Fujitsu Mini Split Error Code & Troubleshooting Guide

If you live in a moderate climate, there are few better ways to heat and cool your home than with a Fujitsu mini-split. Fujitsu is one of the leading names in mini-splits, and they often get named one of the top five brands. However, problems with properly installed Fujitsu mini-splits are minimal, but they’re not impossible. 

Fujitsu mini-splits are equipped with special fault detection technology, making it easier to ensure your mini-split operates smoothly. Most models will flash a series of numbers and/or letters to signify when there’s a problem. It’s then up to you to diagnose which problem is occurring and why. 

While problems aren’t typical with Fujitsu mini-splits, a few happen more than others. This article will cover some of the most common Fujitsu mini-split error codes, how to find them, and what to do about them. 

How to Read Fujitsu Mini-Split Error Codes 

Your error code will manifest differently based on the year and model of your mini-split. Some models have a light system where a series of red or green flashes indicates there’s a problem. However, like most mini-splits, newer Fujitsu models will display the error code on the remote control of the Fujitsu. Here’s how it works. 

1. Your mini-split will likely cease operations without warning, and you’ll see an EE:EE pop up on your remote control, indicating there’s a problem. 
2. On your remote control, press either the TEMP UP and TEMP DOWN buttons simultaneously or the ENERGY SAVE and ZONE CONTROL buttons simultaneously. 
3. Hold these buttons in for more than three seconds, then release them. 
4. The error code should appear on the remote control LCD as a set of letters or numbers. 
5. Once you know the error code, it’s up to you to look it up online or in your owner’s manual to see what it means. 
6. If it’s something, you can fix yourself, great! If not, you should schedule an appointment with a licensed HVAC professional, preferably one familiar with Fujitsu mini-splits. 
7. To remove the error code from the display and attempt to start your unit up once again, press the same buttons for more than three seconds. 

There are dozens of error codes, and many have very different remedies. While attempting to repair problems yourself is tempting, you should always be aware of your limitations. There’s always a chance you could make the problem worse than it already is. 

What are the Most Common Fujitsu Mini Split Error Codes? 

E:00 – Indoor Unit to Remote Control Communication Problem 

One of the most common issues with all mini-split brands is when the indoor unit and the remote control lose communication. The remote control is the only way to regulate the temperature of your mini-split and the only way to turn it on or off or change settings. Your remote control will also tell you when there’s a problem and what the problem is. 

So, your mini-split won’t operate correctly when you have a communication problem between the indoor unit and the remote control. Luckily, this type of error will manifest by flashing an EE:EE on your remote control followed by an E:00 when you get into troubleshooting mode. 

How to Fix 

When there’s a communication issue between the remote control and the indoor unit, several things could be happening. 

1. Make sure that the batteries in your remote control are new and working. Even when the batteries are low, it tends to cause an error code.  
2. It’s also possible that the unit didn’t get wired correctly, and the indoor unit cannot detect a remote control. 
3. The circuit board could have a problem or a blown fuse. 

E:00 error codes are quite common, but they’re also very easy to decipher. Most times, the issue is simply due to dying batteries in your remote control; all you have to do is replace them. If you replace the batteries in the remote control and the issue persists, you may have to contact a service professional to delve deeper into the issue. 

E:01 – Communication Problem Between Indoor and Outdoor Units 

Communication problems between the indoor and outdoor units are nearly as common as communication issues between the indoor unit and the remote control. However, the problems typically stem from different things. 

Communication issues between the indoor and outdoor units are almost always because of improper wiring or a severed connection. The error code on the remote control will read E:01, which means that the outdoor unit is having trouble understanding the commands from the indoor unit. 

These two units work together and get connected with a series of four wires, usually contained inside one sheath. If any of these wires are connected at the wrong points or are severed or damaged, the indoor unit will be unable to tell the outdoor unit what to do. Typically, the entire system will cease operations, and your mini-split will go into error mode. 

How to Fix 

Communication issues could be easy or difficult problem to repair, depending on what it is. Hopefully, whoever installed your mini-split didn’t attach the wires correctly, and all you have to do is switch one or two of them around. However, installing a new one could be extremely difficult if the wires are severed between the indoor and outdoor units, especially on a finished house. 

1. Make sure that power is off to the mini-split. 
2. Remove the protective cover on the outdoor unit to access the electrical wiring. 
3. There should be a low voltage wire with red, white, blue, and green or black wires inside it. 
4. Each of these wires gets wired into its terminal in a left-to-right formation. 
5. Take note of the order of the wires and gently wiggle each one to ensure they’re tight but not overtightened. 
6. Go to the indoor unit and raise the outer cover. 
7. Remove an inner cover on the right side of the unit to access the electrical wiring. 
8. Take note of the order of the wires on the indoor unit and make sure they’re the same as the outdoor unit. 
9. If any of the wires got switched around, this is likely the reason for your error code. 
10. Reattach the wires in the correct order, or, if they’re correct, gently wiggle each one to make sure they’re snug without being overtightened. 
11. Try restarting your unit and see what happens. 
12. If your mini-split still won’t start, there is likely a cut in the communication wire between the indoor and outdoor units, and you’ll have to install a new one. 

