Telephone Communication Limited also known as TCL is a China-based electronic products manufacturing company that started its operations in 1981. The company has made a great name and positive reputation in selling its huge list of products that include televisions, mobiles, washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners. The company is considered one of the best and when it comes to user experience, they are not behind any other company.
Their products have a self-diagnosis feature that displays specific error codes whenever the AC system is having some issue or warning about something. As the error codes don’t come with an explanation, we have gathered all the error codes along with causes and solutions. You can take down most errors as a DIY task using suggested solutions. However, seek professional help where needed as putting your hand in electronics without proper knowledge can have negative outcomes.
TCL air conditioner error code E0, E5
LED Error Code: Both RUN and TIMER Winking
Causes:
This error is reported by the AC unit when/if:
- The indoor and outdoor units are unable to communicate efficiently or at all.
- The communication wiring between the PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) of the indoor unit and outdoor unit is damaged or has loose connections.
- The main PCB of the unit is malfunctioning.
Solutions:
- Turn OFF the air conditioner and then turn it ON again after 5-15 seconds.
Contact a local technician or an HVAC professional to:
- Check the communication wire and connections between the PCBs of indoor and outdoor units.
- Check the indoor and outdoor PCBs for any malfunction. Replace either of the PCBs if it is faulty.
TCL air conditioner error code EC
LED Error Code: Both RUN and TIMER Winking
Causes:
This error indicates:
- The PCB of the outdoor unit is not able to communicate with other components or the indoor unit.
- Issues with the outdoor PCB.
Solutions:
Contact a technician or an electrician to:
- Check the wiring and connection between different PCBs of the outdoor unit and make sure they are fine and in place. Repair the wiring where needed.
- Check each PCB equipped in the outdoor unit. Replace the PCB if it’s faulty or malfunctioning.
- Check the IPM (Intelligent Power Module) and if it is malfunctioning, replace the board.
- Check the power source board and replace it if needed.
TCL air conditioner error code E1
LED Error Code: RUN winking 1 time /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is reported when/if:
- The room temperature sensor or IRT of the indoor unit is malfunctioning.
- The indoor room temperature sensor has failed or has an open or short circuit.
Solutions:
- Check the wirings and connections of the sensor and make sure they are in good shape. Repair the wiring and connections where needed.
- Inspect the sensor and if the item is faulty itself, replace it with a new and compatible one.
- Check the main PCB of the indoor unit for any malfunction. Replace the PCB if it’s faulty.
TCL air conditioner error code E2
LED Error Code: RUN winking 2 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is displayed by the AC unit when/if:
- The IPT or pipe coil temperature sensor of the indoor unit is not functioning.
- The IPT sensor has an open or short circuit.
Solutions:
- Try the exact solutions as suggested for the TCL air conditioner “Error Code E1”.
TCL air conditioner error code E3
LED Error Code: RUN winking 3 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is triggered on the AC unit when/if:
- The OPT or pipe coil temperature sensor of the outdoor unit is not operating properly.
- The OPT sensor has an open or short circuit.
Solutions:
- Try the exact solutions as suggested for the TCL air conditioner “Error Code E1”.
TCL air conditioner error code E4
LED Error Code: RUN winking 4 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is reported by the AC unit when/if:
- The system has abnormalities.
- The AC unit is not operating efficiently or at its full capacity.
Solutions:
- Check the voltages and verify that enough and consistent power is being supplied to the unit.
- Check the unit for high and low-pressure valves and verify that it is not open.
- Check the refrigerant level and if it is less than required, get it fully charged.
- Inspect the outdoor temperature sensor on the condoesnor for any faults. Replace the sensor if it is broken.
- Check the main PCB or sub-PCBs for any malfunctioning. Replace either of the PCBs that are faulty.
TCL air conditioner error code E5
LED Error Code: RUN winking 5 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is triggered on the AC unit when/if:
- The model configuration of the indoor and outdoor units is wrong.
Solutions:
- Take a look at the label on both indoor and outdoor units and verify that both units are part of the same system.
- Contact the company’s sales department if the units are different and you want them to be corrected.
- If that’s not the case, contact an HVAC engineer to inspect the air conditioner and see what’s wrong with it.
TCL air conditioner error code E6
LED Error Code: RUN winking 6 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is displayed on the AC unit when/if:
- The fan motor of the indoor unit is not working.
- Debris is acting as a restriction for the fan blades to rotate.
Solutions:
- Manually run the indoor fan blades until it starts spinning smoothly.
Contact a local technician or an electrician to:
- Check the wiring and connections of the indoor fan motor, power supply, and the main PCB. Repair the wiring and correct connections where needed.
- Inspect the main PCB of the indoor unit for any faults. Replace it if it’s defective.
- Check the indoor fan motor for any malfunction. Repair or replace the fan motor if it’s faulty.
TCL air conditioner error code E7
LED Error Code: RUN winking 7 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is reported by the unit when/if:
- The temperature sensor of the outdoor unit has gone bad.
- The outdoor unit temperature sensor has an open or short circuit.
Solutions:
- Try the exact solutions as suggested for the TCL air conditioner “Error Code E1”.
