Ductless Split System Air Conditioners & Heat Pump FAQs

Diagnostic questions & answers

Split System Error Code FAQs

How to decode the flashing lights on a Sanyo Split System Air Conditioner

I have a Sanyo mini split system with 2 head units, one upstairs and one downstairs. The units run normally for about one to two weeks, then the light on each head unit continues to flash.

The fans still run, but it seems the compressor stops running/ cooling. I shut of the main power breaker to the unit for about 5 or 10 minutes, then turn it back on. The system seems to reset itself and will run normally again for another week or two, then the same thing happens again! I have no problem maintaining temp when it's running normal.

I've changed batteries and reset the remotes, which have a clear line of sight to the head units. Any ideas as to what is causing this issue?? Thanks! On 2017-07-28 by Ken Mc

Reply by (mod) -

Ken

The flashing light on your Sanyo units might be normal: the light color and flash number can indicate an operating mode - model dependent. Other blinking lights can indicate "trouble in the system" according to Sanyo who then says "contact the service center"

Try running your unit's control through different modes to watch the lights on the indoor wall-mounted unit while you look at
cooling mode, timer on, quiet mode, normal cooling.

There are four lights or "lamps" on most Sanyo split system indoor units

Split System A/C Operation Lamp Colors

• You should see a green indicator light in cooling mode,
• a red light in heating mode,
• and on some models you may see a yellow light in dehumidification (not such aggerssive cooling) mode
• Timer lamp: lights when the unit is in TIMER mode
• Quiet lamp: lights when the unit is in QUIET mode
  • Ion lamp: lights when you've turned on the IONizer feature and the indoor blower unit is running

Those above are NORMAL OPERATING lamps on many Sanyo units.

Split System A/C Error Codes & LED Colors in the Outdoor Condenser Unit

Other Sanyo models such as the R−410A Ductless Split System: DLF4(A/H), DLC4(A/H) have LEDs giving operating status on the outdoor unit including (this is not the whole list)

Malfunction: here I'm only describing the yellow LED flash codes:

Yellow LED Malfunction Flash Codes

• 2 flashes: H1 signal normal operation, heat pump only
• 3 flashes: Refrigerant leakage. Indoor unit air flow blocked. Filter dirty.
• 4 flashes: IPM module over temperature. Low voltage. Silica grease problem.
• 5 flashes: Low voltage. Ambient temp is abnormal.
• 6 flashes: Ambient temp is abnormal. Heat exchanger blocked.
• 7 flashes: Low refrigerant. Capillary blocked. Ambient temp is abnormal.
• 8 flashes: Compressor overheat. Low refrigerant. Capillary blocked.

Those may help you out but you can read from this that what is really needed is the model number and then a consult with its operating and troubleshooting manual.

We provide links to some Sanyo equipment at

• SANYO Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Split Systems, Inverters

Diagnose Error Code F0 - System charge shortage, Indoor Room Temperature Failure, or blockage protection

Error code F0 System charge shortage or blockage protection (Indoor room temperature failure)

What causes this code? How do I repair it? On 2015-12-02 by Ed -

Reply by (mod) - error codes & error lights in HVAC mini split systems

Eddie,

If on your split system

an F0 error code means charge shortage

that means there has been a refrigerant leak or loss that needs to be found, fixed, and the refrigerant charge corrected.

I don't know how to interpret "indoor room temperature failure" for certain without knowing the brand and model of your split system unit so that we could consult its manual.

Typically an "indoor room temperature failure" signals that

• the air filter is dirty or blocked
• the refirgerant is low becuase of a leak
• another internal part in the system has failed - you need an onsite service technician

More generally, error codes on HVAC equipment are not set to an industry standard. To know what "F0" means one would need to

1. identify the brand of your A/C or heat pump equipment

2. Get the model number from the equipment data plate

3. With #1 and #2, obtain the installation and maintenance manual or owners' guide for the equipment.

There in we'll pretty much always find a table of error codes, what they mean, what to do about it.

I can offer thus only a very general opinion from your note:

it sounds as if there is either a refrigerant loss or a refirgerant metering device failure.

