MECH-FLAME-SENSOR
Goodman · GMVM970803BN 80,000 BTU 97% AFUE Modulating Gas Furnace with Variable-Speed ECM Blower
The flame sensor rod is coated with oxide buildup and can no longer detect the flame properly — causes intermittent ignition failure (6-FLASH code); remove the single-screw mounted flame sensor rod and clean with fine emery cloth or steel wool until shiny; do NOT use sandpaper; this is the #1 furnace service call and a free fix if DIY
Error MECH-FLAME-SENSOR on the Goodman GMVM970803BN 80,000 BTU 97% AFUE Modulating Gas Furnace with Variable-Speed ECM Blower means: Dirty/Corroded Flame Sensor. The top-ranked community fix is “Replace the Flame Sensor Rod” (medium difficulty, ~30 min, DIY cost: $15-$25). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.
Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · furnace
Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.
While many furnace repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:
Average professional repair cost for this issue: $120-$180.
Incorrect Blower Speed / DIP Switch Configuration
Communication Error — ComfortNet Bus
Blower Motor Fault (ECM)
Outdoor Ambient Sensor Fault
System Lockout — Retry Limit Exceeded
Pressure Switch Stuck Closed
Pressure Switch Did Not Close
High Limit Switch Open
The Goodman GMVM970803BN 80,000 BTU 97% AFUE Modulating Gas Furnace with Variable-Speed ECM Blower has 8 other known error codes:
Error code MECH-FLAME-SENSOR also appears on 2 other Goodman models:
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