Gree air conditioner error codes: how to decipher the fault symbol and repair the unit

Alexey Dedyulin
Checked by a specialist: Alexey Dedyulin
Author: remiron
Last update: January 2020

The climatic equipment of the Chinese company Gree has conquered the market for a long time. It is the world's largest manufacturer of air conditioners. The variety of models produced in all market segments makes itself felt - it is impossible to understand how blocking systems work and how self-diagnosis mechanisms work without a general idea of ​​their typical mistakes.

These air conditioners are not so complicated in comparison with equipment from manufacturers claiming to be high-tech rather than mass. After all, Gree air conditioner error codes are unified as much as possible. You just need to know where, what to look for and how to interpret.

But it would not be superfluous to know whether it is worth paying the money to the master immediately after the air conditioner is turned off, right? For our and your happiness, the manufacturer made it so that in most cases, the cause of a breakdown or at least the “sore part” of Gree air conditioners can be established by learning to use all their functions.

The most common Gree air conditioners

This is not an idle question, since in most cases the average person is rather poorly aware of the types of air conditioners. In addition, air conditioners of the same type often have several different names.

When talking about domestic air conditioners, in most cases they mean two-unit wall inverter split systems. Air conditioners without an inverter are already yesterday, in the world they are beginning to be banned for sale.

Gree air conditioning
Gree inverter air conditioners are the most popular air conditioner model in the world. Climatic equipment without an inverter is a thing of the past

If simplified, then split-systems are air conditioners, one of which hangs outside the window, the other indoors. Gree also produces multi-split systems. A multisplit system is when there is only one “box” outside the window, and there are several “boxes” inside the house and all literally create “weather in the house”.

Have you looked closely? Did you see the box outside the window? Well, that’s enough, we continue to diagnose.

Air conditioners of Griya can use refrigerants for work:

  • Freon R22;
  • Freon R410a.

The chemical formula of the first substance is difluorochloromethane, the second is a mixture of pentafluoroethane and difluoromethane. It is not necessary to remember the names, the main thing to remember is that the errors of the two- and multi-unit air conditioners of the Griya brand operating on different refrigerants are displayed the same.

General principles of diagnosis

The indicators of the sensors of the external unit are displayed on the control panel and indoor unit. Errors that are duplicated by the flashing of indicator lamps are displayed on the remote control. Their location and purpose is easy to remember, there are only three of them.

And you can not remember, they are signed on a number of models and their names are definitely in the instructions:

  1. Operation indicator (Running), its blinking is responsible for errors with letters E and H6.
  2. The indicator of heat (Heating mode), it “winks” if the air conditioner of Griya issued errors with letters H0-H9, FA, FH.
  3. Cold indicator (Cooling mode), errors F0-F9, FF.

The bulbs flash in a certain sequence, thereby “giving out” a particular error. Also, errors are duplicated on the unit itself and on the remote control. So counting the number of blinks that are repeated every 3 seconds is optional. Moreover, there may be 9 or 11.

A number of Gree air conditioner models have little or no display. Therefore, it is easiest to use a remote control for diagnostics, on which everything is written that you need to know to determine the malfunction. Diagnosis is based on the data of numerous sensors of the air conditioner.

First steps when the air conditioner malfunctions

And so, a terrible thing happened. The indicators blinked, the letter “errors” is displayed on the remote control, the air conditioner has turned off, can you start to panic already? In any case, panic is not necessary. First you need to de-energize the internal panel of the air conditioner. If a multisplit system is installed in the house, then all of them must be de-energized.

After this, wait 5 minutes and turn it back on. If, after switching on again, the same error is displayed again, you should find out what you have to deal with. It is possible that the sensors broke, and the system is in order. And perhaps there are not one, but several errors.

In this case, Gree air conditioners spotlight the most potentially dangerous error. For greater ease of perception, it is better to conditionally divide the errors that occur according to the indicators responsible for them.

Errors on the indicator of the air conditioner (E)

Error E0 Gree air conditioner means insufficient starting voltage. That is, most likely, “in the socket” is simply insufficient voltage. This is potentially dangerous for an air conditioner, since prolonged exposure to inrush currents on its power supply network can cause overheating, which will “burn” the insulation of the wiring, and then the appliance itself.

If the matter is “in the socket”, then the problem is solved by purchasing a voltage stabilizer, which will bring the voltage to the desired 220V.

But perhaps the matter is in the wiring of the air conditioner itself. Therefore, if the mains voltage is 220V, but the air conditioner still gives an error E0, then you need to check it.

