Common Daikin and Panasonic Aircond Error Codes Explained
Understand the most common error codes on your Daikin or Panasonic aircond. Quick reference guide with explanations and when to call a professional technician.
Understanding Your Aircond Error Codes
A blinking light on your air conditioner usually happens at the worst possible time. You just want to cool down after a long day in KL traffic, but instead, you are greeted by a flashing LED and warm air.
It feels frustrating.
These codes are actually helpful diagnostic tools rather than just signs of failure. The unit is telling you exactly which component is struggling.
We have found that understanding these signals saves homeowners time and unnecessary panic. A specific code helps you decide if a simple reset will fix the issue or if a professional aircond repair is unavoidable.
Daikin and Panasonic dominate the Malaysian market for good reason. At PJ Kool Aircond Service, we handle hundreds of service calls for these brands across Petaling Jaya and the Klang Valley every month.
Here is the practical data you need to decode those signals.
Daikin Error Codes
Daikin systems are known for their self-diagnosis accuracy. The error usually appears on the wired remote controller or through a specific blinking pattern on the indoor unit’s “Timer” light.
If you do not see a code on the remote immediately, you can retrieve it manually.
Pro Tip for Wireless Remotes: Hold down the “Cancel” button for 5 seconds until “00” blinks on the screen. Press “Cancel” repeatedly until you hear a long beep. That beep indicates the specific error code matching your unit’s fault.
Most Common Daikin Error Codes
| Error Code | Technical Meaning | Practical Impact | Estimated Repair Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | PCB (circuit board) malfunction | Unit refuses to start or acts erratically | High (Requires part replacement) |
| E3 | High pressure switch activated | System is over-pressurized or clogged | High (Requires gauge check) |
| E4 | Low pressure switch activated | Compressor shuts down to prevent damage | High (Likely gas leak) |
| E5 | Compressor overload | Motor is overheating or seizing | High (Critical failure risk) |
| E7 | Outdoor fan motor fault | Fan stops spinning; cooling stops | Medium/High (Motor replacement) |
| F3 | Discharge pipe temperature high | System is running too hot | Medium (Gas or blockage issue) |
| F6 | Abnormal refrigerant pressure | Cooling is inconsistent or weak | High (Leak search needed) |
| U0 | Low refrigerant (Gas shortage) | Coil freezes up; blowing warm air | Medium (Leak repair + top-up) |
| U2 | Voltage abnormality | Unit cuts out during storms | Medium (Power supply check) |
| U4 | Signal transmission error | Indoor unit cannot “talk” to outdoor unit | Medium (Wiring check) |
Daikin Error Code E1: PCB Malfunction
This remains the most frequent hardware failure we diagnose in Petaling Jaya, especially during the monsoon season. The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) acts as the brain of your aircond.
We often trace this failure back to electrical surges.
Lightning strikes or unstable voltage from the grid can fry the sensitive electronics on the board. Once the PCB fails, the unit typically becomes unresponsive to the remote control.
What to do: Switch off the aircond at the main isolator (the white switch on your wall) immediately. Leave it off for at least 15 minutes to let the capacitors discharge.
Try turning it back on.
If the E1 code returns instantly, the board is likely damaged. A replacement board typically costs between RM350 and RM650, depending on whether your unit is a standard or inverter model.
Daikin Error Code U0: Low Refrigerant
A U0 code is a clear sign that your system is running low on gas. This is not something that happens naturally in a sealed system.
It almost always indicates a leak.
Older units (5+ years) often develop micro-fractures in the copper piping due to vibration. You might notice ice forming on the copper pipes near the outdoor unit before the code even appears.
What to do: Do not simply ask a technician to “top up the gas.” Adding gas without fixing the leak is a temporary waste of money. The technician must locate the leak source—usually at the flare nuts or joints—repair it, and then refill the system with R32 or R410A refrigerant.
Panasonic Error Codes
Panasonic units are engineered with a user-friendly diagnostic mode. Similar to Daikin, if the “Timer” light blinks, you can use the remote to identify the specific fault.
Use a paperclip or a small pin to press the “Check” button on your remote. Then, use the Up/Down arrows to scroll through the codes until the unit beeps.
