What It Means
Open circuit detected in the compressor start winding circuit.
Goodman All Systems
Goodman Error Code 06
Troubleshooting guide for the Goodman system fault 06.
Possible Causes
- Open or damaged compressor start winding.
- Failed, weak, or out-of-tolerance run capacitor.
- Loose, corroded, or burned capacitor terminals and wiring.
- Incorrect wiring configuration between compressor and control board.
- Burned, pitted, or loose contacts in compressor wiring harness.
Not sure which one it is — or if it's none of these? Try ACLogics today.
Disclaimer: This information is for general reference. Error codes can vary by model and production year. Always refer to your machine's specific manual and the information printed on the unit itself.
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Full Diagnosis
Code 06 flags an open circuit specifically in the compressor's start-winding leg, most often traced to a failed or weak run capacitor that can no longer supply the phase shift the start winding needs, or to a wiring fault between the board/contactor and the compressor's start terminal. This is distinct from 07, which flags an open run winding — a separate leg of the compressor motor — and from 05, which covers a broader loss of power to the compressor circuit (disconnect open or protector tripped) rather than a winding-specific fault. When the board detects this condition it locks out compressor operation, since attempting to start a compressor with a failed start capacitor or open start winding risks further motor damage; most boards require a manual reset or power cycle to clear the lockout once the underlying fault is corrected.
All Recorded Causes
Test the compressor start winding for continuity and confirm it isn't open using a meter at the compressor terminals. Inspect the run capacitor for bulging, leaking, or out-of-tolerance capacitance and replace it if it fails a capacitance check. Check the capacitor wiring and terminals for looseness, corrosion, or burned connections. Verify the compressor is properly wired to the control board and contactor — confirm the start, run, and common leads land on the correct terminals. Inspect the compressor wiring harness and contactor contacts for burning, pitting, or loose crimps that could open the circuit under load.
Verify Before Replacing Parts
- Confirm the exact Goodman model family and default context before acting on a generic code description.
- Verify current draw, overload status, and control signal before condemning the compressor or drive, given that test the compressor start winding for continuity and confirm it isn't open using a meter a….
- Look for upstream conditions such as airflow or charge issues that may be pushing the compressor into protection, and check inspect the run capacitor for bulging, leaking, or out-of-tolerance capacitance and replac….
- After the correction, run the system long enough to confirm the default fault does not return under normal load.
Not sure which system this Goodman code is on?
ACLogics has guided diagnostics for 20 Goodman fault codes and asks the right questions to narrow it down.
