Compressor Discharge Temperature Sensor Open or Short Circuit

Home Appliance Error Codes Midea Split AC

Can you still use it? No, unplug it

Who can fix it? Needs a technician

Typical repair time 30 minutes – 2 hours

Typical cost SAR 80 to 2,500

What it means

This code appears on Midea split air conditioners with the classic code set when the compressor discharge temperature sensor (T5) reading is impossible, meaning an open or short circuit. Without this reading the unit cannot protect the compressor from overheating, so it stops the outdoor unit. The sensor code order differs on some Midea series, so match the code with the unit manual. The same code can mean something else on other brands.

Models covered: Midea residential split air conditioners with the classic display codes (E0–EC, F1–F4, P0–P4); newer Midea series use different codes (EH, EL, PC) and some models differ.

Symptoms3

The outdoor unit stops and there is no cooling.
The code appears shortly after start-up.
It may appear after work inside the outdoor unit.

Possible causes5

Loose or corroded sensor connector on the outdoor board.
Failed sensor (thermistor).
Cut, chafed or rodent-damaged sensor wire.
Wire insulation burnt from touching the hot discharge pipe or compressor body.
Faulty sensor input circuit on the outdoor board, the least likely cause.

How to diagnose5

Switch off at the breaker for a few minutes and restart to see if the code is permanent.
With the power off, the technician opens the outdoor board cover and checks the T5 sensor connector.
The technician measures the T5 sensor resistance and compares it with the Midea table for the same temperature.
The technician traces the wire for breaks or chafing.
If the sensor and wire are fine, the technician tries a known-good sensor before blaming the board.

How to fix5

Clean the connector and seat it firmly.
Repair or replace the wire.
Fit a new matching T5 sensor in its original position.
Replace the outdoor board if its input circuit is proven faulty.
Run the unit and confirm the code is gone.

Repair cost

0–200

200–600

600–1,500

1,500+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Most cases are a sensor or connector at low cost; the outdoor board is what raises the cost if it has failed.

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

Why not bypass this sensor to run the unit?

It protects the compressor from overheating; running without monitoring can destroy the compressor, the most expensive part.

Does this code mean low refrigerant?

Not directly. It is a sensor or circuit fault; a real discharge overheat shows as a different protection code.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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