Error on split-unit aircon

GodAtum · 9 Apr 2020 at 09:14

I have a split unit aircon that is giving an F5 error. According to the troubleshooting guide this means "Malfunction of outdoor module". But no guidance on how to actually fix it.

The power is OK, the indoor unit is OK, but the fan on the outdoor unit is not spinning. No cables or pipes look like they are broken.

Any help is greatly appreciated as obviously I cannot get a professional out to fix!

RJC · 9 Apr 2020 at 09:21

What make and model have you got?

Daft question have tried powering off for 5 mins then back on?

GodAtum · 9 Apr 2020 at 09:32

It's an eIQ-18WMINVB 18000 BTU Black Hitachi. Yes I've tried powering it off at the wall socket.

RJC · 9 Apr 2020 at 09:49

Being a generic brand there is not much trouble shooting guides out there.

One option if your happy to do this (your unit look like its a inverter model) is to unplug the inverter board comms cable and condenser fan motor and see if this detects any other error messages.

Also disconnect the electronic expansion valve.

*** ONLY DO THIS IF YOUR HAPPY ***

ShadowMan · 9 Apr 2020 at 11:35

We used to get F5 errors at work on hitachi units all the time in old building. If they reuse the codes then it was usually a compressor or inverter in the outside module for us.

ended up moving office before we ever replaced it but kept having to have fixes under support contract.

GodAtum · 9 Apr 2020 at 22:01

RJC said:
Being a generic brand there is not much trouble shooting guides out there.

One option if your happy to do this (your unit look like its a inverter model) is to unplug the inverter board comms cable and condenser fan motor and see if this detects any other error messages.

Also disconnect the electronic expansion valve.

*** ONLY DO THIS IF YOUR HAPPY ***

I had a poke around but don't think I'm qualified enough to do this

RJC · 9 Apr 2020 at 22:25

GodAtum said:
I had a poke around but don't think I'm qualified enough to do this

It can be a little fun in there, especially when you have the inverter for the compressor!

I used to work on these, but gone into our spare department.

YoungBlood · 10 Apr 2020 at 15:18

GodAtum said:
Any help is greatly appreciated as obviously I cannot get a professional out to fix!

Can't you though?
I mean, he can't work from home so is legally allowed to travel to work (your house) - I would have thought if he was OK with it and so were you and everyone was as sensible as they could be with distancing it would be fine.

If you had a huge water leak, and had to switch off the mains, you would expect a plumber to come out right?
If you can live without it for a few more weeks then it's a none issue, but as long as no one in the house is self isolating it would be OK?

I mean the fault is with the outdoor unit so, he might not even need to enter the house if you tell him the fault codes the indoor unit is showing.