Kentatsu air conditioner errors: how to determine the violation by code and carry out repairs

An effective and well-chosen air conditioner for a home, city apartment or office is an opportunity to create the most comfortable microclimate for relaxation or work. Agree that being cool in the summer heat is much more pleasant than languishing in the stuffiness and heat.

Air conditioners from the Japanese brand Kentatsu, according to reviews from users and experts, are equipment that 100% perform their tasks. Modern models are easy to install and operate, and have a long service life. But what is equally important is that they perform self-diagnosis and promptly signal breakdowns.

The user does not have to rack his brains and search for a long time for the reason for the sudden stop of the unit: errors in Kentatsu air conditioners are displayed in the form of alphanumeric characters on the electronic display. In this article, we will analyze codes for some models and tell you how to troubleshoot unit breakdowns if code indications are not provided.

Classification of Kentatsu air conditioners

The Japanese manufacturer produces equipment of various capacities for equipping both private homes and small offices, as well as large industrial enterprises, shopping, sports and entertainment centers.

The brand includes all kinds of modifications. There are several episodes split systems, channel, cassette and floor units designed for small areas.Fan coil units, universal units, and multi-systems are also produced under this brand.

Enterprises usually design combined type air conditioning systems, consisting of many elements: internal and external modules, pipelines of various purposes and lengths, additional devices to increase efficiency and comfortable control

For private use, ordinary split systems are more often purchased, less often - duct ones, cassette and floor units. All of them consist of 2 blocks, internal and external, and serve to ensure a healthy and comfortable microclimate inside enclosed spaces. Let's look at how they differ:

External units of split systems are identical in design and operating principle; they may differ in size and additional elements to increase power, protection or ease of control.

Among traditional split systems there are inverter equipment and “on/off” models. Current series:

• Bravo
• Quantum
• Turin
• Titan Genesis
• Mark II
• Rio
• Team

Some series are no longer produced, but are still on sale. Different models differ in technical characteristics, but in design and principle of operation they are very similar, therefore the instructions for them are the same.

It is important to know that there is no error code system for split systems. Air conditioner malfunctions are determined not by symbols on a digital display, but by objective factors - for example, the unit did not turn on or began to make uncharacteristic sounds

But duct, cassette and floor-standing (column) models have error codes that help determine the cause of the breakdown.

Cassette: KSVQ, KSVR, KSZT

Duct: KSKT, KSTU, KSTV

Universal: KSHE, KSHF

Floor-standing: KSFV, KSFW

Any of the air conditioners of the listed series can be installed in a cottage if it matches the area. But, according to statistics, most often they use low-power split systems of the usual type with a wall module.

How to respond to error codes

Theoretically, codes can be displayed on any model that has a digital display. But in practice, not all models have this functionality. For example, with conventional Kentatsu air conditioners, the digital display located on the indoor unit serves only to demonstrate the indoor air temperature or the selected operating mode.

But for column models, in addition to the general rules for action when faults are detected, the instructions usually contain a small table with codes.

E01 – temperature sensors have stopped functioning correctly or are damaged.

E03 – compressor cannot operate due to low current.

E04 – the blocking of the outdoor module is activated

P02 – compressor overloaded

If you see one of these codes on the display, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, you need to contact a service center. Without repairing the breakdown, the equipment will most likely not return to operating mode.

Many people try to solve the problem on their own. This is possible if the unit is already out of warranty and if you have sufficient knowledge and skills

E02 – a power overload of the compressor has occurred. It is recommended to turn off the split system for a while and then press the “On” button again. If the device does not start working or behaves unusually - makes uncharacteristic sounds, smokes - you need to call a technician.

P03 – when the indoor module was operating in cooling mode, the evaporator temperature dropped below normal.

P04 – when the indoor module is operating in heating mode, the evaporator temperature has risen above normal.

P05 – the indoor module supplies superheated air to the room.

Most often, these 3 problems arise for a trivial reason: due to a clogged air filter. You need to lift the front panel, remove visible dirt and vacuum the filter.

If it is heavily soiled, take it out, wash it, dry it and put it back in place. Most often, the operation of the air conditioner is improved, and if not, the help of a specialist certified by the manufacturer is required.

For Kentatsu duct and cassette air conditioners, error codes can be displayed in two ways:

• alphanumeric characters on the electronic display of the control panel;
• indication – a combination of flashing LEDs.

A table with detailed explanations is given in the instructions:

LED signals in the table are indicated by two types of symbols: a “cross” (x) indicates that the LED is not lit, and an “asterisk” indicates that it blinks at a frequency of 5 Hz

The manufacturer prohibits radically interfering with the operation of the air conditioner, removing or independently reinstalling important components. But before calling technical service, he recommends double-checking the power supply and the correct mode selected.

Often, the operation of climate control equipment stops due to a sudden change in external conditions - for example, due to overheating. It is possible if an additional heat source appears in the room

You also need to monitor the sealing of the room: when the doors or windows are open, the split system will run idle.

DIY Troubleshooting

Now let’s look at what troubles the owner of a conventional split system may encounter, and find out how to eliminate them using “legal” methods.

The manufacturer divides all “oddities” when the device operates or stops into 2 categories:

• malfunctions;
• phenomena that resemble malfunctions, but are not them.

First, let's look at cases from the first category, when the air conditioner really does not work or does not work correctly. They can be divided into 3 groups.

