Daikin Aircond Blinking Light: Error Codes Explained

The humid heat in Kuala Lumpur is unforgiving. We know the feeling of panic when your Daikin air conditioner stops cooling and that little light starts blinking. It is not just an annoyance. It is a distress signal.

Your unit is trying to tell you exactly what is wrong.

Most homeowners in Kepong and KL assume a blinking light means the unit is dead. This is rarely the case. The blink pattern or error code is a specific language that points to the root cause. We will help you decode it.

Below, we break down what these signals mean, how to retrieve hidden codes using your remote, and the current repair costs you can expect in Malaysia for 2026.

How to Read Daikin Error Codes

Daikin units communicate in two ways. Older non-inverter models often use a simple “blink count” system. Newer inverter models (like the FTK or FTM series) store a digital code you can retrieve with your remote.

Method 1: The Remote Control Query (Most Accurate) If your unit has a wireless remote (ARC series), you can find the exact alphanumeric code without guessing.

1. Point your remote at the indoor unit.
2. Press and hold the “Cancel” button for about 5 seconds.
3. Watch the display. A “00” will flash on the remote screen.
4. Press “Cancel” repeatedly. You will hear short beeps as you cycle through codes.
5. Listen for the long beep. When the unit emits a long, continuous beep, the code shown on the screen (like “U4” or “E1”) is your specific error.

Method 2: Counting Blinks (For Older Units) If the remote method does not work, you must count the flashes on the indoor unit itself.

1. Observe the green (Operation) or orange (Timer) light.
2. Count the number of times it flashes in a set sequence.
3. Match that number to the common issues below.

Common Daikin Error Codes Explained

We have analyzed hundreds of service calls in the Klang Valley to identify the most frequent triggers for these codes.

1 Blink - Communication Error (E1/E2/U4)

What it means: The indoor and outdoor units have stopped talking to each other.

Why it happens in Malaysia: This is often caused by voltage fluctuations from the main power supply. Older wiring in terrace houses in Kepong can be sensitive to TNB power surges during thunderstorms. It disrupts the signal between the control boards.

What you can try:

1. Locate the white “isolator” switch on your wall (not just the remote).
2. Turn it OFF and wait for at least 5 minutes.
3. Turn it back ON to reset the boards.

Need professional help? Yes, if the reset fails. We often find that a gecko (cicak) has shorted the outdoor printed circuit board (PCB), which requires a replacement.

2 Blinks - Indoor Fan Motor Error (A6)

What it means: The fan inside your room is stuck, spinning too slowly, or the sensor is faulty.

Why it happens: Dust is the enemy here. Heavy construction in KL leads to thick dust buildup on the “blower roller.” This extra weight strains the motor. Sometimes, the “Hall IC” sensor simply fails to detect the spinning speed.

What you can try:

1. Shine a flashlight into the air outlet.
2. Check if the barrel fan is heavily coated in grey dust.
3. Book a chemical wash if it looks clogged.

Need professional help? Yes. If cleaning does not fix it, the fan motor or its capacitor (usually costing RM 150-250) likely needs replacing. Our AC repair service includes capacitor diagnosis and replacement.

3 Blinks - Compressor Error (E5/L5)

What it means: The heart of your aircond—the compressor—is overheating or electrically overloaded.

Why it happens: Our 34°C+ weather pushes older compressors to their limit. If the outdoor unit is in a tight balcony with poor airflow, the “OL” (Overload) protector trips to save the machine.

What you can try:

1. Touch the outdoor unit casing (carefully). If it is scorching hot, hose it down with water to cool it.
2. Clear any boxes, bikes, or dried leaves blocking the back of the outdoor unit.
3. Let it rest for 30 minutes before restarting.

Need professional help? Yes. This is urgent. Continuing to run a unit with compressor errors can burn out a RM 1,500 part.

4 Blinks - Refrigerant Error (F3/U0)

What it means: The sensors detect that the pipe temperature is weirdly high or low. This usually points to a gas leak or a blockage.

Why it happens: Daikin R32 units operate at higher pressures than older R22 models. If the copper piping joints (flare nuts) were not tightened perfectly during installation, the gas leaks out over time.

What you can try:

1. Check the copper pipes at the outdoor unit.
2. Look for white frost or ice building up on the connection points. Ice indicates low gas.

Need professional help? Yes. You cannot fix a leak yourself. A technician must vacuum the system, re-flare the pipes, and refill the gas.

5 Blinks - Outdoor Unit Electrical Error

What it means: General electrical fault in the outdoor machine.

Why it happens: This is the “check engine light” for the outdoor unit. It often signals a power supply issue or a fried component on the inverter board.

