Toshiba air conditioning service

Toshiba P Series Error Codes

What the Toshiba P series codes mean, what you can check and when to book a technician.

Toshiba P error codes are protection codes. They appear on the wired controller of ducted, ceiling cassette, under ceiling and VRF systems, usually as the letter P followed by two digits. Each one tells you the system has stopped itself to avoid damage. This page explains the common P codes, what they generally point to, and how to respond safely.

Before you read on, keep one thing in mind about Toshiba air conditioner error codes. Code meanings can differ between Toshiba series and generations, so treat the list below as a general guide. Always confirm the meaning against the manual or the service label for your exact model.

What are Toshiba P error codes?

Toshiba groups its wired controller codes by letter. E codes relate to communication, F codes to sensors and memory, H codes to the compressor and L codes to setup. The P series covers protection, meaning the system has detected a condition outside its safe limits.

Compressor faults have their own group. The H series codes cover compressor breakdown, lock and overheating.

A protection trip is not always a failed part. Sometimes the unit is reacting to a blocked outdoor coil, a full drain tray or a supply problem. However, a code that keeps coming back usually means something needs proper attention. Our main Toshiba error code guide explains how all the code families fit together.

Where will you see a P code?

You will see these codes on the wired wall controller for RAV ducted, cassette and under ceiling units, and on SMMS VRF systems. The display shows the letter and two digits, for example P10. On many controllers, holding the CHECK button recalls the fault history, although the exact steps vary by controller.

Do wall split systems show P codes?

Wall split systems such as Seiya, Seiya Classic, Shorai Edge and Haori work differently. Instead of a letter code, they signal a fault by flashing lights on the indoor unit. Then you can read a two character check code with the wireless remote using its CHECK function. So if you have a Toshiba aircon flashing lights on a wall unit, the P list below will not apply directly.

Toshiba P error codes list and meanings

The meanings below come from published Toshiba fault code references for RAV and SMMS equipment. Again, meanings can vary by series, so check your manual. Each code links to a group of likely causes rather than a single certain fault.

P03 means high discharge temperature.
P04 means the high pressure switch has operated.
P05 points to a supply voltage or phase fault.
P07 indicates the heat sink is overheating.
P10 means the indoor float switch has operated, so water is building up in the drain tray.
P12 indicates an indoor DC fan motor fault.
P15 means a gas leak has been detected.
P19 points to a four way valve fault.
P20 indicates high pressure protection.
P22 means an outdoor fan system fault.
P26 points to an inverter switching device short circuit.
P29 indicates a compressor position detection fault.
P31 means another indoor unit in the group has a fault.

How should you read this list?

Think of each code as a pointer to an area of the system. For instance, P10 points to the drain, while P22 points to the outdoor fan. Then a technician narrows the cause down with tests. The code alone rarely tells the whole story.

Pressure and heat codes, P03, P04 and P20

These three codes relate to the refrigerant circuit running too hot or at too high a pressure. The system protects the compressor by shutting down. They often appear on very hot days, or when air cannot move freely across the outdoor coil.

What usually triggers them?

Common triggers include a dirty or blocked outdoor coil, an outdoor fan that is not spinning, and hot air recirculating around a boxed in outdoor unit. Problems with the refrigerant charge or a restriction in the pipework can cause them too. Because several causes look similar, a technician needs gauges and temperature readings to tell them apart.

What can you check?

First, make sure nothing crowds the outdoor unit, such as plants, stored boxes or a cover. Next, look for leaves or lint matted against the fins. If the fan blade sits still while the unit runs, note that too. Never use high pressure water, because it flattens fins.

How do these relate to wall split codes?

Wall splits use two character codes instead. On those units, code 21 means a high pressure trip and 1E means high discharge temperature. Our page on codes 21 and 1E explains them in more detail for wall split owners.

Electrical and inverter codes, P05, P07, P26 and P29

These codes point to the power supply or the inverter electronics that drive the compressor. They are not owner repairs, because they involve high voltage parts. Still, knowing what they mean helps you describe the problem clearly.

P05, supply voltage or phase

P05 suggests the outdoor unit is not getting the supply it expects. On three phase systems, a missing or reversed phase can trigger it. On any system, low or unstable voltage may cause it too. An electrician or air conditioning technician will test the supply at the isolator and the board.

P07, heat sink overheating

The heat sink draws heat away from the inverter components. If it overheats, the system shuts down to protect the board. Poor airflow around the outdoor unit can contribute, so clear the area first. If the code returns, a technician will check the heat sink sensor, the board and the outdoor fan.

P26 and P29, inverter and compressor position

P26 points to a short circuit in the inverter switching device. P29 means the board cannot detect the compressor position correctly. Both need a technician with the right test equipment. In some cases the fix is a board, while in others the compressor itself needs testing.

Fan and valve codes, P12, P19 and P22

Fans and valves keep air and refrigerant moving in the right direction. When one fails or behaves oddly, the system protects itself with a P code. These faults often show up as noise, weak airflow or a mode that does not work properly.

P12, indoor DC fan motor

P12 indicates a problem with the indoor fan motor. You might notice no air from the vents even though the system seems to start. Also listen for unusual humming or clicking from the indoor unit. A technician will test the motor and the board that drives it.

