High-pressure protection in the refrigerant circuit

Home Appliance Error Codes Gree Air conditioners Short guide

Can you still use it? With care until repaired

Typical cost Under SAR 1,500

What it means

On Gree air conditioners, E1 commonly means the unit shut the compressor down because refrigerant pressure rose above a safe limit. It is most frequent on hot summer days when the outdoor unit is dirty or poorly ventilated. The meaning can vary by model, so check the manual for your unit.

Symptoms3

The unit cools briefly, then stops and shows the code.
The outdoor unit is very hot or its fan is not spinning.
Shutdowns happen more around midday than at night.

Possible causes5

Outdoor condenser coil clogged with dust and sand.
Failed outdoor fan motor or weak fan capacitor.
Outdoor unit boxed in or in direct sun with poor airflow.
Refrigerant overcharged after an incorrect top-up.
Faulty high-pressure switch or wiring.

How to diagnose and fix5

Switch the unit off, wait ten minutes, then restart it.
Cut the power and clear anything blocking airflow around the outdoor unit.
Have a technician wash the outdoor coil.
Check that the outdoor fan spins when running; if not, call a technician.
Checking or adjusting refrigerant is a job for a licensed refrigeration technician only; never open the gas circuit yourself.

Repair cost

0–200

200–600

600–1,500

1,500+

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

A coil wash is cheap; a fan capacitor or motor costs more, and correcting the refrigerant charge needs a qualified technician.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.

Frequently asked questions

Is it harmful to keep running the AC with this code?

The protection prevents immediate damage, but repeated trips stress the compressor, so fix the cause soon.

Why does it only appear at midday?

Hot outdoor air raises system pressure, and a dirty condenser pushes it past the limit during peak heat.

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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