Freezer does not start, display shows H01 and compressor never runs
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the freezer before removing any panels. High voltage is present at the compressor and inverter board.
Step-by-step checks:
- 1. Power reset: Disconnect power for 5 minutes, then reconnect. If H01 returns immediately, continue.
- 2. Inspect compressor wiring: Remove the rear lower service panel. Check the Panasonic compressor terminal cover and wiring harness for loose or burnt connectors. Reseat all connectors firmly.
- 3. Check thermal protector: Locate the compressor overload/thermal protector clipped to the compressor shell. Ensure it is firmly seated and not visibly burnt. If you have a multimeter and training, test for continuity (should be closed at room temperature).
- 4. Inspect inverter PCB: On inverter-type models, locate the Panasonic inverter PCB mounted near the compressor. Look for burnt components, bulged capacitors, or darkened areas. Ensure the DC supply connector from the main control PCB is fully seated.
- 5. Test compressor (advanced): With power disconnected, remove the compressor terminal cover and measure resistance between the three pins. All readings should be low and similar; any open circuit or short to ground indicates a failed compressor.
- 6. If wiring and protector are good: The most common failure is the inverter PCB. Replacement requires correct part matching by model number and careful mounting to the compressor frame.
When to stop: If you are not trained to work around high-voltage inverter circuits or to test compressor windings, stop and contact a Panasonic-authorized technician.