How To Reset A Goodman Furnace

There are a lot of problems that can cause a Goodman furnace to malfunction. Sometimes a simple reset is enough to get the furnace up and running again. But how do you reset a Goodman furnace? And what issues can cause it to fail to kick on? We've looked into the best way to reset the furnace, and in this post, we will go over it.

Here are the steps to reset a Goodman furnace:

  1. Turn off the thermostat
  2. Flip the circuit breaker
  3. Remove the access panel
  4. Press the reset button

Most of the time, you can troubleshoot issues with your Goodman furnace yourself. However, if you can't seem to get it back running again with assistance from the instruction manual, it may be best to contact a professional technician. The technician can perform a thorough furnace inspection and recommend the best repair solution or a replacement if necessary. Continue reading to learn more about troubleshooting a Goodman furnace and the most common way to reset it.

Technician repairing a furnace, How To Reset A Goodman Furnace

How do I reset my Goodman furnace?

The specific resetting instructions will vary per the Goodman model. However, here are the general steps to reset the furnace if you can't seem to troubleshoot a malfunction issue.

Blue flames heating boiler

1. Turn off the thermostat

Before heading to reset the furnace, be sure to turn your thermostat to the "Off" position.

2. Flip the circuit breaker

Go to the circuit breaker and flip the switch that corresponds to the furnace. After flipping the switch, move it back in the previous direction after about 4 to 5 seconds.

3. Remove the access panel

Next, grab a screwdriver and unscrew the screws on the front panel of the furnace. Most Goodman models will have about two to four screws located on the side of the front panel.

Be sure to note where you set them as the screws are relatively small and can quickly go unnoticed. Slide the panel up from the unit, lift it completely off, and set it to the side.

4. Press the reset button

Take a look inside the control area of the furnace. Remember, the location of the reset button will vary per the model. If you can't locate the reset button immediately, turn to your instruction manual.

Oftentimes, the reset button will be located by the limit switch. Once you locate it, press it and hold it down for about 5 to 10 seconds.

The instructions are in your manual. After resetting the furnace, you may see the red signal light blinking a few times until it becomes solid red again. This is a sign that you have successfully reset your Goodman furnace.

Where is the reset button on a Goodman furnace?

The exact location of the reset button will vary by model on each Goodman furnace. However, you will need to open up the front panel of the furnace to access it.

In many furnaces, the switch will be located in the air handler's compartment next to the blower motor (it will typically be a yellow or red button).

And some models might locate it next to the limit switch in the control panel of the furnace. If you are unsure of its location, always check the instruction manual.

Why is my Goodman furnace not kicking on?

A home high efficiency furnace

If your furnace isn't kicking on, there is likely a malfunction with a component or issues with one of the furnace's settings.

Issues with the thermostat

If the furnace isn't kicking on, ensure that the thermostat setting is set to the "On" position. If you have the thermostat set on "Auto," it could be that the temperature and the room aren't low enough for the current setting.

You'll also want to check for any signs on the thermostat that may illustrate that the batteries need to be replaced.

It's best to change the batteries every year just to be on the safe side. Lastly, make sure that there isn't a lot of dust and debris around the wiring for the thermostat, as this can also cause disruptions within the electrical system.

The circuit breaker has tripped

A tripped circuit breaker could also cause the furnace not to turn on. Even if you have a gas furnace, it will be powered by the thermostat—which is connected to the electrical wiring in your home.

If the breaker has tripped due to potential overheating or too many appliances running at once, you will need to reset it.

To do this, simply flip the switch connected to the thermostat setting in the opposite direction and then flip it back after about 4-5 seconds. Next, go to the thermostat and place it in the "On" position to see if this solves the issue.

Dirty air filters

A person changing an clean air filter on a high efficiency furnace

Dirty air filters are a common reason for malfunctioning furnaces. Many HVAC professionals recommend that you change your air filters every one to two months to make sure that your furnace runs properly.

If the air filter is clogged with dirt or debris, it can restrict the airflow from the blower to your vent. As a result, it can cause the heating system to overheat, resulting in the furnace shutting off. This is the unit's way of preventing a potential fire.

Inspect the ignition switch

Service man working on furnace

Sometimes the issue can be with the furnace ignition source. To inspect the ignition switch, remove the front panel from the furnace and grab a flashlight to view it closely.

If you are unsure of where the ignition switch is, be sure to check your user's manual for its location. Sometimes, the ignition sensor can get a bit dirty, and as a result, it won't function properly.

Oftentimes, you can simply clean the part with a small wire brush or a piece of sandpaper.

Issues with the gas line

Today most modern furnaces still have a pilot light that is ignited when the furnace turns on. However, sometimes the pilot light will go out or will not turn on when it's supposed to, causing the furnace to fail to operate. Gas line issues can cause this.

If you suspect that there are issues with your home's gas line, the first thing that you want to do is ensure that your gas supply is working. Try checking your stove to see if it's working properly—if it's gas-operated. If it's not, contact your gas supplier as soon as possible.

A malfunctioning blower motor

Heater exhaust fan inside of furnace

If the furnace is over 7 to 10 years old, the chances are that there could be issues with the blower motor. If after turning on the furnace you don't hear the motor kick on, there could be issues with the wiring or the motor itself.

If you still have your instruction manual and are a bit handy, you can disconnect the blower motor and test the continuity using a multimeter device.

Check out this multimeter on Amazon.

If you aren't the DIY type, it's best to contact an HVAC technician to help test its continuity. The cost to test and replace the motor can range anywhere from $150 to over $300 depending on the furnace model.

How do you manually reset a furnace?

A home high energy efficient furnace in a basement

For most furnaces, you simply need to access the control panel and press the reset button for a few seconds. However, if your furnace model does not have a reset button or you can't seem to locate it, flip the circuit breaker switch for the furnace to reset it.

What do 4 flashes mean on a Goodman furnace?

Typically, four flashes on a Goodman furnace mean an issue with the primary limit circuit on the furnace or that the high limit switch is open. This could be the result of blocked filters, loose wiring, or other component failures. To fix the issue:

  • check the furnace's flue,
  • tighten any loosened wiring,
  • and inspect/clean the air filters.

There could also be issues with the blower motor, control board, or the size of the ducts connected to the furnace.

If you cannot fix the issue using the above-mentioned methods, it may be best to contact a technician to perform an inspection and recommend repairs or replacements.

What does resetting a furnace do?

The reset button on a furnace is a safety feature used to completely shut down the furnace if a problem is detected.

Whether the furnace is overheating, malfunctioning, needs a filter replacement, or has a component failure, the reset button can reset the unit before the circuit breaker is tripped.

Wrapping Things Up

Worn-out or malfunctioning components can cause a Goodman furnace to experience issues. Sometimes a simple reset is enough to get the furnace working properly, but repairs and replacements may be necessary in some cases.

If you have issues troubleshooting the reset process on your own, try reaching out to an appliance technician for guidance.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:

Does A Propane Garage Heater Need To Be Vented?

How Heavy Is Spray Foam Insulation?

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3 Comments

  1. My Goodman furnace won’t kick on,the led on the control circuit stays lit solidly,so I have no code to investigate, batteries are fresh in the thermostat and it is set on heat, woke up to 60 degree temperatures while thermostat was set to 67, I have no reset button so I de energized the unit from the breaker box. Let sit ,still nothing,no codes and no operation.
    Grrrrr

      • I am having the same issue but the only difference is the LED is not on at all. I also checked thermostat and it’s on heat and it’s set on 68°f and the temp in the house is 61°f. I also flipped the breaker and left it off for a few minutes with no luck once turn back on. So if anyone can PLEASE HELP its cold in the house and it’s 21°f outside. Thanks in advance for any help

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