P19, four way valve

The four way valve switches the system between cooling and heating. When it faults, the unit may heat when you ask for cooling, or the reverse. Sometimes the valve is sticking, while at other times the coil or control signal is at fault. This is refrigerant circuit work, so it needs a licensed technician.

P22, outdoor fan system

P22 means the outdoor fan system has a fault. The fan may not spin, may spin slowly, or the board may not detect its speed. First check that nothing blocks the blade, such as a branch or debris. If the blade turns freely by sight and the code remains, book a technician.

Drain and group codes, P10 and P31

Not every P code involves the refrigerant circuit. Two common ones relate to water and to how indoor units talk to each other.

P10, float switch operated

P10 means the indoor float switch has tripped because water is building up in the drain tray. Causes include a blocked drain line, a failed drain pump on cassette units, or a sagging pipe. You can check that the outside drain outlet is clear and flowing. For a full walk through, see our dedicated P10 error code page.

P31, other indoor unit fault

P31 appears in group setups where several indoor units share a controller. It tells you that another unit in the group has a fault. So the unit showing P31 may be fine itself. A technician will check each indoor unit to find the one with the primary code.

What does P15, gas leak detected, mean?

P15 indicates the system has detected a gas leak or a significant loss of refrigerant. You may notice weaker cooling or heating before the code appears. Ice on the pipes is another possible sign.

Can you just top up the gas?

A top up alone does not fix a leak. Air conditioners do not use up refrigerant in normal running, so any loss means a leak somewhere. The right approach is to find and repair the leak, then pressure test, evacuate and recharge the system.

Who can do the work?

In Australia, refrigerant work must be done by a technician holding an ARC refrigerant handling licence. Do not attempt to open service valves or add gas yourself. Also keep the unit off once P15 appears, unless a technician advises otherwise.

What safe checks can you do for a P code?

You can do a few simple checks before calling anyone. They will not fix every fault, yet they rule out simple causes and give the technician useful information.

Write down the full code exactly as it appears, along with the date and time.
Turn the system off at the isolator, wait a few minutes, then restore power.
Check whether the code returns, and how quickly.
Clean or inspect the indoor return air filter if you can reach it safely.
Check that the drain outlet outside is not blocked.
Make sure nothing blocks the outdoor unit, and that it has power.

What should you never do?

Never open covers, touch wiring or handle refrigerant. Protection codes often involve high voltage electronics or a pressurised circuit. These jobs belong to a qualified technician, and refrigerant work requires an ARC licence. Also avoid resetting the system over and over, because repeated restarts can stress the compressor.

Is a reset enough?

Sometimes a code clears after a power reset and never returns. That may mean a brief supply dip or a one off condition. However, if the same P code returns within hours or days, the underlying cause is still there. At that point, our guide to Toshiba air conditioner repairs explains what the next step usually looks like.

What about flashing lights on a wall split?

Many people search for an aircon light flashing or an aircon flashing green light when a wall unit misbehaves. On Toshiba wall splits, a slow flash of the operation light after power returns is normal and is not a fault. Fast flashing of the operation and timer lights together indicates a stored fault.

How do you read the code on a wall unit?

Point the wireless remote at the indoor unit and use its CHECK function. The remote then steps through codes until the unit beeps on the stored one. Exact button steps vary between remote models, so follow your manual. The two character code you find is different from the P codes on this page.

Frequently asked questions

What does a P code mean on a Toshiba air conditioner?

A P code is a protection code on a wired controller. It means the system has stopped to protect itself from conditions such as high pressure, overheating or a drain problem. Meanings can vary by series, so confirm with your manual.

Is a P code always serious?

Not always, since some causes are simple, such as a blocked outdoor coil or a full drain tray. However, a code that returns after a reset needs a technician. Repeated trips can lead to bigger damage over time.

Can I reset a Toshiba P error code myself?

You can turn the system off at the isolator, wait a few minutes, then restore power. If the code clears and stays clear, keep an eye on it. If it comes back, stop resetting and book a check.

Why does my unit show P31 when it seems fine?

P31 tells you that another indoor unit in the same group has a fault. The unit displaying it may be working normally. A technician will look at each unit to find the original code.

Does P15 mean I need more gas?

P15 means a gas leak has been detected. Adding gas without fixing the leak only delays the problem. A licensed technician should locate and repair the leak first.

Are P codes the same on every Toshiba model?

No, meanings can differ between series and generations. The list here covers common RAV and SMMS references. Always check the manual or service label for your exact unit.

What does a Toshiba air conditioner blinking light mean instead of a code?

Wall split systems use flashing indoor lights rather than a letter display. You read the stored two character code with the remote CHECK function. P codes only appear on wired controllers.

What should I tell the technician?

Give them the exact code, when it first appeared and whether it returned after a reset. Also mention the model and what the system was doing at the time. That helps them bring the right tools.

Getting help with a Toshiba P code

P codes are the system telling you it has stepped in to protect itself. Simple checks, such as clearing the outdoor unit or checking the drain, can sometimes solve the cause. If the code keeps returning, a proper diagnosis is the safest path.

Note the code, the model and when it happens. Then, if you would like a local technician to inspect the system, you can contact us to arrange a visit. We are an independent service and not affiliated with Toshiba.

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