The split system stopped working

A unit stop can occur due to the breakdown of any important component, but more often it does not turn on for trivial reasons.

First, check the power supply to the device: whether the “On” button is pressed, whether the power plug is in the socket, and whether the circuit breaker has turned off due to overvoltage. This may be a general power outage - try turning on the lights. If the lights do not light up, just wait for the power supply to be restored or call the Energy Supervision operator.

If you are using a remote control or wall-mounted control panel, the signal may not be received due to a faulty battery. Just replace the batteries with new ones, after checking the expiration date

Owners of units with a timer should never forget about the settings. If you want to turn on the split system before the specified time, it, of course, will not work. Be sure to check the preset settings and adjust them or simply reset them.

If no action helps, and the air conditioner does not react in any way to attempts to turn it on, you will have to call technical service.

Insufficient cooling or heating

If the appliances are operating as usual, but the temperature in the room does not change, first check whether the windows and doors are closed.

The next step is to adjust the settings. The heating or cooling settings may be set too low, causing the unit to only maintain normal room temperature.

Do not forget about such a feature of the split system as a possible 3-minute turn-on delay. Just wait until the unit starts working.

While waiting, you can look outside and make sure that the external module is free and that something from the balcony or upper floors has not accidentally fallen on it. Air access to the grill must always be open

A common cause of any problems is filter contamination.Perform a quick clean with a vacuum cleaner or a more thorough clean with soap and water.

Instructions for cleaning the filter:

1. Lift the front panel until it clicks, so that it remains open.
2. Carefully grasp the filter frame by its fasteners, lift it up and remove it.
3. For dry cleaning, use a vacuum cleaner; for wet cleaning, use a cloth soaked in water.
4. If, in addition to coarse filters, bactericidal and carbon filters are installed, remove them and vacuum them, and after six months of use, replace them.

Do not use aggressive or abrasive products. If you clean the filters every 2 weeks, the operation of the split system will stabilize and problems will occur much less frequently.

Problems with work due to various reasons

Much less often, Kentatsu air conditioners experience malfunctions that require immediate intervention from technical support staff.

There are more than 80 authorized service centers in Russia, mainly in large cities.

If you live outside the city, you can call a specialist to your home or consult by phone. Often a few professional tips can help resolve problems.

Reasons requiring qualified intervention:

• frequent or random blinking of indicators that does not stop after several attempts to turn on/off;
• constant switching off of the machine on the electrical panel;
• foreign objects or water entering the housing;
• interruptions in the operation of the remote control or power button.

Do not forget that poor performance may be caused by incorrect installation of one of the blocks. That is why the manufacturer recommends contacting professional installers rather than connecting the split system yourself.

When no repairs are required

Sometimes it may seem to you that the unit is not working or is not working correctly, although it is simply following the program set by the manufacturer. This applies, for example, to delays in the execution of various commands, which can last from 3 to 10 minutes.

Delays occur due to temporary blocking. Modern equipment is equipped with a 3-stage protection system:

• from frequent starts of the compressor;
• from freezing of the external module heat exchanger;
• from the supply of cold air.

To prevent the compressor from quickly breaking down, there is a 3-minute switch-on delay after each switch-off.

At low outside temperatures, the heat exchanger becomes covered with a layer of frost. Thawing takes 4 to 10 minutes. During this time, the fans are inactive and the frost turns into condensation.

If the temperature outside is too low, the air in the room is heated with a delay. The heat exchanger requires at least 5 minutes to preheat or defrost.

Sometimes a light “fog” begins to emerge from under the blinds of the indoor unit. Its appearance is associated either with increased air humidity and the temperature difference between the incoming and outgoing air, or with the period after defrosting of the external heat exchanger.

The indoor unit may make strange sounds. “Gurgling” is produced by refrigerant moving through the pipes, creaking is caused by expansion from heating of plastic elements, and light noise is produced by adjusting dampers.

If water begins to drip from the case, you should reduce the humidity in the room: open the dampers as much as possible and increase the fan speed.

Sudden restarts may occur due to power outages. Modern models turn on after switching off in automatic mode with the specified settings.Some split systems need to be started manually

Disruptions during thunderstorms are also considered normal. They occur due to electromagnetic interference. To get it working again, you just need to turn off and turn on the air conditioner again.

New Kentatsu models come with detailed and understandable instructions, thanks to which most problems can be resolved on your own. In case of serious damage, contact a service center. It should be remembered that for normal operation, climate control equipment requires regular maintenance, which the owner can partially produce himself.

If you are well versed in technology, you can disassemble and repair it yourself, but after the warranty period has expired. Especially for home craftsmen - a couple of interesting videos.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Thorough cleaning of the indoor unit - universal instructions for any wall-mounted models:

Replacing the capacitor in the outdoor unit:

Self-diagnosis of climate control equipment significantly simplifies its operation and helps to eliminate many faults with your own hands. But even error codes can indicate several causes of failure and often “send” the user to a service center.

Do not forget about regular maintenance of both units, keep the filters clean and do not refuse maintenance - thanks to this, Kentatsu equipment will work much longer than the service life established by the manufacturer!

Would you like to tell us how you independently found the cause of the air conditioner malfunction? Do you want to share useful information on the topic of the article? Please leave comments in the block form below, ask questions and post photos.