P8 fault code on a Mitsubishi Electric unit
As Adelaide’s largest independent service and repair company in Adelaide, we have seen a lot of Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning systems. One of the most common issues we’ve seen with older fixed speed Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning units is the P8 fault. The P8 fault is quite generic and can be the front for a multitude of different issues.
What causes the P8 error code?
As we mentioned above, the P8 fault can mean many things when it pops up on your Mitsubishi Electric wall controller. The P8 fault is activated when the indoor coil sensor does not change temperature for a set amount of time after the compressor is (or should be) switched on. Put simply, if the indoor unit does not get hot or cold within a predetermined time frame (approx. 9 minutes), the indoor unit thinks the compressor is not running and faults on P8. The reason for the compressor not running can be anything. To further diagnose the unit you will need to look at the outdoor unit PC Board.
What can a P8 fault mean on your Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning system?
On older fixed speed Mitsubishi Electric units, the P8 error code generally points to a fault with the outdoor unit. The outdoor faults on your Mitsubishi Electric unit will be displayed on the Outdoor PC Board. These faults are shown via small red LED lights on the PC Board. If the lights are Solid, this is not a fault and represents the units operating condition. If the light is flashing, a fault is present. The following faults/conditions are represented by the numbered LED lights on the Outdoor PC Board:
Solid (no fault) Flashing (fault)
- LED 1 - Compressor Command Reversed Phase Detect
- LED 2 - Heat Command Open Phase Detect
- LED 3 - During 63H1 Operation Pipe Sensor Short/Open
- LED 4 - Compressor ON HP Switch(63H2)Operation
- LED 5 - Outdoor Fan ON O/L (51CM) Operation
- LED 6 - 4 Way Valve ON Thermal Switch (26C) Operation
- LED 7 - Bypass Valve ON Thermistor(TH3)Overheat Protection
- LED 8 - Crankcase heater ON Defective Input
Rectifying an outdoor unit fault on a Mitsubishi Electric unit
Depending on the fault you find on the outdoor PC Board will determine how to rectify the issue. These tests are not DIY and will require a Mitsubishi Electric specialist to test correctly.
Disclaimer - Electricity is dangerous and can kill you. The following information is for educational purposes only. Tests must be performed by an authorised service provider or Mitsubishi Electric specialist. Do not try this to perform these test without the proper expertise and qualifications.
Reverse Phase Detect/Open Phase Detect
This means you have a 3 phase system installed and 1 of the phases are missing OR wired the wrong way. Check for 3 phase power to the unit and rectify if 1 or more phases are missing. 2 phases may need to be swapped to ensure the correct compressor rotation.
Pipe Sensor Open/Short
This means 1 or more of the sensors is registering as open or short circuit. You will need to measure the resistance of each outdoor sensor to determine which is faulty.
HP Switch(63H2)Operation
HP or High pressure safety means the unit has measured a dangerously high pressure at the outdoor unit. This can be caused by various problems including a lack of airflow from the indoor unit (on heating) or the outdoor unit (on cooling). A HP fault can also be caused by a faulty HP switch, contaminated refrigeration circuit, faulty fan motor/s etc.
O/L (51CM) Operation
O/L or overload is present if the compressor draws excessive current (amps). This can be caused by a seized compressor, contaminated refrigerant, faulty compressor contactor, bad input voltage or anything that can put excessive load on the compressor.
Thermal Switch (26C) Operation
Discharge thermistor fault. This fault means the discharge line has reached an abnormally high temperature. This fault can be caused by a lack of refrigerant or possibly a faulty discharge thermistor.
Thermistor(TH3)Overheat Protection
Defrost sensor is open or short circuit. Check the resistance of the defrost sensor and replace if it’s not within correct range.
Defective Input
Outdoor PC Board electronics fault. This fault is rarely ever seen. We have not come across a Mitsubishi Electric unit with this fault displayed…...yet!
Costs involved to repair your air conditioning system
It is important to ensure the correct tests are completed to determine what part requires replacement. It can be an expensive exercise to replace a working component when the fault could actually be an energy supplier issue. Resolving a P8 fault could be as little as $140.00 to fix a power supply issue. For a refrigerant leak, cost could be upwards of $2,000.00 especially if the repair is time consuming to fix. Ensuring the correct parts are diagnosed is vital to make certain you do not waste money on unnecessary parts or repairs.
