Goodman GMVC960803BN Error Code EE4: Flame Detected When No Flame Should Be Present
What Does Code EE4 Mean?
Error code EE4 on the Goodman GMVC960803BN means the flame sensor is reporting a flame when the furnace has not been commanded to fire. Both the induced draft blower and circulator blower run continuously as the control module keeps the system in a safe state while this unexpected flame signal is present.
The most likely electrical cause is a short to ground in the flame sense circuit. When the flame sensor wire shorts to chassis ground, it mimics the small microamp current that a real flame would produce, causing the board to believe a flame is present. A slow-closing gas valve that continues to pass a small amount of gas after being commanded to close can produce a lingering flame that the sensor correctly detects. Residual flame after a burner cycle can also trigger this code if combustion is incomplete.
This is a safety-critical fault. The combination of an unexpected flame signal and a furnace that cannot properly control combustion presents a potential hazard. Do not attempt to reset or operate the furnace. Turn off the gas supply and call an HVAC technician to inspect the gas valve, flame sensor circuit wiring, and burner assembly.
Common Causes
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY? |
|---|---|---|
| Short to ground in flame sense circuit | Most common | ✗ Call a pro → |
| Slow closing gas valve | Common | ✗ Call a pro → |
| Lingering burner flame | Common | ✗ Call a pro → |
When to Call a Professional
Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:
- EE4 is present — do not reset or operate the furnace until a technician has inspected the gas valve and flame sense wiring
- The gas valve is suspected of not closing fully — a faulty gas valve must be replaced by a licensed technician
- The flame sense wire shows a short to ground — the wiring harness must be repaired before the furnace is returned to service
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026