H3
TCL
Compressor Overload Protection / Overheat
Unit shows H3 and stops; compressor may be very hot
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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
Blocked condenser coil, Outdoor fan failure, Low or high refrigerant charge, Compressor mechanical failure, High ambient temperature with continuous operation
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF power immediately to prevent compressor damage.
- Step 1 – Allow cooling: Leave the unit off for at least 30–60 minutes to let the compressor cool down.
- Step 2 – Clean and check airflow: Clean the outdoor coil and ensure the fan is working properly.
- Step 3 – Reduce load: After restarting, set the thermostat a bit higher (cooling) or lower (heating) to reduce compressor load.
- Step 4 – Professional check: If H3 recurs, a technician must check refrigerant charge, compressor current draw, and system pressures.
Warning: Repeated overload trips can permanently damage the compressor; do not keep resetting without fixing the cause.
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
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