This is not likely to be something that a homeowner can repair; rather you'd need to call your HVAC service technician.

Diagnose P2 code on outdoor & P6 on indoor Carrier Mini Split heat pump

Put in a carrier mini split heat pump in the spring. Heat pump with 2 heads. Ac ran great all summer, first call for heat, compressor over 212 f and a p2 code on outdoor and p6 on indoor - On 2020-12-11 by Brian -

Reply by (mod) - check first for an ice-blocked evaporator coil in the air handler

Brian

A P6 error code on a Carrier heat pump indicates either that there is a compressor over-current OR that the evapor coil is iced over.

So the first thing to do is take a look at the evaporator coil in the indoor unit to see if it's ice blocked.

If so, see our repair advice at FROST BUILD-UP on AIR CONDITIONER COILS  - it could be something as trivial as a dirty air filter!

Watch out: a P2 error code on a Carrier Heat Pump indicates that the inverter module is either overheating or has an over-current condition.

Your repair tech will check that the IPM module connections are tight and that the coil is un-damaged.

What is the model No. of your Carrier mini split heat pump? You can see that on the unit's data tag.

Where can I get a manual with Sharkaire mini-split error codes?

Hi I have a Sharkaire mini split system. I turned it from air to heat. But the heat is barely warm.

The air worked fine. But the room is cold. It's barely heating. It doesn't have any error codes. Any suggestions? - On 2020-12-03 by Lillian Maynard -

Reply by (mod)

Lillian

That sounds like an electric heater is not working. I'd give Sharkaire a call or perhaps faster an email. Contact information is at

SHARKAIRE AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMPS

How to get the fan to turn off automatically on a Sharkair mini split

Hi I just had a sharkaire 12,000 btu mini split professionally installed.

My question is can you set them to automatically kick off after it reaches the temperature you have set?
I thought they would kick off and on when it needs too.

But mine is running all the time. Please help me. On 2018-05-14 by Lillian Maynard

Reply by (mod) -

Lillian

Pretty much every air conditioner system is controlled by a thermostat that will turn off cooling when the set-temperature has been reached.

However on some units the fan will continue to run, circulating room air.

Your Sharkaire A/C unit has a Timer feature that can be set to turn the unit on and off at specific times - not quite what you seek.

The Sharkaire A/C also has a fan speed control that will manually turn the fan speed up or down or off.

The feature you want - automatically turning the fan ON or OFF - will be found in the FAN MODE feature. There you can select LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH or AUTO. Set your fan to AUTO.

Above is a snapshot of the relevant page from the Sharkaire AIR CONDITIONER MANUAL [PDF] retrieved 2018/05/16, original source: http://sharkaire.com/

If you don't have the manual for your air conditioner you can download a copy from Sharkaire or from the live link just above, or you can contact the Sharkaire company at

SHARKAIRE AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMPS

Fujitsu Split System ASTA121cc Light Flash Codes

i have a fujitsu split model asta12lcc that has the operations and timer lights flash 3 times together and then the operations light flashes twice by itself. - On 2017-02-11 by danny skoglie

Replyu by (mod) fujitsu split model asta12lccm error codes

Danny

The installation/operation manual for your Fujitsu ASTA121CC air conditioner will give the error codes and their meanings. However in the Fujitsu catalog I could not find this model number.

The Fujitsu AST series air conditioners that I could find use the name ASTGnn... Can you check the model number and upate us or confirm it?

See FUJITSU Room Air Conditioners for free down-loads of manuals as PDF files

What is causing an 1 error code on all 3 split system heat pump units

My unit shuts off and has a reading of E1 on the unit. what could be the problem?

I know there's a switch on the box above the outside heat pump, when I turn it off n wait
a few seconds, turn it on, the system will work.

I have three units that is on this heat pump, and all three gives me a reading E1.

What could be the problem? On 2020-04-21 by joann - email re7727@aol.com thank you

Reply by (mod) - Causes of E1 Error on Typical Split System A/C or heat pump system

Joanne

To be sure we are interpreting your Split System E1 error code I would prefer to know the brand and model of your unit, because HVAC error codes are not always the same across all manufacturers, brands, and models.