TCL air conditioner error code E8
LED Error Code: RUN winking 8 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is displayed by the AC unit when/if:
- The exhaust temperature sensor of the AC unit is not functioning.
- The exhaust temperature sensor has an open or short circuit.
Solutions:
- Try the exact solutions as suggested for the TCL air conditioner “Error Code E1”.
TCL air conditioner error code E9
LED Error Code: RUN winking 9 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is triggered on the AC unit when/if:
- The IPM or Intelligent Power Module of the AC unit is malfunctioning.
Solutions:
- Contact a local technician to inspect the IPM of both indoor and outdoor units for any faults. Replace the module board if it is defective.
TCL air conditioner error code EF
LED Error Code: RUN winking 10 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is displayed on the AC unit when/if:
- The DC fan motor of the outdoor unit has some issues.
- The outdoor DC fan is not working at its full capacity.
Solutions:
- Inspect the power source board of the outdoor unit for malfunctioning. Replace the board if it’s faulty.
- Check the outdoor DC fan motor for any faults. Repair or replace the motor as preferable.
TCL air conditioner error code EA
LED Error Code: RUN winking 11 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is triggered on the TCL AC unit when/if:
- The current sensor of the AC unit is faulty.
- The current sensor has an open or short circuit.
- The refrigerant charge is low in the unit.
- Some parts of the AC unit contain or deal with refrigerant leaks.
Solutions:
If the sensor is at fault:
- Try the exact solutions as suggested for the TCL air conditioner “Error Code E1”.
Contact a professional HVAC technician to:
- Inspect the whole system to find the leakages. Immediately repair the leakage before turning the AC system ON again.
- Check the refrigerant level in the AC unit and if it is below the required limit, get it charged or filled.
TCL air conditioner error code EE
LED Error Code: RUN winking 12 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is reported by the AC unit when/if:
- The EEPROM of the unit is not responding.
- The EEPROM chip has been burned, broken, or damaged.
Solutions:
Contact a professional HVAC technician or an electrician to:
- Check the EEPROM in both units (on the main PCB in the indoor unit, and the power source board in the outdoor unit) and verify that it is correctly installed in its intended position.
- Check the main PCB of the indoor unit for any faults. Replace the PCB if it’s defective.
- Inspect the power source board of the outdoor unit for any issues. Replace the board if needed.
TCL air conditioner error code EP
LED Error Code: RUN winking 13 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is triggered on the AC unit when/if:
- The temperature switch present on the upside of the compressor is not functioning correctly.
Solutions:
Seek the assistance of a technician to:
- Check the wiring and connections of the compressor connecting to the power source board of the outdoor unit. Repair the wiring where needed.
- Inspect the power source board of the outdoor unit for any faults. Replace the board if it is faulty.
TCL air conditioner error code EU
LED Error Code: RUN winking 14 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is reported when/if:
- The voltage sensor of the AC unit has gone bad.
- The voltage sensor has an open or short circuit.
- The wiring between the power source board and IPM has issues.
Solutions:
- Try the exact solutions as suggested for the TCL air conditioner “Error Code E1”.
- Check the wiring and connections between the power source board and the IPM of the AC unit. Repair the wiring and connections where loose or damaged.
- Check the main power source board of the system. Replace the board if it is faulty.
TCL air conditioner error code EH
Causes:
This error is triggered on the unit when/if:
- The intake temperature sensor of the outdoor unit is malfunctioning.
- The outdoor unit intake temperature sensor has an open or short circuit.
Solutions:
- Try the exact solutions as suggested for the TCL air conditioner “Error Code E1”.
TCL air conditioner error code P1
LED Error Code: RUN winking, TIMER winking 1 time /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is reported by the unit when/if:
- The system is detecting the issue of over voltage or under voltage.
- The system is requiring over or under-voltage protection.
Solutions:
Contact a local technician or an electrician to:
- Check the voltages being supplied to the power supply. Ensure they are as good as required and consistent as well.
- Check the main power cord, power source board, wiring, and connections between the different components for any damages or looseness. Repair the wiring where needed.
- Check the power supply, power line, PCBs, and all other electrical components for any issues. Repair or replace the components as needed.
TCL air conditioner error code P2
LED Error Code: RUN winking, TIMER winking 2 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is reported when/if:
- The air conditioner is experiencing overcurrent and requires overcurrent protection.
Solutions:
- Try the same solutions as suggested for the TCL air conditioner “Error Code P1”.
TCL air conditioner error code P4
LED Error Code: RUN winking, TIMER winking 4 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is displayed on the unit when:
- The system is in the phase of exhaust over temperature protection.
- The PCB is getting information that the exhaust temperature is exceeding its normal range.
Solutions:
- Give the unit a rest of 15-30 minutes before starting it again.
- Clean filters, condenser coils, and other components to remove dirt build-up and cloggings.
- Check the temperature sensor for any faults. Replace the sensor if it is defective.
- Using a meter, check the voltages and ensure that they are consistent and in the required amount.
TCL air conditioner error code P5
LED Error Code: RUN winking, TIMER winking 5 times /8 seconds
Causes:
- This error is an indication of subcooling protection while operating under the COOLING mode.
