# What do air conditioner flashing lights and error codes mean? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) 4. What do air conditioner flashing lights and error codes mean? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [What do air conditioner flashing lights and error codes mean?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-flashing-lights-error-codes/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? 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By Aaron Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. What is an error code? 2. Do all flashing lights mean a fault? 3. Why shouldn’t I look up the code and fix it myself? 4. Should I keep trying to start it? 5. Will the code be covered by warranty? 6. Where do I find the model number? 7. What to note before you call 8. What does the technician do with the code? 9. Why is a clear record so useful? 10. Frequently asked questions Flashing lights and error codes are the air conditioner reporting a fault or a status such as defrost. The meaning is different for every brand and model, so the manual or the manufacturer is the reliable source. Note the light pattern or code, photograph it, and contact a licensed technician or the manufacturer. ## What is an error code? Modern units have a control board (the unit’s small computer) that watches sensors for temperature, pressure, fan and electrical conditions. When something is outside the normal range, it displays a code on the indoor unit or remote, or flashes a light a set number of times. This helps technicians narrow down the problem quickly. ## Do all flashing lights mean a fault? No. Some manufacturers use a flashing light for normal events, such as a defrost cycle or a pause while the unit starts. Others use specific flash counts or codes for faults. Because of this, the same pattern can mean something harmless on one brand and a fault on another. Fujitsu, Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic and other makers each publish their own guidance, and the owner’s manual for your model is the safest place to start. ## Why shouldn’t I look up the code and fix it myself? Websites list codes for many brands, but they are often general, out of date or for a different model. Many faults involve refrigerant, high-voltage electrical parts or the control board, which are not safe for a householder to work on. Even if you identify a sensor fault, the safe response is to pass that information to a technician. Stop and get help If the code appears with a burning smell, smoke, sparks, loud noises or tripping power, stop using the unit and keep clear. Leave the building and call 000 for fire, smoke, sparks or a shock. For other codes, contact an ARC-licensed air-conditioning technician, a licensed electrician if the code relates to power, or the manufacturer or retailer. ## Should I keep trying to start it? Repeated attempts are not advised. A fault code often means the unit has protected itself, and forcing it to run can cause further damage. Normal use through the remote or app is fine, but if the same code returns, stop and call. ## Will the code be covered by warranty? It may be, depending on the age of the unit and its installation. Check your documents and contact the installer, retailer or manufacturer. Having the model number and code ready speeds things up. ## Where do I find the model number? On a label on the indoor unit, in the manual, and on the outdoor unit. You can read and photograph these without touching or opening anything. ## What to note before you call 1. Record the pattern — Write down the code shown, or count the number of flashes and which light is flashing. A short phone video helps. 2. Note what the unit was doing — Record the mode, the time, and what happened just before the code appeared. 3. Photograph the labels — Take a photo of the make and model label on the indoor unit, and the display or remote. What you can safely check Look at the display, lights and remote, photograph or film them, and read the section of the owner’s manual that explains the indicators. Do not touch, open or adjust the unit. ### What does the technician do with the code? A licensed technician uses the code as a starting point, then checks the sensors, wiring, fans, refrigerant circuit and control board to confirm the actual cause. They will explain the repair before they carry it out. ### Why is a clear record so useful? Technicians often work from the code, the pattern and the model number together. A clear photo or short video means they can arrive prepared, bring suitable parts and avoid guesswork, which usually saves time on the visit and reduces the chance of a second trip. ## Frequently asked questions - In the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's Australian support site for your exact model. - No. It can indicate defrost or start-up. The manual explains what it means for your model. - Clearing a code does not fix the cause and could hide a safety issue. Leave diagnosis and repair to a licensed technician. - An ARC-licensed air-conditioning technician, the manufacturer's service line, or the retailer or installer if the unit is under warranty. [Learn about Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/) Related services: [Ducted Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/ducted-air-conditioning/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Australian Refrigeration Council](https://www.arctick.org/) - [Energy Rating (Australian Government)](https://www.energyrating.gov.au/) - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [Air conditioningWhy is my air conditioner making a loud or strange noise?Rattling, buzzing, grinding or squealing can mean loose parts, a failing fan or compressor, or an electrical fault, so stop and get it checked.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-making-loud-strange-noise/) - [Air conditioningWhy does my air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?An air conditioner that trips the breaker or safety switch has an overload or fault that a licensed electrician needs to find.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-tripping-breaker-safety-switch/) - [Air conditioningWhy is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?Weak cooling or heating usually comes from airflow, settings, sizing or refrigerant problems, and some of these need a licensed technician.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Air conditioningHow often does an air conditioner need servicing?Many manufacturers and installers advise servicing every one to two years, but follow your manual and warranty and use a licensed technician.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/how-often-air-conditioner-servicing/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. What is an error code? 2. Do all flashing lights mean a fault? 3. Why shouldn’t I look up the code and fix it myself? 4. Should I keep trying to start it? 5. Will the code be covered by warranty? 6. Where do I find the model number? 7. What to note before you call 8. What does the technician do with the code? 9. Why is a clear record so useful? 10. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-flashing-lights-error-codes/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).