Scheme of connecting the air conditioner to the electric main
Connecting both units of a split system to an electric circuit is not so simple. An incorrect connection will almost certainly cause errors and malfunctions

Error E1 - This is a shutdown in order to protect the compressor from too high a pressure. Error E3 means the compressor is too low pressure.

Sometimes to eliminate E1 wash the air conditioner air condenser well enough. If it is not sufficiently blown, then this leads to an increase in pressure of freon. If the air conditioner has a water condenser, check the water intake. Another possible reason is an excess of freon itself or an unregulated thermostatic valve.

Just in case, you should immediately check the valve. It should be at least open.If visually everything is normal, then you will have to call the wizard to adjust the contour. It is unlikely that you can adjust the valve yourself without skills and a pressure gauge (you may also have to adjust the discharge valve) and re-fill freon by weight is unlikely to succeed.

Performance Indicator Errors
Most errors in the operation indicator are related to the protection of the compressor - one of the most important components of the air conditioner

Too low pressure in the circuit can occur if the evaporator, fan or filter is dirty. That is, the algorithm of actions is exactly the same. First, dirt is removed, and then the contour is adjusted. You must also check the rolling density of the joints. If traces of oil are visible on them, then the mixture is leaking.

Error E2 means that the indoor unit of the air conditioner may start to freeze or is already freezing.

Using the example of this error, we can explain the general principle of diagnosing problems associated with the compressor (E1-E5):

  • Some kind of sensor is triggered, warning of a problem.
  • We remove pollution that can cause temperature extremes. Check the fan impeller. Anyway, the console “gives an error”?
  • Most likely, the problem is in the level of freon, leaking copper pipes are leaking, the temperature control valve or discharge valve is incorrectly adjusted.

If so, then most likely you will have to call the wizard. Since we are talking about either initially wrong installation of air conditioning (you will have to re-pipe and refill the air conditioner with freon), or about more serious problems that require replacement of components.

By the same principle, problems are solved. E5 (triggering of the compressor overload protection sensor) and E4 (triggering of the overpressure protection of the compressor discharge tube).

Error E6 indicates that there is no phase, that is, it is necessary to reconnect the switching. It is also necessary to check the switching if an error occurs. H6. Acting sequentially and without rushing, you can find a problem in the electrical circuit.

Error E7 – the contradiction of the given modes is typical for multisplit systems. One block of the multi-split system is set to a mode that contradicts another block of the same system. Air conditioning, in simple terms, got confused.

Error E8 means that the sensor of the electric motor of the indoor unit indicates overheating of the evaporator. Again, check the temperature control valve and discharge valve. If they are in order, then perhaps the freon simply ends in the evaporator. Or maybe the evaporator tubes clogged.

Air conditioner freon overheat
Adjusting the circuit with a thermostatic expansion valve and discharge valve is a delicate job that requires attention and accuracy. Read the pressure gauge carefully

Error shutdown E8 protects against the supply of too cold air in heating mode. Cold air can cause a liquid to form, which, if it gets into the compressor, will almost certainly damage it.

And finally, a mistake F0 means the discharge sensor is broken. Most likely, they are.

Errors on the indicator of a cold conditioner (F)

Errors on the cold indicator indicate a malfunction of the sensors. But how so? After all, it was written above that almost all errors in the operation indicator can be associated with the fact that the sensor does not work correctly.

This is where the priority rule for potentially more dangerous faults comes into effect. A compressor damaged by overheating or overload means that the air conditioner will break down completely. A failed sensor is only a potential breakdown.

In addition, sensors on Gree air conditioners cost a lot. Here are just a few of them:

  • on the evaporator (error F1)
  • on capacitor (error F2)
  • there is a sensor on the outdoor unit that measures outdoor performance (error F3)
  • discharge temperature sensor (error F4)
  • compressor discharge pipe sensor (error F5), the same tube that may overheat and give an error E4.

If the sensors do not work properly, then they must be changed, there is no other way out. You can determine if the temperature sensor is working or not using an ohmmeter or multimeter. They measures the resistance of the sensor. You will also need a thermometer. It measures the air temperature at the time of measurement.

Cold indicator errors
Errors on the cold indicator more often indicate a malfunction of the indicator sensors. You can check their serviceability using an ohmmeter, a thermometer and a table.

The nominal resistance at a specific temperature of Gree thermistors can be found in the detailed description of the model. In order to measure the resistance of a sensor, it is necessary to remove it from the circuit, therefore it is better to adequately evaluate your knowledge in electrical engineering. If in doubt, it is best to call a master. He is at the same time and the multimeter is calibrated.