But in general a split-system AC or heat pump unit

E-1 error means that there is a "communication error" between the controller and the indoor unit or the outdoor unit.

If the E1 error code has just recently-appeared on your HVAC system I suspect

- power loss to the outoor or indoor unit, so check that the circuit breaker (s) in the electrical panel and any remote-service switches or breakers are all in the "ON" position.

Next, try cycling power OFF, wait 1-3 minutes, then turn power back on to the unit(s).

Or


- on some split system heat pump or A/C units an E1 error code can indicate a failed thermistor or temperature sensor, meaning that a service call is needed to check and replace your room thermostat

Or


- an E1 error code could simply indicate a problem with the split system remote controller (try changing batteries).

If the E1 error code problem has always been present, since installation, then I suspect a wiring mistake when the E1 error code is shown.

Just in case we've mis-read the error code display

• E1 error indicates a communication error or failure between control and unit(s) or on some thermostats, a failed thermistor
• F1 error indicates that Outdoor ambient temperature sensor T4 has an open circuit or short circuit on the split system AC or heat pump unit
• P1 error indicates a voltage problem: over-voltage or under-voltage supply to the split system

Direct Air Split System Error Codes

''

Split System Error codes flash in rainy weather

Why would my Panasonic mini split multi-zone systems flash an error on all three wall units when it rains, then return to normal operation after the rain. On 2018-11-07 by Peter

Reply by (mod) -

My guess is that an electrical connector or circular control is getting wet. But it would be helpful to use the instruction manual to look up the flash code. Let me know

Split System A/C or Heat Pump Condensate Leak or Disposal FAQs

Is it safe to dump our mini split A/C unit condensate into a laundry tub or sink ?

We just had a mini split installed in our lab; the mechanic has put the end of condensate drain pipe to drain into our sink... is this safe? - On 2019-10-17 by Kathie

Reply by (mod) -

Condensate might be disposed of without issue in some sinks and in compliance with building codes, but because there are potential health questions I'd not accept such disposal into a sink where food is prepared or in other sensitive situations.

CONDENSATE DISPOSAL, IMPROPER

CONDENSATE DRAINS, CODES

give more authoritative answers than an off the cuff guess;

Illustration courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Tornto home inspection, education, & report-writing tool company.

Be sure to also review our repair suggestions

at SPLIT SYSTEM AC CONDENSATE LEAK REPAIR

How to repair a wall damaged by split system A/C condensate leak

If the adjacent wall has water damage how should it be properly repaired ? On 2021-01-19 by Ann Griffin

On 2021-01-19 - by (mod) - If the adjacent wall has water damage how should it be properly repaired?

Ann

The proper repair for an interior wall depends on the wall materials as well as the extent of damage.

For example if water leaked into a drywall surfaced cavity there is risk of both rot and mold contamination as well as wet insulation, all of which justify at the very least an invasive inspection of the wall cavity to see if demolition is needed.

Moldy drywall is cut out, the exposed surfaces cleaned, and then the leak cause must be repaired before the wall is restored.

And of course be sure that the condensate leak source is fixed before closing up the wall again.

Doesn't like ductless split system A/C because orf condensate leak problems.

I would not have one of these ductless split air conditioners. I would have a puddle of water or more condensate on the wall, between the walls, and on
the floor in the room where it is installed. It could cause a real mess and do a lot of damage in my house. - On 2019-08-16 by Sandy

Reply by (mod) -

Sandy

Thanks for sharing your opinion of ductless (split system) A/C systems.

There are millions of split system A/C and heat pump systems installed; properly installed and maintained they are a very effective and successful product.

And if you are seeing condensate leaks from your air conditioner or heat pump, that is certainly not a problem confined to ductless or split systems.

For example see CONDENSATE LEAKS

But I agree that if split system A/C is not properly installed you could have a condensate spillage problem.

Mini split system leaks down the wall behind the unit

My mini split leaks down the wall from the back of the unit the only thing I can figure is where the line that goes through the wall warm air is coming in could this be the problem. On 2018-09-18 by Scott -

Reply by (mod) -

Scott

If the leak you are seeing is wet or water there are two common causes repair.

