: $90–200 — a pro visit for this class of fault typically runs $150–350.
What causes it (in order of likelihood)
- Leaking or slow-closing gas valve TECH
- Flame-sense circuit shorted to 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 E4 mean on a Goodman furnace?
Flame detected while the gas valve is de-energized. Blowers run continuously as protection. Same emergency profile as 5 flashes on flash-code models.
How do I fix Goodman furnace code E4?
Stop troubleshooting. If you smell gas, leave without using switches and call the gas utility or 911 from outside. Otherwise set the thermostat to off and arrange same-day licensed service.
How much does it cost to fix Goodman furnace code E4?
This code doesn't reveal the price. A leaking or slow-closing gas valve and a shorted flame-sense circuit need licensed diagnosis, so arrange service promptly.
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 E4
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.
| Pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E3display E3 | Open Primary, Auxiliary, or Rollout Limit (E3) |
| E5display E5 | Open Fuse (E5) |
| E2display E2 | Low-Stage Pressure Switch Stuck Open (E2) |
| E6display E6 | Low Flame Sense Signal (E6) |