Refrigerant Leak Detected

What it means

This code appears on Carrier split air conditioners built on the Midea platform, common in the Middle East, when the evaporator temperature does not fall as it should after the compressor starts, so the unit assumes refrigerant is low and stops the compressor. Other Carrier series use different codes, so check your unit manual; the code can also mean something else on other brands.

Models covered: Carrier residential split air conditioners built on the Midea platform (many models sold in the Middle East); other Carrier series use different codes.

Symptoms4

• Air from the indoor unit is not cold, then the code appears.
• The outdoor unit stops shortly after starting.
• The small pipe at the outdoor unit may be frosted.
• It sometimes appears days or weeks after a new installation.

Possible causes6

• Leak at flare joints at the indoor or outdoor unit, the most common cause, especially after installation.
• Leak in the evaporator or condenser coil from corrosion.
• Service valves not fully open.
• Evaporator sensor not fixed to its pipe or faulty.
• Blocked expansion valve restricting refrigerant flow.
• Compressor not actually running due to an electrical fault in the outdoor unit.

How to diagnose5

1. Switch off at the breaker for several minutes, restart once and check whether the outdoor unit runs.
2. Confirm in the unit manual that your model is a Midea-platform series where EC means a refrigerant leak.
3. The technician checks the service valves and confirms the compressor runs.
4. The technician checks the evaporator sensor seating and reading.
5. The technician measures pressure and locates the leak with a detector or a nitrogen test.

How to fix5

1. Fully open the service valves if needed.
2. Reseat or replace the evaporator sensor.
3. Repair the flare joint or braze the leak in the coil.
4. Have a licensed technician evacuate the circuit and charge the nameplate weight of refrigerant.
5. Run the unit, compare pressure and temperature with the manufacturer data and confirm the code is gone.

A sensor or valve issue is the cheapest outcome; leak repair with evacuation and recharge is the top of the range.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions