Daikin Mini Split Error Codes: U4, A5, U0 and the Rest
A Daikin wall unit blinks its operation lamp when it stops on a fault, and the remote reads the code: hold the timer Cancel button until 00 blinks, then press until a long beep. U4 means the indoor and outdoor units are not talking, A5 is often a clogged filter, U0 is a refrigerant shortage, and E7 is the outdoor fan.
A Daikin wall unit does not show its fault code on the front. It stops and blinks its operation lamp, and the code is read with the remote, which beeps when it lands on the right one. It takes a minute once you know the button.
Everything on this page comes from Daikin Industries’ own documents: its “Simple Self-Diagnosis by Malfunction Code” list and “How to Check Error Codes” guide from the after sales service division, and Daikin’s operation manual for its residential wall units. The meanings and likely causes are Daikin’s.
Before you start
What to carry: the remote, a torch and a pen. Ten minutes.
Gas or electric? A mini split is all electric, a heat pump that heats and cools.
Check the remote’s model. It is printed on the remote, starting with ARC. Most Daikin wall remotes use the timer Cancel method below, and a few use a three button method.
Give it three minutes first. Daikin says the unit restarts by itself about 3 minutes after a power cut, and may stop for the same time after a big voltage swing.
Do not attempt the repair yourself. Daikin’s manual warns that incorrect work can cause electric shock or fire. The checks on this page stop at things an owner can see and clear.
What the operation lamp is telling you
Do Daikin's first step for your lamp
Blinking and the unit will not start. Daikin says to turn off the power at the circuit breaker, then restart with the remote. If the lamp is still blinking, read the code and call your dealer.
It stopped while running and the lamp is blinking. Daikin asks whether anything is blocking the air inlet or outlet of the indoor or outdoor unit. Stop it, switch off the breaker, remove the obstruction and restart.
It stopped while running and the lamp is lit. Daikin says the unit may stop after a sudden large voltage swing to protect itself, and restarts in about 3 minutes.
The outdoor fan runs after you switch off. Normal. Daikin says it keeps turning for about a minute to protect the system.
Reading the code with the remote
Find the code
Hold the timer Cancel button for 5 seconds, with the remote pointed at the indoor unit. Daikin says 00 blinks in the temperature display.
Press the timer Cancel button again and again. Each press shows the next code. A short beep means it is not that one. A long beep means the code on the screen is the fault.
00 with a long beep means no fault is stored. To leave, hold the Cancel button for 5 seconds again, or leave the remote alone for a minute.
The three button remotes. Daikin says some ARC433B remotes enter the check by pressing TEMP up, TEMP down and MODE together. The ten’s figure blinks, and you step it with TEMP until the beeps say it is right: two short beeps for the first figure, a long beep for both.
The ARC447A remote. Daikin says holding its timer Cancel button for 5 seconds takes the display straight to the code, with a long beep.
What each code means
These are the codes Daikin lists for its residential units, from its operation manual and its service list, with the likely causes from the service list.
