Goodman Heat Pump Error Code EE

Error code EE on a Goodman heat pump indicates an internal fault condition specifically associated with welded compressor relay contacts on the control board. A relay is an electromechanical switch that the control board uses to energize and de-energize the compressor. Under normal operation, the relay contacts open and close cleanly as the system cycles. When contacts weld together, they fuse in the closed position due to excessive current draw, arcing, or a prolonged fault event. This leaves the compressor circuit permanently energized at the relay level, meaning the board can no longer control compressor operation even when it commands the unit to shut down.

The control board detects this misoperation internally, meaning it recognizes that the compressor relay is not responding correctly to its output commands. This type of fault is classified as a board-level failure because the relay is integrated into the control board assembly rather than being a separately replaceable component in most configurations. The welding event is typically caused by a high-inrush current spike during a hard start condition, a shorted compressor winding pulling excessive amperage through the relay, or repeated short-cycling that accelerates contact wear and eventual fusion.

Because the relay contacts are part of the board itself, the prescribed first diagnostic step is direct control board replacement rather than attempting to isolate or repair the relay in isolation. Before installing a new board, technicians should also evaluate the compressor for winding shorts or grounded windings, and verify that line voltage is within spec, since an underlying electrical fault that caused the original welding event could damage a replacement board if left uncorrected.