Goodman furnace: Flame Sensed With No Call for Heat
Safety issue — act now
What does 5 flashes mean on a Goodman furnace? The control detects flame while the gas valve is de-energized. Blowers run continuously as a protection. Official causes: a short to ground in the flame-sense circuit, miswiring, a lingering burner flame, or a slow-closing gas valve.
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.
Shut off the gas at the appliance valve and call a licensed technician the same day. Do not DIY this one. DIY part cost: $90–200 — a pro visit for this class of fault typically runs $150–350.
What causes it (in order of likelihood)
- Gas valve leaking or closing slowly TECH
- Short to ground in flame-sense circuit / miswiring TECH
Parts referenced by this code
Always match parts against your model's parts list — part numbers vary within a series.
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 GMS8/GDS8/GHS8 Service Manual (RS6612006), p.42 — “a five flashes”
Verified against Goodman GMSS96 Service Manual, p.32
Last verified 2026-07-06 · how we verify