Panasonic air conditioning error codes: H and F codes explained
When a Panasonic indoor unit finds a fault, it stops and the Timer light blinks. The three-character code, such as H11 or F91, is read with the CHECK button on the remote. Here is how to do it, what the common codes mean according to Panasonic's service manual, and when to call an engineer.
- hold CHECK to start
- 5 seconds
- means no fault is stored
- H00
- diagnostic visit, deducted
- £125
- we repair Panasonic whoever fitted it
- Any fitter
How to read the code with the CHECK button
Spot the fault
The unit stops by itself and the Timer light on the indoor unit blinks. The unit stores the last fault in its memory.
Hold CHECK
Press and hold the CHECK button on the remote for 5 seconds. It's a small button, and Panasonic suggests a pointed object such as a pen tip. The remote shows two dashes.
Start at H00
Point the remote at the indoor unit and press the Timer up or down button. H00 appears, which means no fault, and the remote sends it to the unit.
Step through the codes
Each press moves to the next code and sends it to the unit. Go one press at a time.
Wait for the long beep
When you reach the stored code, the indoor unit beeps for 4 seconds and the power light stays on for 30 seconds. No match gives a half-second light and no beep.
Leave diagnosis mode
Write the code down, then hold CHECK for 5 seconds to leave.
Common Panasonic error codes
These are from Panasonic's error codes table, in plain English. Codes starting with H are mostly sensor, communication and protection faults. Codes starting with F are protection cut-outs, mostly in the outdoor unit.
| Code | What Panasonic says it means | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| H11 | Indoor and outdoor units can't communicate | Do one power reset at the isolator. If it returns, the wiring or a circuit board needs checking. |
| H12 | Indoor capacity doesn't suit the outdoor unit (multi-split) | Book an engineer. It is usually an installation or combination issue. |
| H14 | Indoor air temperature sensor open or short circuit | Book an engineer. |
| H15 | Compressor temperature sensor open or short circuit | Book an engineer. |
| H16 | Outdoor current sensor fault: outdoor circuit board or compressor | Book an engineer. |
| H19 | Indoor fan motor locked or not reporting its speed | Book an engineer. Don't try to turn the fan by hand. |
| H23 | Indoor coil temperature sensor open or short circuit | Book an engineer. |
| H27 | Outdoor air temperature sensor open or short circuit | Book an engineer. |
| H28 | Outdoor coil temperature sensor open or short circuit | Book an engineer. |
| H33 | Indoor and outdoor units have different rated voltages | Book an engineer. |
| H38 | Indoor and outdoor units don't match (brand code) | Book an engineer. |
| H85 | Indoor unit can't communicate with its built-in Wi-Fi module | Check your router and Wi-Fi signal near the unit. Book us if it continues. |
| H97 | Outdoor fan motor locked or not reporting its speed | Look from a distance for anything stopping the outdoor fan. If clear, book an engineer. |
| H98 | Indoor high pressure protection in heating | Clean the filters and clear the airflow around the indoor unit. Book us if it returns. |
| H99 | Indoor freeze protection in cooling | Clean the filters and clear the airflow around the indoor unit. Book us if it returns. |
| F91 | Refrigeration cycle fault: Panasonic lists low refrigerant or a closed valve | Book an F-Gas certified engineer. |
| F95 | High pressure protection in cooling | Clear space around the outdoor unit. Book an engineer if it returns. |
| F97 | Compressor overheating: Panasonic lists low refrigerant | Book an F-Gas certified engineer. |
| F99 | Outdoor DC peak: power module fault or compressor lock | Book an engineer. |
Source: Panasonic service manual PAPAMY2301042CE (CS-Z and CS-XZ Etherea), error codes table, checked October 2026.
Filter and airflow codes: H98 and H99
H98 and H99 are protection codes. The indoor coil has got too hot in heating or too cold in cooling, so the unit stops to protect itself. Panasonic's manual lists a dirty air filter and short-circuiting air among the things to check, along with the indoor coil itself.
Switch off, clean the filters and move anything close in front of the indoor unit. If the code keeps coming back with clean filters, book a visit.
Refrigerant codes: F91 and F97
For F91, a refrigeration cycle fault, Panasonic's manual points to insufficient refrigerant or a closed valve. For F97, compressor overheating, it points to insufficient refrigerant. A split system is sealed, so low refrigerant usually means a leak.
Refrigerant work must be done by an F-Gas certified engineer. Ours are F-Gas and REFCOM certified, and we fix the leak before recharging.
Safe checks before you book
These are safe for anyone. If none help, or the same code comes back, stop and book a visit.
- Write down the code and the model number from the label on the side of the indoor unit
- Check the remote's batteries, and that it's set to the mode you want
- Switch off, then clean the air filters behind the front panel
- Clear leaves, bins or covers from around the outdoor unit, keeping hands away from the fan
- Do one power reset: switch off at the isolator or breaker, wait a few minutes, then switch on
- If a breaker trips, water leaks or you smell burning, leave the unit off and book an engineer
What a Panasonic repair visit costs
The diagnostic visit covers the first hour on site and comes off the bill if you go ahead. We repair Panasonic systems whoever installed them.
- from£125inc. VAT
Repair diagnostic visit
First hour on site, deducted if you go ahead
Panasonic error code questions
Why is the Timer light blinking on my Panasonic air conditioner?
It means the unit has found a fault and stopped. It keeps the fault in memory, and you can read the code with the CHECK button using the steps above.
What does H11 mean on a Panasonic?
H11 means the indoor and outdoor units can't communicate. Panasonic's manual lists the connecting wire, its terminals and the circuit boards as the places to check. Try one power reset at the isolator. If H11 comes back, book an engineer.
What does H99 mean on a Panasonic?
H99 is indoor freeze protection in cooling: the indoor coil has got too cold, so the unit stops. Panasonic lists a dirty air filter and poor air circulation among the causes. Clean the filters and clear the airflow. If it keeps happening, book an engineer.
What does F91 mean on a Panasonic?
F91 is a refrigeration cycle fault. Panasonic's manual points to insufficient refrigerant or a closed valve. It needs an F-Gas certified engineer to find the cause, which is usually a leak.
The remote shows H00. What does that mean?
H00 is where the check starts. It means no abnormality. Keep pressing the Timer button to step through the codes until the indoor unit gives a long beep. If it beeps three times at H00, no fault is stored in memory.