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Goodman Furnace: Flame detected when no flame should be present

Updated · by Aurora Star Tech Inc.

Flame detected when no flame should be present on a Goodman furnace: Control sees flame with no call for heat, so the inducer and circulator blower keep running.

Homeowner with a furnace problem? Call (647) 657-2977 or book a service call — licensed technicians across Vaughan and the GTA.

Applies to: 34.5 in chassis gas furnaces

Common causes of flame detected when no flame should be present

  • Short to ground in the flame sense circuit, which looks like flame to the control
  • Lingering burner flame after the gas should be off
  • Slow closing gas valve

How to fix flame detected when no flame should be present: step by step

  1. Power off before any repair.
  2. Look at the burners with the thermostat satisfied. Flame still there means gas is passing or lingering.
  3. Correct the short at the flame sensor or in its wiring, because the wiring can ground out on the chassis.
  4. Verify proper operation of the gas valve and that it closes fully and promptly.
  5. A gas valve that will not shut off goes to a licensed gas tech.
  6. Retest through a few full cycles.
Safety: Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a licensed technician. Turn off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and always follow the manufacturer's manual for your exact model.

If the unit shows an error code, look it up: Goodman Furnace codes

Source: Goodman GMVC96 Service and Troubleshooting, p. 61. Written in our own words as a summary; always check the original manual.

General guidance for qualified technicians. The manufacturer's installation and service manual and local codes always take priority. Aurora Star Tech is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any equipment manufacturer; brand and model names are used only to identify equipment and belong to their owners.

Emergency Furnace Repair

647-657-2977