Insignia Air Conditioners Error Codes

C1

C1 appears on some Insignia models; unit may not respond to certain commands.

EEPROM / Configuration Data Error

CF

CF appears on the display after a certain number of operating hours; unit otherwise runs normally.

Filter Clean Reminder (Not a Fault)

E1

Unit runs briefly then stops; display shows E1 and beeps; some models may not respond to mode changes.

Room Temperature Sensor (Thermistor) Fault

E2

Display shows E2; unit may run but not cool properly or may shut down intermittently.

Evaporator Coil Temperature Sensor Fault

E3

Unit displays E3 and may stop cooling or cycle off quickly; compressor may not start.

Condenser Coil Temperature Sensor Fault

E4

Display shows E4; unit may shut down to protect itself, often after running for some time in cooling mode.

Defrost / Frost Protection Sensor Fault or Evaporator Overfreeze Protection

E5

E5 appears on the display; unit may not start cooling or may shut down shortly after compressor starts.

Overcurrent or Overload Protection / Voltage Protection Fault

E6

Display shows E6; unit may not respond to remote or front panel buttons correctly.

Communication Error Between Display Board and Main Control Board

E7

E7 appears on the display; unit may not respond to remote control or may operate only from the panel.

Indoor Fan Motor Feedback / Hall Sensor Error or Remote Receiver Fault (model-dependent)

E8

E8 displayed; unit may shut down or limit compressor operation, sometimes accompanied by very hot exhaust air on portable units.

High Temperature / Overheat Protection Fault

E9

E9 appears on the display; unit may stop and beep; some portable Insignia models may also show a water full icon.

Full Condensate Tank / Water Level Sensor Fault

F0

Display shows F0; unit may not cool or may shut down shortly after starting.

Refrigerant System Low Charge / Sensor Abnormality (model-dependent)

F1

F1 appears on the display; unit may not maintain set temperature correctly.

Indoor Ambient Temperature Sensor Error (Alternate Code)

F2

F2 displayed; unit may shut down or run erratically, especially in very cold or hot conditions.

Outdoor / Condenser Temperature Sensor Error (Alternate Code)

H1

H1 appears on the display; unit may run the fan only and delay compressor start.

Compressor Warm-Up / Anti-Cold-Air Protection Indicator

H3

H3 displayed; unit may shut down compressor while fan continues to run.

Compressor Overload Protection / Overheat

H4

H4 appears; unit may not cool or heat and may shut down shortly after startup.

Inverter Module / Compressor Drive Fault (on inverter models)

H5

H5 displayed; unit may not start compressor and may run fan only.

IPM (Intelligent Power Module) Protection / Inverter Overcurrent

P1

Portable Insignia AC shows P1 and stops cooling; fan may continue to run.

Internal Condensate Tank Full (Protection Mode)

P2

Portable Insignia AC displays P2; unit may limit cooling or shut down intermittently.

Upper Water Tray Full / High-Level Condensate Protection

Symptom

Air conditioner runs but does not cool the room effectively; air from the front is only slightly cool or just room temperature.

Insufficient Cooling / Poor Performance

Symptom

Burning or electrical smell from the unit during operation.

Overheating Electrical Component

Symptom

Clicking or buzzing noise from the control area when the compressor should start, but compressor does not run.

Relay Chatter / Start Circuit Problem

Symptom

Front display and buttons work, but the remote control does not operate the unit.

Remote Control / IR Receiver Failure

Symptom

High-pitched squealing or grinding noise from the indoor section when the fan is running.

Indoor Blower Motor or Bearing Failure

Symptom

Loud rattling or vibrating noise when the unit is running, especially at higher fan speeds.

Excessive Vibration / Loose Components

Symptom

Musty or moldy odor from the air conditioner when it starts or while running.

Biological Growth in Evaporator and Drain System

Symptom

Unit blows air but airflow is very weak even on the highest fan speed.

Restricted Airflow / Fan Performance Issue

Symptom

Unit displays temperature but does not respond to any front panel buttons.

Keypad / Control Panel Failure

Symptom

Unit does not turn on at all; no lights or display when pressing the power button.

No Power / Dead Unit

Symptom

Unit emits a loud humming noise from the compressor area but does not cool; compressor may be very hot to the touch.

Locked or Overloaded Compressor

Symptom

Unit frequently trips the household circuit breaker or blows fuses when starting or running.

Overcurrent / Electrical Overload

Symptom

Unit in DRY (dehumidify) mode produces very little water and does not seem to reduce humidity.

Poor Dehumidification Performance

Symptom

Unit leaks water inside the room; water drips from the front panel or onto the window sill.

Internal Water Leakage / Drainage Failure

Symptom

Unit operates normally but the display shows an obviously incorrect room temperature (e.g., 50°F when room is 75°F).

Temperature Sensing / Calibration Error

Symptom

Unit powers on but compressor never starts; only the fan runs and air is not cold.

Compressor Not Starting

Symptom

Unit runs but ice forms on the evaporator coil or front grille; airflow may decrease and cooling stops.

Evaporator Coil Freezing

Symptom

Unit runs in COOL mode but the outdoor/condenser fan does not spin; compressor may overheat or shut down.

Condenser Fan Not Running

Symptom

Unit turns on and off frequently (short cycling), running only for a few minutes at a time.

Short Cycling / Improper Thermostat Operation