Pro Tip: Listen to the outdoor unit. If you hear a buzzing sound but the fan is not spinning, the capacitor might be dead.

Need professional help? Yes. High-voltage repairs are dangerous.

7 Blinks - Outdoor Fan Motor Error (E7)

What it means: The fan outside is not spinning, so the unit cannot release heat.

Why it happens: Strong winds during monsoon season can sometimes force the fan backward, confusing the motor. More commonly, the motor bearings have seized up from age.

What you can try:

1. Use a stick to gently push the outdoor fan blade (while power is OFF).
2. If it feels stiff or gritty, the motor is seized.

Need professional help? Yes. The motor usually needs to be replaced.

9 Blinks - Voltage/Power Error (U2)

What it means: The voltage supplied to the unit is too low (drop) or too high (spike).

Why it happens: Inverter units are sensitive. If your home voltage drops below 190V or spikes above 260V, the Daikin protection system cuts power to prevent damage.

What you can try:

1. Test other heavy appliances on the same circuit.
2. If lights in your house are flickering, call TNB first.

Need professional help? Maybe. An electrician can install a stabilizer if your area has chronic power issues.

Full Daikin Error Code Table

For those using the remote control “long beep” method, here is the quick reference for the alphanumeric codes.

Code	Meaning	Severity
A1	Indoor PCB defect	High
A5	High pressure/Freeze protection	Low
A6	Indoor fan motor fault	Medium
C4	Heat exchanger thermistor fault	Medium
E1	Outdoor PCB error	High
E4	Low pressure (Gas leak)	High
E7	Outdoor fan motor lock	Medium
F3	High discharge pipe temperature	High
J3	Discharge pipe thermistor fault	Medium
L5	Inverter compressor overcurrent	High
U0	Shortage of refrigerant (Gas leak)	High
U4	Communication error (Indoor/Outdoor)	High

Quick Troubleshooting Steps

Before you spend money on a service call, perform these four steps. This “hard reset” solves about 30% of the electronic glitches we see.

Step 1: The Isolator Reset

1. Find the main switch for the aircond (usually a white switch on the wall).
2. Turn it OFF.
3. Wait 15 minutes. This drains the residual power from the capacitors.
4. Turn it ON and try to run the unit.

Step 2: The Filter Inspection

1. Open the front panel.
2. If the filters are grey and fuzzy, wash them.
3. Blocked filters cause “Freeze Protection” errors (A5) because airflow is choked.

Step 3: Outdoor Airflow Check

1. Go outside.
2. Ensure no plants, boxes, or clothes racks are within 2 feet of the outdoor fan.
3. The unit must breathe to cool your room.

Step 4: Remote Battery Swap

1. Weak batteries can send partial signals.
2. Change them and try the “Cancel” button diagnosis again.

Preventive Maintenance for Malaysia

Our climate is unique. High humidity and year-round usage mean standard advice does not apply here. You cannot wait 12 months for service.

Maintenance Task	Frequency (KL/Selangor)	Why It Matters
Filter Cleaning	Every 2-3 weeks	Prevents A5 errors and reduces electricity bills.
Chemical Wash	Every 6-8 months	Removes “jelly” buildup in the water tray that causes leaks.
Gas Pressure Check	Annually	Catches slow leaks before they damage the compressor.
Outdoor Unit Rinse	Every 3 months	Clears dust from the condenser coils to prevent overheating.

2026 Repair Cost Guide (Kuala Lumpur)

Pricing can vary based on your exact location and unit horsepower. These are the current market averages for reputable service in the Klang Valley.

Repair Type	Typical Cost (RM)	Notes
Checking / Transport	50 - 80	Often waived if you proceed with repair.
Chemical Service	120 - 180	Includes gas check and tray flushing.
Capacitor Change	150 - 250	For fan or compressor start issues.
Gas Top-up (R410A/R32)	60 - 120	Depends on PSI needed.
PCB Repair/Replace	300 - 800	Expensive. Verify if warranty is active.
Compressor Change	1,200 - 2,000+	Usually better to buy a new unit.

Keep This Information Handy

Before calling for service, note:

1. The code you found (e.g., “U4” or “3 Blinks”).
2. The model number (sticker on the side of the indoor unit).
3. Any recent events (thunderstorm, power outage).
4. Strange sounds (hissing or grinding).

This data helps technicians bring the right parts. It saves you paying for a second trip.

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Daikin AC showing error codes? Contact AC Service Pro at 012-2252 623. Our technicians are experienced with all Daikin models and can diagnose your issue quickly.