| Code | What Daikin says it means | Likely causes Daikin lists |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | Normal | No fault stored |
| U0 | Refrigerant shortage | A shortage, or a blockage in the piping |
| U2 | Voltage drop or main circuit overvoltage | Supply voltage, a brief power cut |
| U4 | Indoor and outdoor units not communicating | Wiring, outdoor unit power off, a board |
| UA | Indoor and outdoor units do not match | Wrong model or board connected |
| A1 | Indoor control board | The board, or electrical noise |
| A3 | Drain level control | A clogged drain, an uphill drain, the pump |
| A5 | High pressure control in heating, freeze-up protection in cooling | A clogged indoor filter, blocked airflow |
| A6 | Indoor fan motor | The motor, its wiring, the board |
| C4 | Indoor coil temperature sensor | The sensor or its plug |
| C9 | Room air temperature sensor | The sensor or its plug |
| CC | Humidity sensor | The sensor or its plug |
| E1 | Outdoor control board | The board or the wiring between units |
| E3 | High pressure switch tripped | A dirty outdoor coil, the switch |
| E5 | Compressor overload | A locked compressor, high pressure |
| E6 | Compressor failed to start | The compressor, a stop valve not opened |
| E7 | Outdoor fan motor | Something caught in the fan, the motor |
| E8 | Compressor overcurrent | The compressor or the outdoor board |
| EA | Cooling and heating switching error | The four way valve, a gas shortage |
| F3 | Discharge pipe too hot | The pipe temperature or its sensor |
| F6 | High pressure control in cooling | Too much refrigerant, a sensor unplugged |
| F8 | Stopped on compressor internal temperature | Technician |
| H0 | Compressor sensor system | A loose harness, the board |
| H6 | Compressor position detection | The compressor cable or the compressor |
| H8 | Compressor current sensor | The inverter wiring or the board |
| H9 | Outdoor air temperature sensor | The sensor or its plug |
| J3 | Discharge pipe temperature sensor | The sensor or its plug |
| J6 | Outdoor coil temperature sensor | The sensor or its plug |
| J8 | Liquid pipe temperature sensor | The sensor or its plug |
| L3 | Electrical parts overheating | Hot air short circuiting, the outdoor fan |
| L4 | Inverter heatsink too hot | Hot air short circuiting, the fin sensor |
| L5 | Output overcurrent | The compressor or the inverter board |
| P4 | Inverter heatsink temperature sensor | The sensor or the inverter board |
The checks that are yours
Work the owner checks, breaker off first
A5: the filters. Daikin’s first listed cause is a clogged indoor filter. Wash the filters, and make sure nothing sits in front of the unit where its air could loop straight back in: how to wash mini split filters.
U4: the outdoor unit’s power. Daikin lists the outdoor unit’s power supply being off. Check its breaker and the disconnect switch beside it.
E7: the outdoor fan. Daikin lists a fan that cannot turn because something is caught in it. With the breaker off, look for sticks, leaves or ice.
E3, L3 and L4: the outdoor unit’s air. Daikin names a dirty outdoor coil and hot air short circuiting, meaning the unit breathes its own exhaust. Clear space around it and rinse the coil: how to rinse an outdoor coil without bending the fins.
A3: the drain. Daikin lists a clogged drain and an upward slope. The drain hose must run downhill all the way: where a mini split’s water goes and how it backs up.
U2: the power. A voltage drop or a brief power cut. Switch off at the breaker, restore and restart.
When it needs a technician
Know when to stop
U0. A refrigerant shortage means a leak somewhere, or a blockage. Sealed system work for a licensed technician: signs the refrigerant is leaking.
E6 on a new install. Daikin lists a stop valve that was never opened. That is the installer’s job to put right.
F6 after a recharge. Daikin’s first listed cause is too much refrigerant. Tell whoever last added gas.
E5, E8, H6, L5 and EA. The compressor, its drive or the four way valve. Technician work.
The sensor and board codes. C4, C9, CC, H9, J3, J6, J8, P4, A1 and E1 are a sensor, its plug or a board. Give the technician the code you read with the remote.
Questions people ask
What does U4 mean on a Daikin mini split?
The indoor and outdoor units are not communicating. Daikin lists wiring faults, the outdoor unit’s power being off, and a faulty board. Check the outdoor unit has power, then call a technician if the code returns.
What does A5 mean on a Daikin?
High pressure control in heating or freeze-up protection in cooling. Daikin’s first listed cause is a clogged indoor filter, so wash the filters first.
What does U0 mean?
A refrigerant shortage. Daikin lists a shortage or a blockage in the piping. A reset will not fix it, and it needs a technician.
How do I check the error code on a Daikin?
Point the remote at the unit and hold the timer Cancel button for 5 seconds until 00 blinks. Keep pressing it, and the code showing at the long beep is the fault.
What does 00 mean on the Daikin remote?
No fault. It is the first code the check shows, and a long beep on 00 means nothing is stored.
Why is my Daikin blinking but working again after a reset?
Daikin says lightning or radio waves can make the unit malfunction, and a restart from the breaker can clear it. If the lamp blinks again, read the code before you call.
Sources: Daikin Industries "Simple Self-Diagnosis by Malfunction Code" and "How to Check Error Codes" (SM-TS3), and Daikin's operation manual for residential wall units
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