E:09 – Water Levels are High Inside the Indoor Unit 

Another common issue with most mini-splits is that they tend to have drainage issues. On Fujitsu models, this problem gets signified by an E:09 error code, which means that water isn’t draining out of the back of the indoor unit and could potentially start overflowing. 

Water accumulates inside the head unit because mini-splits draw condensation out of the air as they operate. When the mini-split operates as it should, water accumulates in a reservoir inside the unit and drains through a pipe outside your home. However, several problems can cause improper drainage, no drainage, or water draining into your home. 

How to Fix 

E:09 error codes are extremely important to fix immediately because they could signify impending water damage. If you continue to run your mini-split with this error code, water will eventually spill out of the back of your unit and down your wall. Here’s what you need to do to avoid that problem. 

1. Purchase or rent a Mighty Bracket Head Unit Mini-Split Helper so you can pull the indoor unit away from the wall, rest it on the bracket, and free both hands to work on the issue. 
2. Start by disconnecting the condensation hose from the drain port on the back of the mini-split. 
3. Use a funnel to pour water through the drain, and have someone outside to see if water is running out. 
4. If water is exiting the pipe, the condensate drain isn’t clogged, which is a good start. 
5. You should also ensure the plastic portion of the drain attached to the mini-split isn’t kinked or damaged. 
6. If everything checks out, your float switch is the most likely culprit. 
7. It’s possible that the float switch is busted or that it blew a fuse on the circuit board. 

E:08 – Electrical or Power Failure 

If a professional HVAC technician installed your mini-split, you shouldn’t have a power failure problem. However, it’s possible that a wire got connected at the wrong spot or your home experienced a power surge that blew a fuse or circuit. Either way, you’ll probably see an E:08 error code, which means you have an electrical problem. 

How to Fix 

The most likely reason for an electrical problem is that your outdoor unit has high-voltage wires running to the wrong places. Most Fujitsu models have three terminals for electrical wires labeled L1, L2, and C. Your hot wires should attach to L1 and L2. The ground wire, the green or bare one, should go to C. Make sure that you turn the power off to your mini-split before checking electrical wiring by flipping the circuit breaker at the main electrical panel. 

You should also check your disconnect, which acts as an outdoor power switch to turn your mini-split on and off easily. The disconnect should be beside or behind the mini-split, usually attached to the wall. Lift the disconnect’s outer and inner covers and ensure the wires are running to the correct locations. 

If the wiring checks out, you likely have a blown fuse or fried motherboard on your indoor or outdoor unit. Troubleshooting all the possibilities is tedious, difficult, and better left to an HVAC service tech. 

E:OE – High Discharge Temperature or Heatsink Error 

I:0E is one of many possible error codes indicating you have a problem with your refrigerant. It’s also the most common error code, so it’s the one we’ll focus on. Refrigeration problems are usually accompanied by frozen coils, a lack of airflow, and various other issues. The most likely culprit for refrigeration issues is that you have something blocking the flow of refrigerant, a refrigerant leak, or low refrigerant levels. 

How to Fix 

Unfortunately, only an HVAC professional with the proper tools and training can diagnose and fix refrigeration problems. They will put their AC gauges on the outdoor unit and check the levels to ensure you have the right amount of freon. If the levels are low, they will refill it to the appropriate amount, but low levels often mean you leak somewhere in the refrigeration line or the coils. 

If the leak is severe, the problem will continue, and you’ll have to take more serious measures to repair the problem. 

How to Reset a Fujitsu Mini-Split

Depending on the error code and issue with your mini-split, you might be able to fix it with a simple reset. Resetting your Fujitsu mini-split is very easy and fixes many issues. Here’s what you need to do. 

1. Locate the main electrical panel for your home. 
2. Open the outer cover and locate the circuit breaker that controls your mini-split. 
3. Flip the breaker to the OFF position and leave it there for at least 10 minutes. 
4. After 10 minutes, flip the breaker back to the ON position. 
5. Restart your Fujitsu mini-split and see if the error code has disappeared. 
6. If it hasn’t, your problem is likely the cause of a bigger issue requiring in-depth examination. 

Related Questions 

Why is my Fujitsu Halycon blinking? 

If you have the Fujitsu Halycon mini-split and you notice a light on it is blinking, it means you have an error code. The Halycon is a few mini-split models that use the blinking light error code system. Take note of the color of the blinking light and how many times it flashes, then check your owner’s manual to find the correlating error code. 

Why is my Fujitsu operation light blinking? 

As with the Halycon, several other Fujitsu models have operation lights that signify error codes. At times, the light gets used solely to signify an error code, while on other models, you’ll have to check the color of the light and the number of blinks to determine the exact error code. 

How do you troubleshoot a mini-split? 

The only way to troubleshoot a mini-split is to look up the error code signaled and determine what it is. You can then repair the problem or hire a professional for in-depth troubleshooting. 

Final Thoughts 

Fujitsu mini-splits are durable, efficient, and minimalistic heating and cooling appliances. However, they’re not infallible and will have their fair share of problems, especially as they get older.

While self-maintenance and professional maintenance are the best way to prevent these issues, it’s still important to recognize when there’s an error code. Knowing how to look up the error code, decipher what it means, and take immediate action is equally important.