Solutions:
- Check the refrigerant charge and if it is less than required. Get the gas-filled.
- Contact an HVAC engineer to inspect the system and troubleshoot what is causing the problem.
TCL air conditioner error code P6
LED Error Code: RUN light, TIMER winking 6 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is displayed on the AC unit when/if:
- The system is in overheating protection while operating in COOLING mode.
Solutions:
- By turning OFF the system, give 15-30 minutes of rest to the AC unit to bring the temperature back to a normal range.
- Check the voltages being supplied to the condenser and ensure they are consistent.
- Inspect the wiring and connections between the condenser, power supply, main PCB, and temperature sensor for any damages. Repair the connectors where needed.
- Check the temperature sensor for any faults. Replace the sensor if faulty.
- Check the condenser and if it is malfunctioning. Repair or replace the components as preferable.
TCL air conditioner error code P7
LED Error Code: RUN light, TIMER winking 7 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is triggered on the unit when/if:
- The system or condenser temperature is exceeding the normal limit.
- The unit is in overheating protection while operating in HEATING mode.
Solutions:
- Try the same solutions as suggested for the TCL air conditioner “Error Code P6”.
TCL air conditioner error code P8
LED Error Code: RUN light, TIMER winking 8 times /8 seconds
Causes:
This error is reported when/if:
- The outdoor unit is facing over temperature or under temperature protection while operating.
Solutions:
- Try the same solutions as suggested for the TCL air conditioner “Error Code P6”.
- Seek a technician’s help as soon as you think that the AC unit needs professionals for service.
TCL air conditioner error code P9
LED Error Code: RUN winking, TIMER winking 9 times /8 seconds
Causes:
- This error is an indication of drive protection concerning software control.
Solutions:
- Contact an HVAC engineer or the company representative for guidance and inspection of the AC system.
TCL air conditioner error code P0
LED Error Code: RUN winking, TIMER winking 10 times /8 seconds
Causes:
- This error is an indication of module protection concerning hardware control.
Solutions:
- Contact an HVAC engineer or the company representative for guidance and inspection of the AC system.
TCL Air Conditioner Outdoor Unit Failure Display
There is a specific LED on the power board of the outdoor unit. The LED will keep on lighting if the compressor is running normally but if there are some issues, the LED will start blinking indicating some issues.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 1 time, 14 times
Fault/Problem: IPM protection
Causes and Solutions:
- Same as TCL “Error Code E9”.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 2 times
Fault/Problem: Higher or lower voltage
Causes and Solutions:
- Same as TCL “Error Code P1”.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 3 times
Fault/Problem: Over current
Causes and Solutions:
- Same as TCL “Error Code P2”.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 4 times, 5 Times
Fault/Problem:
- The discharge temperature is too high
- The outdoor coil temperature is too high
Causes and Solutions:
- Give the AC unit rest for 15-30 minutes.
- Do a general cleaning of the condenser coils, evaporators, condenser, and fans.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 6 times
Fault/Problem: Drive abnormity
Causes and Solutions:
- Same as TCL “Error Code P9”.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 7 times, 15 times
Fault/Problem:
- Communication abnormity with the indoor unit
- Outdoor communication abnormity
Causes and Solutions:
- Same as TCL “Error Code E0, E5”.
TCL AC outdoor LED blinks 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 25, 26 times
Fault/Problem:
- Outdoor air temperature sensor failure
- Outdoor coil temperature sensor failure
- Outdoor discharge pipe temperature sensor failure
- Voltage sensor failure
- Current sensor failure
- Short-circuit or open-circuit of intake temperature sensor
- Indoor sensor fault
- Indoor coil sensor fault
Causes and Solutions:
- Check the resistance coefficient of the affected sensor and if it’s weak, replace it with a compatible one.
- Check the wiring and connections of the sensor and repair where damaged or loose.
- Check the main PCB for any faults. Replace the board if it is defective.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 16 times
Fault/Problem: DC fan motor isn’t giving feedback
Causes and Solutions:
- Same as TCL “Error Code EF”.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 17, 32 times
Fault/Problem: Defrosting, Indoor coil defrost prevention
Causes and Solutions:
This is not an error but a warning that AC is under defrosting process.
- Turn OFF the AC unit and let it rest until the icing breaks down and the system is defrosted.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 19, and 27 times
Fault/Problem:
- Outdoor EEPROM fault
- Indoor EEPROM fault
Causes and Solutions:
- Same as TCL “Error Code EE”.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 20, 21, and 28 times
Fault/Problem:
- Outdoor fan motor protection
- Indoor fan motor protection
- Indoor fan motor fault
Causes and Solutions:
- Same as TCL “Error Code E6”.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 23 times
Fault/Problem: The system is short of freon, refrigerant
Causes and Solutions:
- Contact an HVAC professional to fill the freon gas in the system.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 24 times
Fault/Problem: Model configuration wrong
Causes and Solutions:
- Same as TCL “Error Code E5”.
TCL AC outdoor unit LED blinks 30 times
Fault/Problem: Drive fault
Causes and Solutions:
- Same as TCL “Error Code P9”.