Most Common Panasonic Error Codes
| Error Code | Technical Meaning | Urgency Level |
|---|---|---|
| H00 | Normal Operation | None (System is fine) |
| H11 | Communication failure | Medium (Wiring or PCB) |
| H14 | Indoor air sensor fault | Medium (Sensor replacement) |
| H15 | Compressor temp sensor fault | High (Protects compressor) |
| H16 | Outdoor current transformer fault | High (Electrical issue) |
| H19 | Indoor fan motor mechanism lock | High (Fan motor seized) |
| H23 | Indoor pipe temp sensor fault | Medium (Sensor replacement) |
| H27 | Outdoor air temp sensor fault | Medium (Sensor replacement) |
| F11 | Reversing valve fault | High (Heating/Cooling switch fail) |
| F91 | Refrigerant cycle trouble | High (Gas leak or blockage) |
| F95 | High pressure/Outdoor heat | Medium (Dirty condenser) |
| F97 | Compressor overheating | Critical (Shut down immediately) |
Panasonic Error Code H11: Communication Error
Our technicians encounter the H11 code more than any other Panasonic fault. It specifically means the indoor unit is sending a signal to the outdoor unit but getting no reply.
Why this happens:
- Wiring decay: The signal cable connecting the two units may be damaged by pests or weather.
- PCB Failure: The outdoor motherboard is often the culprit.
- Power inconsistency: A tripped breaker for the outdoor unit stops it from replying.
What to do: Perform a “hard reset” first. Turn off the main power supply for 20 minutes. If the code persists after restarting, the data cable likely needs re-terminating or the outdoor PCB requires replacement.
Panasonic Error Code F97: Compressor Overheating
This code is a critical safety warning. It means the heart of your aircond—the compressor—is reaching temperatures that will destroy it.
You must stop using the unit immediately.
Common triggers in KL:
- The “Stacked” Effect: In high-rise condos, outdoor units are often stacked in small yards. The hot air from one unit gets sucked into another, causing overheating.
- Dirt Buildup: A clogged condenser coil acts like a winter jacket, trapping heat inside the machine.
- Fan Failure: The outdoor fan is moving too slowly to expel heat.
What to do: Keep the unit off. Running an aircond with an F97 error can turn a RM200 chemical wash job into a RM1,500 compressor replacement job.
General Troubleshooting Steps for Any Error Code
You can sometimes clear a “glitch” code without a service call. Modern inverters are sensitive computers that occasionally need a reboot.
Step 1: The 15-Minute Power Reset
Electronic capacitors need time to fully drain. A quick on-off flick is rarely enough.
- Turn off the aircond using the remote.
- Switch off the main isolator (the large switch on the wall).
- Wait for 15 full minutes.
- Switch the isolator back on.
- Attempt to run the unit.
We see this simple step resolve roughly 30% of “communication” or “sensor” errors caused by minor power fluctuations.
Step 2: Physical Inspection
Take a quick look at the external factors before calling for help.
- Isolator Check: Ensure the outdoor unit’s separate power switch (if you have one) is in the “ON” position.
- Filter Status: A heavily clogged filter can trigger “Freezing Prevention” codes.
- Breaker Check: Look at your main electrical distribution box (DB) to see if a specific trip switch has flipped down.
Step 3: Document the Code
Technicians can arrive prepared if they know the code beforehand. Note down the alphanumeric code (e.g., “E4” or “H11”) or video the blinking pattern of the light.
This data allows us to bring the correct sensors or boards, potentially fixing the issue in a single trip.
When to Call a Professional
Some errors are dangerous to troubleshoot on your own.
Call a technician immediately if:
- The code relates to the compressor (E5, F97, H15).
- You smell burning plastic or ozone. This indicates a melting terminal block or PCB.
- The unit vibrates excessively.
- You see ice on the piping (U0, F91).
- The main circuit breaker trips instantly when you turn the aircond on.
Try troubleshooting first if:
- The error appeared directly after a neighborhood power outage.
- The code is a communication error (H11, U4) which may be a temporary glitch.
- The unit displays H00 (No fault found).
PJ Kool Aircond Service: Expert Diagnosis and Repair
Aircond issues rarely resolve themselves. Ignoring a warning light usually leads to more expensive repairs down the line.
Our team at PJ Kool Aircond Service carries the specific diagnostic computers and spare parts for Daikin, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, and York systems. We focus on fixing the root cause, whether it is a micro-leak in the refrigerant line or a faulty logic board.
If your unit is flashing an error code in Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, or Kuala Lumpur, contact us today. We will get your home cool and comfortable again.