HeatingCodesGoodman and Amana furnace code EE3: open high limit switch (also EEd and E11)
What EE3 means
Goodman's alarm table lists EE3 as Open high limit switch. The primary limit is a temperature switch near the heat exchanger. If the furnace overheats, the switch opens and the control shuts the burners off. Goodman's troubleshooting chart describes the symptom: the circulator blower runs continuously and the furnace does not fire, with the cause given as "primary limit circuit is open" and "insufficient conditioned air over the heat exchanger."
The chart's first corrective action is to check filters and ductwork for blockage and to clean filters or remove restrictions. That is something a homeowner can actually do.
EE3, EEd and E11 are different switches
| Display | Switch | What Goodman says |
|---|---|---|
| EE3 | Primary high limit | Guards against too little air passing over the heat exchanger. Goodman describes the primary limit as automatic reset. |
| EEd | Auxiliary limit | Manual or automatic reset depending on the model. Goodman warns that you must determine why the auxiliary limit opened before resetting it, to avoid a possible fire. |
| E11 | Flame rollout switch | Manual reset. Rollout limits guard against burner flames not being properly drawn into the heat exchanger. If a rollout switch has tripped, it is important to find out why. |
This is why you should treat EEd and E11 more seriously than EE3. A clogged filter can trip a primary limit. A tripped rollout switch can point at a vent blockage, a cracked heat exchanger or a burner problem, and Goodman says the cause must be found before the switch is reset.
Safe homeowner checks for Goodman furnace code EE3
- Turn the thermostat off and let the furnace coolThe primary limit resets automatically once the heat exchanger cools.
- Replace a dirty air filterGoodman lists blocked filters first. Use the correct filter size and make sure it is installed with the airflow arrow pointing toward the furnace.
- Open supply and return registersMake sure supply registers and return grilles are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs or drapes.
- Restart onceTurn the thermostat back to heat. If EE3 returns, or if you ever see EEd or E11, stop and call a heating technician.
Frequently asked questions
Will EE3 clear by itself?
Goodman describes the primary limit as automatic reset, so it can clear when the heat exchanger cools. If the cause is not fixed, the furnace will overheat again and the code will return.
Why does the blower run but there is no heat?
When the primary limit opens, the control shuts down the burners and keeps the circulator blower running to move heat out of the heat exchanger. The result is a fan with no heat.
Is EE3 dangerous?
The furnace is protecting itself by shutting off. Treat it as urgent if it repeats, if you also see EEd or E11, or if you notice a gas smell, soot or a carbon monoxide alarm.
Sources
- RS6612023 Service and Troubleshooting: 34.5" Chassis ACVC96/AMVC96/GCVC96/GMVC96 Gas Furnaces (Goodman Manufacturing (Daikin)) Covers: Goodman and Amana 96% two-stage condensing furnaces in the 34.5" chassis.
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.