Refrigeration Cycle Abnormality

What it means

This code appears on Panasonic inverter split air conditioners and is read from the fault history with the CHECK button on the remote. It means the unit compared pipe temperatures and compressor current and found that the refrigeration cycle is not working as it should, most often because of low refrigerant. The unit stops the compressor for protection and may lock out if the code repeats. The same number can mean something different on other brands.

Models covered: Panasonic residential inverter split air conditioners (wall mounted); the code is read with the CHECK button on the remote control.

Related codes: F97H16H99H15

Symptoms4

• Weak or no cooling although the fans run.
• Ice on the pipe at the outdoor or indoor unit.
• The compressor runs for short periods and then stops.
• Higher power use with less cooling before the code appeared.

Possible causes5

• A refrigerant leak at flare joints, the indoor coil or the outdoor coil.
• Service valves left partly closed after installation or relocation.
• A blockage in the electronic expansion valve, filter or piping.
• A kinked or crushed pipe between the units.
• Wrong readings from temperature sensors (less common).

How to diagnose5

1. With the unit off, look for oil or greasy stains at pipe joints, a sign of a leak.
2. Make sure the connecting pipes are not kinked or crushed behind the unit or in the wall.
3. The technician measures refrigerant pressure and pipe temperatures and compares them with the manufacturer specification.
4. The technician searches for the leak with a detector or nitrogen and confirms the service valves are open.
5. If the charge is correct, the technician checks the expansion valve and sensors.

How to fix5

1. Fully open the service valves if they were partly closed.
2. Repair a kinked pipe or replace the crushed section.
3. Repair the leak, evacuate and recharge refrigerant by weight; this is work for a licensed technician.
4. Replace a blocked electronic expansion valve or filter.
5. Run the unit, check pressure and temperatures and confirm the code does not return.

Repair cost

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

The cost is low for a closed valve, moderate for leak repair and recharge, and higher when the expansion valve must be replaced.

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