Skip to main contentGet Started
Error code reference
Goodman Air Conditioner Error Code C3
Indoor Coil is freezing up.
Avg. service call
$285
National average. Trip fee plus diagnostic plus labor. Before parts.
MyPros+ 3-day pass
$9.95
Same diagnostic steps, on your phone. Start now.
You keep in your pocket
~$275
Even before you buy the part.
Skip the service call. Fix it yourself.
Full procedure unlocks instantly.
What the C3 error code actually means
Your Goodman air conditioner is showing a C3 error because ice has built up on the indoor coil, which is the part that cools the air inside your home. This usually happens when airflow is blocked by a dirty filter or when the system is low on refrigerant. The unit cannot cool properly with ice on the coil, and continuing to run it could cause further damage.
Diagnostic procedure
The full C3 procedure
Step 1 is visible so you can confirm you are on the right page. The remaining steps, the ones that tell you whether to actually replace a part, unlock with any pass.
MyPros+ · DiagnosticsStep 1 preview
1
First diagnostic step
Clean filter, Check for fan and blower operation, Check for Refrigerant loss or Restricted capillary tube.
More steps, wiring diagram references, and verified part numbers
Includes expected resistance and voltage values, connector pinouts, and supersession notes for replacement parts.
Unlock C3 procedure $9.95
Or subscribe: $29/month for unlimited access to all codes plus Max AI diagnostics.
Most common causes of C3
Ranked by how often they cause this code
- 1Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
- 2Blower Motor or Fan Failure
- 3Low Refrigerant Charge Due to a Leak
- 4Restricted Capillary Tube or Metering Device
- 5Extremely Low Ambient or Return Air Temperature
Most DIYers save hundreds by diagnosing before ordering parts.
Get Started
$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass
Questions people ask about C3
What does C3 mean on a Goodman air_conditioner?
The C3 code on a Goodman air conditioner means the indoor evaporator coil is freezing up. Ice forming on the coil blocks airflow and prevents the system from cooling effectively. Common causes include a dirty air filter, a failed blower, low refrigerant, or a restricted capillary tube. The system should be turned off and allowed to thaw before diagnosing the root cause.
Is it safe to run my Goodman AC when a C3 error is displayed?
Running the system with a C3 error is not recommended. A frozen coil blocks airflow and forces the compressor to work under abnormal conditions, which can cause liquid refrigerant to return to the compressor and result in compressor failure. Turn the unit off and allow the coil to thaw completely before attempting to restart the system.
How much does it cost to repair a Goodman AC with a C3 freeze-up error?
Repair costs vary widely depending on the cause. Replacing an air filter is inexpensive, typically in the range of a few dollars to around twenty dollars. Blower motor replacement can run anywhere from a few hundred to over five hundred dollars depending on parts and labor. Refrigerant leak repairs, including locating the leak, sealing it, and recharging the system, can range from a few hundred to over one thousand dollars depending on the severity and location of the leak.
How do I fix a C3 error on my Goodman air conditioner?
Start by turning the system off and switching the fan to the ON position to help thaw the coil, which can take one to several hours. Check and replace the air filter if it is dirty, and confirm the blower fan is running properly. If the coil refreezes after these steps, a refrigerant leak or restricted capillary tube is likely the cause and a certified HVAC technician should be contacted to perform pressure testing and refrigerant service.
Will resetting the Goodman air conditioner clear the C3 error?
Resetting the unit may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying cause is not corrected the coil will freeze again and the error will return. A reset should only be performed after the coil has fully thawed and the root cause, such as a dirty filter or airflow problem, has been addressed. If the code returns after a reset, professional diagnostic service is needed.
78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands
Get Started$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass