Goodman furnace: Open High-Limit Switch (E3)
Try DIY first, then call a pro
What does E3 mean on a Goodman GMVM97 furnace? The primary high limit opened — insufficient conditioned air is moving over the heat exchanger. Note this differs from GMVC96-generation boards, where E3 covers three limit types.
GOOD NEWS: THE FIRST CHECKS ARE FREE AND TAKE MINUTES.
Try these first — in this order
Fresh filter, open all vents.
Recurring overheat = airflow and heat-exchanger inspection. 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 or restrictive ducts DIY-CHECKABLE
- Blower not delivering airflow TECH
Parts referenced by this code
Always match parts against your model's parts list — part numbers vary within a series.
Applies to
GMVM97
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 GMVM97-Service, p.64/68
Last verified 2026-07-06 · how we verify