When is that the condensate drain from your unit has become clogged

The other is that the unit is not sloped properly on the wall in condensate in the tray is not flowing to the drain

Of course other possible causes but I'm giving you the two most likely

Will a Mitsubishi wall unit cause sooty residue indoors?

Will using a Mitsubishi air and Heating wall unit cause a sooty residue on items in your home when dirty? - On 2017-11-06 by Ma

Reply by (mod) - No

Ma,

I think you're talking about an air conditioning or heat pump system. An electrically-operated system like that is not burning a fossil fuel and would not be expected to be a soot source.

However IF your unit has no air filter installed it's possible that you'd see dark stains on indoor walls where unfiltered air blows out of the unit onto nearby surfaces.

Be sure to see the diagnostics at

THERMAL TRACKING BRIDGING GHOSTING 

Watch out: ANY electrical appliance that has an electrical failure could produce smoke and soot - not in normal operation but if it has failed, and such units may be unsafe.

If you suspect soot or smoke coming out of your split system wall unit turn it off immediately and check for a fire.

Condensate leaks on new split system AC - shared drain?

We have a new split unit--with a 12 and a 7 outlet. When one unit is in off mode and the other in Cool mode, the Off Unit begins to accumulate condensation and then to leak water.

Must both units always be in the same mode, or can one be turned off? On 2016-08-15 by Harvey N

Reply by (mod)

Harvey,

The split units I've worked on use individual condensate lines from each indoor air handler to the outdoors.

It sounds to me as if your system condensate lines need to be investigated. Perhaps they share a condensate drain and the drain outlet is blocked.

Also check for a wall-mount that's not level on the wall; condensate may not make it to the tray drain opening.

Split System A/C or Heat Pump Noise FAQs

How to fix a very noisy Sanyo KHS2472 unit

Our Sanyo KHS2472 has become very noisy. We have cleaned it thoroughly. It is a whirring noise that gets louder, and then subsides some.

Over the past 2 years it has become noisy enough it is difficult to hear TV at times.

Seems to be the fan, and it seems like the power is having a surge through the unit that it subsides somewhat.

Heats and cools great. Doesn't seem to be a way to get to the fan. Suggestions? - On 2019-03-26 by Kathy -

Reply by (mod) - Sanyo KHS2472 has become very noisy

Kathy take a look at the diagnostic suggestions at

NOISES, HVAC SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS - home

and


NOISES, HVAC SOUND DESCRIPTIONS

and let me know if that helps you out.

 

Sanyo KHS 1872 split system AC Humming Noise in Heat Mode

Have a Sanyo KHS 1872 split system AC. About 4 years old and starts/runs fine except for high pitched, steady humming when running in HEAT mode only. Does not hum when in AC mode.

Humming is from inside unit

Have cleaned filters. Do you know what the cause might be? Thanking you so much in advance. On 2016-11-14 by Gwen Sullivan

Reply by (mod)

Humming can be from a motor that's failing or more urgent, a stuck or failing electrical control such as a relay.

See our more-detailed HVAC Humming Noise diagnostic suggestions at

HVAC NOISE-3 HISS HOWL HUFF HUM - hiss, howl, huff, hum, groan, woo wuu wuff or humming noises

I hear a clicking noise but my split system won't start

i shut down the system whn i heard the clicking and i guess it kicked the breaker. i haven't restarted it or flipped the breaker back yet - On 2016-03-06 by betty

Reply by (mod) clicking noise but split system won't start

I'd leave the system off as it sounds as if a motor was unable to start. Keeping power off while waiting for repair reduces the chance of other damage.

Split System A/C Start/Stop FAQs

Question: minisplit AC turns itself on and off at will intermittently

My minisplit AC turns itself on and off at will intermittently, but otherwise works very well for days. any suggestions (Aug 4, 2014) Wayne

Reply:

Wayne,

Check out the diagnostics at inspectapedia.com/aircond/HVAC_Compressor_Hard_Start.php where we discuss intermittent AC operation under the aegis of hard-starting compressors.

