Goodman GMVC960803BN Error Code EEd: Auxiliary Limit Switch Open

What Does Code EEd Mean?

The auxiliary limit is a second overheat thermostat, separate from the primary high limit behind code EE3. On this two-stage, variable-speed 96% AFUE Goodman GMVC960803BN it sits down in the blower compartment rather than up near the heat exchanger, so it senses heat that has migrated into the blower housing. When that area runs too hot the auxiliary limit opens, the Integrated Control Module shuts the furnace down, and the 7-segment display reads EEd.

Unlike the primary high limit (EE3), which lives near the heat exchanger, the auxiliary limit protects the blower section specifically. There is a second way it trips: if the 115-volt power supply is interrupted in the middle of an active heating cycle, the burners stop but residual heat keeps rising with no blower to carry it away, and the aux limit can latch open. That means a brief power blip or a nudged furnace disconnect switch can leave you with an EEd even when nothing is actually clogged.

The airflow causes are the same family as EE3: a dirty or clogged air filter, closed or blocked supply and return vents, restrictive or undersized ductwork, an incorrect circulator blower speed, or a weak blower motor. Because the safe, homeowner-reachable causes are the filter and the vents, the fix below stays limited to airflow triage and leaves the blower motor, ductwork, and the switch itself to a technician.

What You'll Notice

• The furnace is completely dead or will not restart, with EEd on the 7-segment LED display
• The problem appeared right after a power outage, a tripped breaker, or someone switching the furnace off and back on mid-cycle
• The air filter is clogged or overdue for replacement
• The house is cold because the furnace stopped running entirely
• Several supply or return vents are closed or blocked by furniture

Common Causes

How to Fix It: Clear the Airflow Restriction and Let the Aux Limit Reset

What You'll Need

• Replacement air filter (correct size) 🛒 Find at FiltersFast · 🛒 Find at Amazon
• Flashlight

Steps

1. Turn off power at the breaker and shut off the gas supply valve Flip the furnace circuit breaker to OFF and turn the gas shutoff valve to OFF (perpendicular to the pipe). If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call your gas company.
2. Check and replace the air filter Pull the filter from the return duct or filter slot. If it is dirty or older than 1-3 months, install a new one of the correct size with the airflow arrow pointing toward the furnace. A clogged filter is the most common reason the blower compartment overheats and trips the aux limit.
3. Open every supply register and return grille Go room to room and confirm all supply registers and return-air grilles are fully open and clear of rugs, furniture, and curtains. Too many closed vents reduce airflow through the blower section and cause EEd.
4. Look for obvious debris in the blower area (power still off) With the breaker still OFF, shine a flashlight into the blower-compartment opening and check for a fallen filter, insulation, or heavy dust on the blower wheel. Do not remove, rewire, or service the blower motor or the auxiliary limit switch itself.
5. Restore gas and power, then run a full cycle Turn the gas valve back to ON and the breaker back to ON, then set the thermostat to call for heat. The auxiliary limit resets on its own once the blower compartment cools. If the trip was only caused by a mid-cycle power interruption, restoring power and clearing the code may be all that is needed.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:

• EEd returns after the filter is replaced and all vents are confirmed open
• There was no power interruption and the filter was already clean when the code appeared
• The blower motor runs slowly, will not start, or makes grinding or rattling noises
• The code keeps recurring, which can point to restrictive ductwork or a wrong blower speed setting
• You suspect the auxiliary limit switch itself is faulty or its wiring is loose

✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026