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Equipment error code

Goodman code E1

E1 — high pressure fault. The control detected high-side refrigerant pressure above the fault threshold.

Equipment
air conditioner
Brand
Goodman
Source checked
2026-03-01

What this code means

E1 — high pressure fault. The control detected high-side refrigerant pressure above the fault threshold.

Source: Goodman SS-GSX14 Service Instructions — Self-Check Fault Codes · checked 2026-03-01

Which models show it

Goodman GSX, GSXC, GSZH heat pumps, and SSX series condensers with self-check LED or ComfortNet reporting.

What is actually happening

Outdoor unit stops cooling; LED may show E1 on communicating thermostats or flash patterns on basic boards.

Is it safe to keep running?

Stop after one trip. Running with high head pressure damages scroll compressors.

Shut it down when

Outdoor fan stalled, grinding noise, or repeated E1 within 30 minutes.

What a homeowner can safely check

  • Clean or replace indoor filter.
  • Remove leaves from outdoor coil fins (power off).
  • Confirm outdoor fan runs when AC is engaged.
  • Check that nothing covers the top of the condenser.

When to stop

  • Fan blade does not turn.
  • Refrigerant line frost in cooling mode.
  • E1 after basic airflow service.

Likely causes ranked

  1. 1. Condenser airflow failure (fan motor or capacitor)

    How a tech confirms: Fan amp and capacitor test; coil cleaning.

    Typical repair: $165–$625 · Air Conditioner Repair cost guide

  2. 2. Indoor evaporator freeze or blockage

    How a tech confirms: Temperature split; inspects coil and blower.

    Typical repair: $175–$500 · Air Conditioner Repair cost guide

  3. 3. Overcharge or non-condensables

    How a tech confirms: Gauge analysis and recovery.

    Typical repair: $250–$700 · Air Conditioner Repair cost guide

  4. 4. Faulty high-pressure switch

    How a tech confirms: Compares switch to calibrated gauges.

    Typical repair: $225–$450 · Air Conditioner Repair cost guide

Is this the end of this unit?

Scroll compressor damage from ignored E1 trips favors outdoor unit replacement over compressor swap on Goodman systems past 10 years.

How to clear the code

Power off outdoor disconnect 60 seconds after fixing airflow; restore and test once.

Why clearing is not fixing it: E1 returns when head pressure exceeds threshold on the next run.

Which trade to call

Call a licensed hvac contractor who works on air conditioner equipment. Gas, refrigerant, and combustion faults are not general handyman jobs.

Related codes and symptom guides

More codes from this brand

Symptom guide: Air Conditioner Not Cooling

FAQ

What does Goodman E1 mean?
High pressure fault on the outdoor unit control.
Goodman E1 vs Carrier 26?
Same class of fault — high head pressure — different brand labels.
Can I wash the outdoor coil myself?
Gentle hose from inside-out with power off is OK; bent fins need a pro.
E1 repair cost range?
Often $165–$700 for fan, airflow, or charge issues.
Does E1 show on the thermostat?
ComfortNet and some Wi-Fi stats display E1; others use outdoor LED flash charts.

Source

Source — Goodman SS-GSX14 Service Instructions — Self-Check Fault Codes. Checked .