Amana AMVC960803BN Error Code EE0: Lockout Due to Excessive Retries or Recycles
What Does Code EE0 Mean?
Error code EE0 on the Amana AMVC960803BN indicates the furnace has locked out after three consecutive failed ignition attempts. This is a safety feature designed to prevent unburned gas from accumulating.
During a normal heating cycle, the inducer motor starts, the hot surface igniter heats up, the gas valve opens, and the flame sensor confirms that a flame is present. If the flame sensor cannot detect a flame within the expected timeframe, or if the flame is lost after being established, the control module counts it as a failed attempt. After three failures, the system enters a lockout state.
The most common cause is a dirty or oxidized flame sensor. Over time, carbon and oxide buildup on the sensor rod reduces its ability to detect the flame's electrical signal. Other causes include no gas supply to the burners, a faulty or misaligned hot surface igniter, improper gas pressure, or restricted combustion air. You can reset the lockout by turning off the thermostat for more than 5 seconds, but if the underlying cause is not addressed, the code will return.
Common Causes
When to Call a Professional
Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:
- EE0 returns after cleaning the flame sensor
- The igniter does not glow red-hot during the ignition sequence
- You smell gas but the burners do not light
- The flame lights briefly then goes out repeatedly
- The flame sensor rod appears cracked or physically damaged
Sources
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026