In a nutshell
- P8 faults can be caused by almost anything but is usually due to an outdoor unit issue
- Finding the problem will involve checking the outdoor unit PC Board
- Correctly determining the faulty part can save you $1,000’s
- Using a Mitsubishi Electric specialist will ensure the problem is correctly diagnosed and repaired
Need help?
T&K Airpower have been working to keep Adelaide homes comfortable for the last 20 years. We specialise in Temperzone, Hitachi and Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning units and know how they tick. Do you have a P8 fault displayed on your Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning unit? Give us a call and we will be more than happy to help.
Contact Us
Call 08 8296 7888 or 07 3518 7888 to Book A Service Today
Or complete the form below and one of our friendly staff will call you within 24 hours.
Testimonials
"As for the work done, fantastic! Very pleased with the installation. I went and had a look on the weekend and spoke to the tenants. The job was done very neatly and the tenants praised the professionalism of your staff. It was a lot different to what they said about the other AC company."
Barry
Mawson Lakes, SA
"I called to say we were absolutely thrilled with Marty's work he fixed our air conditioner and its working perfectly... It's an older unit, a Bradway and we didn't want to spend anymore money he tried a few things as the unit was only working 75% and whatever was done as a part of the service worked a treat we couldn't be happier.... Please thank him and pass on our feed back we really want him to know what a great job he's done and how very happy we are!!!"
The Hounslow's
Netherby, SA
We chose T&K Airpower as Oliver was prompt and informative in the selection of our replacement aircon system, and the installation was done professionally and works very well. On time and no hesitation to correct a small follow up issue that arose, but was quickly resolved by Marty.
Peter Vroom
Rose Park, SA
After contacting your office enquiring about a warranty on our air conditioners remote control yesterday morning 26/3/2018 at approx 10.30 am, we were advised of an 1800 number and the response was amazing. We recieved an sms yesterday afternoon advising us that a new remote was on its way and we recieved it in this mornings post 27/3/2018. WE RATE THIS COMPANY A 5 STAR RATING IN REGARDS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE. THANK YOU TO ALL CONCERNED.
Mr. Saler
Adelaide, South Australia
"I had 2 quotes to get my apparent unfix-able air conditioner replaced not very good timing with xmas around the corner I stumbled across TK Airpower and it ended being a simple fix saving me thousand of dollars. Lesson learnt here make sure you use qualified and experienced service repair agents."
Brendan
Lenswood, SA
"Great all round professionals .They supplied and installed my split a/c at a very reasonable price. Highly recommend."
Geoff
Tea Tree Gully, SA
Good morning
Wow was the only word I could think of to describe the customer service that your company provides.
Over the last 4 years I have unsuccessfully attempted to get a fault corrected in the Temperzone RC Ducted AC unit that is installed at our residence. Today I was pointed in the direction of T & K Airpower (by Temperzone HO in Sydney) as being the service company to approach. From the initial phone call to your Company, I was truly impressed with how my situation was handled. Millie was helpful, knowledgeable and empathetic to the situation and, I feel, went out of her way to ensure that I received a good outcome. She was a delight to deal with and should be commended.
The fact that the service call was able to be scheduled for the same day, despite the location being on the Southern Fleurieu at Victor Harbor, was a bonus. And your service men, Brett and Sam arrived at the scheduled time! They were well presented, professional and were able to resolve the problem within a very short time. Another added bonus was that they carried the spare parts necessary to fix the problem. Within a hour of their arrival, we had a perfectly operating AC system again.
Brett also took the time to answer all our questions and took us through the best operating procedure for the system.
Margaret & Graham
McCracken, SA
"Excellent service and products really happy with my split fitted. Highly recommend Brad and his team!"
Megan Sage
SA
Please pass on our thanks to your technician (Sean) for the first class work he did for us. He was thorough and clear with his advice for the ongoing care of the unit, pleasant and efficient.
Bernard
Munno Para
"Awesome service from a really excellent and friendly team."
Kemeri
Banksia Park, SA
