Error P3 in Air Conditioning Systems

The P3 error code in air conditioning systems can vary in meaning depending on the brand and model of the equipment. Below are the most common interpretations and the possible causes and solutions related to this error.

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Meanings of the P3 Error by Brand

1. High Compressor Discharge Temperature

• Affected Brands: Panasonic and Toshiba.
• Main Cause: Issues related to the compressor’s discharge temperature.
• Solution:
  • Ensure proper insulation of the air conditioning pipes.
  • Perform a thorough cleaning of the equipment to guarantee correct operation.

2. Compressor Overcurrent

• Affected Brands: Trane, Daewoo, Midea, and Carrier.
• Main Cause: Malfunction or protection triggered by high current in the compressor.
• Solution:
  • Check for short circuits, wiring issues, or faults in the electronic board.
  • Verify the voltage supply from the external electrical grid.
  • Measure the equipment’s current consumption to detect abnormalities.

3. Compressor Test Frequency

• Affected Brands: Electrolux and Gree.
• Main Cause: The compressor operates at an intermediate frequency during testing.
• Solution:
  • Disconnect the equipment for several minutes.
  • Reconnect it and check if the problem persists.
  • Check the position of the sensors.

4. Low Outdoor Temperature

• Affected Brands: Bosch, York, and General Electric.
• Main Cause: The outdoor ambient temperature is too low for normal operation.
• Solution:
  • Verify the position and connection of the outdoor temperature sensor, typically located on the condenser grill or the outdoor unit.
  • Use a multimeter on the kilo-ohm scale to measure the sensor’s resistance, ensuring it does not show infinite or zero values.
  • Compare the obtained values with a resistance-temperature chart, if available.

5. Low Refrigerant Pressure Issues

• Affected Brand: Daikin.
• Main Cause: Related to insufficient refrigerant pressure.
• Solution: Check for possible refrigerant leaks and follow the steps to repair and recharge the system.

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General Guide for Diagnosing and Solving the P3 Error

1. Check Ventilation:
   • Ensure that the indoor and outdoor units are not blocked by any obstructions.
   • Inspect the fan blades to rule out damage or bearing issues.
2. Clean the Equipment:
   • Clean the condenser of the outdoor unit and the heat exchanger of the indoor unit to prevent dirt buildup.
3. Verify Current and Voltage:
   • Measure the compressor’s current consumption and ensure it is within normal parameters.
   • Check the power supply voltage to detect potential issues with low or high voltage.
4. Inspect the Overload Protector:
   • Confirm that the wiring is in good condition.
   • Measure the resistance between the overload protector’s ports; the value should be close to zero or less than 500 ohms.
5. Detect Refrigerant Leaks:
   • Visually inspect the pipe joints for traces of refrigerant oil.
   • Use soapy water or a leak detector to confirm.
   • Repair detected leaks, vacuum the system, and recharge it with the appropriate refrigerant.
6. Check the Main Board (PCB):
   • If the error persists after verifying the previous steps, consider replacing the external main board with an original spare part.