F3
Hitachi Outdoor Ambient Temperature Sensor Fault

Unit stops with F3, often during defrost or low ambient operation

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Open or shorted outdoor ambient thermistor, Sensor dislodged from mounting point, Damaged sensor cable, Faulty outdoor PCB sensor input

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn OFF the breaker before opening the outdoor unit.

Steps:

  • Locate ambient sensor: Usually mounted near the outdoor air intake grille, away from the hot coil, with thin wires to the PCB.
  • Check mounting: Ensure the sensor is exposed to outdoor air and not touching hot surfaces.
  • Inspect wiring and connector: Look for damage or corrosion and ensure the connector is firmly seated on the PCB.
  • Test: Restore power and operate. If F3 returns, the sensor is likely defective and should be replaced.

Note: Use only the correct Hitachi ambient sensor for your model to ensure accurate defrost and protection control.

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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Outdoor Ambient Temperature Thermistor
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