E4
TCL
Compressor Discharge Overheat Protection
Unit displays E4 and stops heating or cooling; may restart after some time
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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
Low refrigerant charge causing compressor overheating, Blocked condenser coil on TCL outdoor unit, Faulty discharge temperature sensor, Poor compressor cooling due to outdoor fan issues
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF power at the breaker before inspecting the outdoor unit.
- Step 1 – Inspect outdoor coil and fan: Ensure the condenser coil is clean and the outdoor fan is running properly (see E3 procedure). Correct any airflow issues.
- Step 2 – Check ambient conditions: In very high outdoor temperatures, reduce the thermostat setpoint gradually and ensure the unit is not operating with doors/windows open, which can overload the system.
- Step 3 – Sensor check: A technician should verify the compressor discharge temperature sensor (usually clipped to the discharge line) is firmly attached and not damaged. Replace if its resistance is out of TCL specifications.
- Step 4 – Refrigerant diagnosis: If E4 repeats, a professional should check for low charge, restrictions, or compressor mechanical issues. Running the unit in this condition can permanently damage the compressor.
Warning: Do not bypass temperature sensors or run the unit continuously with E4 errors; this can cause compressor failure.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Discharge Temperature Sensor
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