Error F6 means that the condenser is overheating and the fan is operating at low speeds. In this case, an error F6 It does not always mean that the fan is not working properly. Perhaps the cause is a leak of freon.

Error F7 protects the air conditioner from oil leakage, triggering when it is carried away from the system. Mistakes F7 and F6 often happen almost simultaneously for the same reason - leakage of the working fluid on the roller joints of copper pipes.

It is necessary to carefully examine the connections, if there are traces of oil on them, you can begin to prepare at least to re-roll all the connections - the air conditioner was installed incorrectly.

Codes F8 and F9 talk about the threat compressor at low speed. F8 - the compressor is overloaded at low speed, F9 - at high discharge temperature and low speed. The reasons for compressor overload in this case can be anything at all. From commonplace dirt to a burnt control board. Therefore, it is better to immediately contact the service.

Error Ff indicates a lack of power at one of the phases, it is necessary to check the switching.

Errors on the heat indicator of the air conditioner (H)

The most common nuisance is code. H1. She is the most easily fixable.

The air conditioner stopped supplying heat because it turned on the defrost mode of the external unit. The control sensor of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit worked and the automation turned off the heat injection. It is fed to the outdoor unit, defrosting it. Defrosting - everything will work. If not, then you need to check the health of the sensor and the heat exchanger.

Heat indicator errors
Errors in the heat indicator can indicate a malfunction of the air conditioner circuit, as well as other problems of the external unit from the control board to the clogged drainage system

Error H2 means that the electrostatic filter is at risk, the one that collects dust and other particles circulating in the air. This filter can be cleaned. Or replace with a new one. According to reviews, it is Gree air conditioner filters that are one of the weaknesses. So it would be better to learn how to clean them in advance.

To do this, simply remove the filter from the air conditioner, rinse in a washing solution, rinse well under running water and dry thoroughly. And then paste it back.

An air conditioner with a dirty filter runs louder, and noticeable sparking is also possible. So you can take action without waiting for an error H2.

Air conditioner electrostatic filter
The electrostatic filter needs to be cleaned regularly. You can just wash it under running water. This will help to avoid big problems.

Error H3 protects the compressor from overheating. Overheating, as well as compressor overload, can occur due to leakage of oil, freon or freon and oil. First of all, it is necessary to check the roller connections. Or maybe due to a malfunction of the fan or condenser.

If there are no traces of oil on the connections, the fan is operating normally, and the external unit is clean, then you need to calibrate the circuit using the same pressure valve, thermostatic valve and pressure gauge.

Error H4 indicates a malfunction. If the air conditioner does not work after a restart, the problem is either in the control board or in the wrong installation.

The code H5 indicates a malfunction of the IPM outdoor unit. If the board is out of order, it must be changed.

Litera H7 means the compressor malfunction is indicated by an energy saving inverter (DC Inverter). It is he who is responsible for turning the compressor on and off in inverter split systems. Constant on and off sooner or later affect the compressor. Error H7 rarely happens for reasons that you can eliminate yourself.

Error H8 means that the automation considers the drainage system to be full of condensate. It is necessary to check the external drainage system. If it is clogged, clean it.

Condensate drain system
The condensate drain system is one of the simplest and most understandable air conditioning systems. You can clean it yourself

H9 - The problem is in the electric heater. First you need to check if it works. If it does not work, then the cause may be an open circuit. Or the heater burned out.

Problems H0 and Fh unambiguously mean that the temperature sensor was triggered on the evaporator (H0) or on the evaporator and condenser at a low speed. It is necessary to check the refrigerant circuit and the refrigerant level in the circuit as if it were an error. E7 and E8. The reasons are exactly the same, only the inverter sensors indicated them.

Thermostatic expansion valve circuit
The circuit with a thermostatic expansion valve is one of the basic systems that ensure the operation of the air conditioner. The performance and long-term service of HVAC equipment depends on its action.

Error under the letter Fh means the evaporator may freeze. A good conditioner can solve the problem on its own. If necessary, it must be cleaned. Also, the evaporator may freeze due to freon leakage or a malfunction of the valve and circuit valve settings.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Instructions for resolving the E4 error - refilling with freon by weight and reloading helped solve the problem:

As you can see, some breakdowns can be noticed by all three indicators. The only question is which indicator will notice the breakdown earlier. Therefore, before trying to correct errors on your own, you need to generally imagine how the internal and external units of the air conditioner are arranged, the principle of operation of the circuit and the principle of connecting the air conditioner to the mains.

After that, many questions will disappear by themselves. It will be enough to look at the table and remember what exactly this or that letter means. And then proceed according to circumstances.

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