Indoor unit shows E6 and compressor does not run or cycles off quickly

Safety: Shut off power at the outdoor disconnect and verify with a meter before touching any components.

Steps:

• Check airflow through condenser: Ensure the Comfortmaker outdoor coil is not blocked by debris, cottonwood, or dirt. Clean with a garden hose from inside out (power off).
• Inspect outdoor fan operation: Restore power briefly and observe: if the compressor hums but the fan does not spin, suspect a failed fan motor or capacitor. Turn power back off before testing parts.
• Test run capacitor: With power off and capacitor discharged, remove leads and test capacitance with a meter. Replace if more than ±10% out of rating.
• Check supply voltage: Measure line voltage at the contactor with a multimeter. If low or imbalanced, contact an electrician or utility.
• Inspect contactor: Look for pitted or burned contacts. Replace the contactor if badly worn.
• Attempt soft reset: Leave power off for 10–15 minutes to allow compressor overload to cool, then restore power and test.

Important: If E6 recurs and the compressor draws very high current or fails to start, a locked compressor or refrigerant issue is likely. This requires a licensed HVAC technician and may involve compressor replacement.