HeatingCodes

Goodman and Amana furnace code EE2: low-stage pressure switch open

Short answerOn a Goodman or Amana 96% two-stage furnace, EE2 means the low-stage pressure switch circuit is not closing. Goodman lists a blocked or pinched pressure switch hose, a blocked flue or inlet air pipe, a blocked drain system, a weak inducer blower, or a bad switch. In winter, check that outdoor vent terminations are not covered in snow or ice.

What EE2 means

Goodman defines EE2 as Low stage pressure switch open. The pressure switch is a safety device. It confirms that the inducer blower is moving air through the heat exchanger and out the vent before the burners are allowed to light. If the switch does not close, the control will not light the furnace.

Goodman's troubleshooting chart describes the symptom this way: the induced draft blower runs continuously with no further furnace operation, and the control board display shows the code. In other words, you hear the inducer fan but the burners never light.

Causes and corrective actions Goodman lists

Cause (per Goodman)Corrective action
Pressure switch hose blocked, pinched or connected improperlyInspect the pressure switch hose and repair or replace it if necessary.
Blocked flue or inlet air pipe, blocked drain system, or a weak inducer blowerInspect flue and inlet air piping for blockage, proper length, elbows and termination. Check the drain system. Check inducer blower performance.
Incorrect pressure switch set point or malfunctioning switch contactsCorrect the set point or contact motion, or replace the switch with the proper part.
Loose or improperly connected wiringTighten or correct the wiring connection.

The related code EE1 is the opposite problem: the low-stage switch is stuck closed at the start of heating. EE9 is the high-stage switch open. All three appear in the Goodman alarm table.

Why winter makes this code more common

Condensing furnaces like these vent through plastic pipes that exit the wall or roof. Snow drifts, ice, a bird nest or leaves at the termination can block the air path. A blocked vent or inlet starves the inducer and keeps the switch open. Goodman specifically lists blockage in the flue or inlet air piping and a blocked drain system among the causes. A frozen or blocked condensate drain is another winter problem, but checking the drain system is a technician task.

Never adjust or bypass a pressure switch The pressure switch proves that exhaust gases are leaving the house. Do not jumper it, tape it or adjust it. Never jumper, bypass or tape over a limit, rollout or pressure switch. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility from outside. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call 911.

Safe homeowner checks for Goodman furnace code EE2

  1. Turn the thermostat to offStop the heat call so the furnace is not repeatedly trying to start while you check outside.
  2. Inspect outdoor vent and intake terminationsFrom the ground, check the plastic vent and combustion air terminations for snow, ice, leaves, nests or debris and clear them gently by hand. Keep the area around them clear. Do not climb on a roof.
  3. Check the air filterReplace a clogged filter. It does not cause EE2 directly, but a neglected furnace often has more than one problem.
  4. Restart onceSet the thermostat to heat and watch the display. If EE2 returns, call a heating technician. Do not open the furnace or remove hoses yourself.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pressure switch on a furnace?

It is a safety switch connected by a small hose to the inducer housing. It closes when the inducer creates enough draft, which proves air and exhaust are moving. The control will not light the burners until it closes.

Can I clean the pressure switch hose myself?

Goodman lists the hose as something to inspect, repair or replace, but that work involves the inside of a gas appliance. If the outdoor pipes are clear and the code returns, have a technician do it.

What is the difference between EE2 and EE9?

EE2 is the low-stage pressure switch open. EE9 is the high-stage pressure switch open. They are separate switches on a two-stage furnace.

Sources

Safety note: this page is general information drawn from the sources above. Gas, combustion and line-voltage repairs belong to a licensed professional. Your own equipment's label and manual take priority over anything here. Read the full disclaimer.