 

Question: Fujitsu inverter A/C Heat Pump slow start in Heat Mode

Our Fujitsu inverter air conditionig/heat pump,works perfectly on cool mode. But when we changed to heat mode it takes about 5 min to start. Then ventilation is very low and cold.

After another 5 or 6 minutes the compressor stops as well as the inner ventilation. The "operation" green light remains still (no blinks), but the equipment won't start again. What can be happening? (Oct 23, 2014) Freitas

Reply:

Freitas

Possibly there is a control board or relay problem, or the reversing valve is not operating. It's time for a service call. Keep us posted.

 

Mini Split System Turns On By Itself

I have just installed a min split unit in my house

When I set the breaker the out side unit turns on by itself.

The inside unit start to cool but I can't shut the unit down with remote only if the breaker is tripped. On 2016-10-21 by Rudy

Reply by (mod) - can't shut the split system down with the remote

Start by setting the unit's thermostat well above indoor temperature (if it's in coolng mode) or well below indoor temperature ( if it's in heating mode) and then you should see it turn off.

If that doesn't help check:

- improper switch setting on the wall unit or on the remote control unit perhaps set to manual-on mode

- dead batteries in the remote

- something else we've not thought-of

 

Split System Electrical Problem FAQs

Question: Tripping breakers on AC systems

Our Split System ACunit was running good, but keeps tripping the circuit breaker.

Now there is no cold air coming out and it feels the blower is now putting out warm air. (Aug 17, 2014) Anonymous

Reply:

Anon

Tripping breakers on AC systems often mean a compressor motor is failing.

If the outdoor compressor/condenser unit isn't working then even if the indoor blower unit runs it will only provide warm air rather than cool air when you're in cooling mode.

Your service technician will also check for a burnt-out compressor motor or for electrical wiring shorts or a control board burn-up.

 

Split System A/C Frost / Ice FAQs

Question: we see large pieces of ice accumulated inside the wall mounted unit

(Sept 21, 2014) Deena said:

If we have our mini split on for 8 hours, we see large pieces of ice accumulated inside the wall mounted unit.

The air output also seems to be weak. We have pulled the filters are cleaned them. Other than air output, we haven't noticed anything wrong with the unit. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Reply:

Ice accumulation can block air flow and thus reduce cooling effectiveness.

On a cooling coil ice often means either a blocked dirty air filter on the return air side or low refrigerant.

We explain this

at FROST BUILD-UP on AIR CONDITIONER COILS

Question: a heat pump stays in the defrost mode

Why does a heat pump stay in the defrost mode? (Oct 23, 2014) Anonymous

Reply:

Look for a stuck or failed relay or a bad control board.

Icing on the Split System Indoor Unit

Can someone help me

Have a heat pump two zone run great when both fan are blowing but when turn off fan downstairs lined start to ice up and compressor kicks off font know why On 2016-05-31 by James d

Reply by (mod) heat pump needs service

You really system need service, perhaps a refrigerant leak or a bad expansion valve.

Unfortunately, No one can diagnose your system from your e-text.

 

Mitsubishi 4 ton mini split and the outdoor unit is icing up

Can you suggest what one might do to troubleshoot the following problem. I have a Mitsubishi 4 ton mini split and the outdoor unit is icing up at the accumulator. I carefully measured the added refrigerant so.

Anyway it is the accumulator icing up not the compressor. On 2016-03-05 by ken lentz -

Reply by (mod)

Ken, unless you're a trained HVAC repair tecnician using the proper refrigerant gauges set and charging equipment, it's likely that your system is not properly charged with refrigerant.

Other causes of icing might be a fan not working or blocked coils.

See our detailed diagnostics

at FROST BUILD-UP on AIR CONDITIONER COILS

and HEAT PUMP OUTDOOR UNIT DEFROST CYCLE

Why is Samsung Ductless Heat Pump Freezing Up?

Why is my Samsung ductless heat pump outside unit freezing up? (Mar 27, 2013) Dennis G.Gabriel said:

Reply:

Dennis,

Could be low refrigerant, bad expansion valve, defective control, blocked coils. You need a service call by a professional.