What it means
Daikin's US service manual calls it OL activation (compressor overload). The system shuts down if the error keeps repeating, and Daikin gives the reset condition as about 60 minutes of continuous running without any other error.
What to check, in order
- Clear around the outdoor unit
Daikin's troubleshooting page says to remove anything blocking the air inlet or outlet of the indoor or outdoor unit when the unit stops with a flashing lamp.
- Reset at the breaker
Switch off the air conditioner's own breaker for 20 minutes, then switch on and restart.
- Call if it comes back
If the code returns, stop resetting it and book an engineer.
When to call an engineer
Daikin's service manual lists a faulty or disconnected discharge pipe thermistor, a faulty overload protector or harness, a faulty expansion valve or four-way valve, a faulty outdoor control board, refrigerant shortage, water mixed in the refrigerant and a faulty stop valve. Refrigerant work needs an F-gas certified engineer in the UK or an HVAC technician in the US.
A repair visit will usually check the compressor, its wiring and the inverter board that drives it.
- Note the model and serial number. They're on a label on the side of the indoor unit, and on the outdoor unit.
- Write down the exact code, and what the appliance was doing when it appeared.
- Check whether it's still under warranty. If it is, the repair may cost you nothing.
Quick answers
What does the Daikin E5 error code mean?
The compressor's overload protector has tripped, so the system has stopped to protect the compressor. Daikin's US service manual calls it OL activation (compressor overload). The system shuts down if the error keeps repeating, and Daikin gives the reset condition as about 60 minutes of continuous running without any other error.
Can I fix Daikin E5 myself?
Engineer only (engineer visit). Start with: clear around the outdoor unit; reset at the breaker; call if it comes back. Daikin's service manual lists a faulty or disconnected discharge pipe thermistor, a faulty overload protector or harness, a faulty expansion valve or four-way valve, a faulty outdoor control board, refrigerant shortage, water mixed in the refrigerant and a faulty stop valve. Refrigerant work needs an F-gas certified engineer in the UK or an HVAC technician in the US.
Is Daikin E5 worth repairing?
Get a quote first. The causes range from a sensor to a refrigerant problem. Get it diagnosed and quoted.
Checked against
- Daikin Service Manual SiUS042113E, FTXM-V / RXM-V inverter pair wall mounted type (manualslib copy of the Daikin PDF)
- Daikin Service Manual SiUS04-924_A, RXS / FTXS H-series inverter pair wall mounted type (PDF)
- Daikin: Simple Self-Diagnosis by Malfunction Code, SM-TS3, list of error codes (PDF)
- Daikin Global: Troubleshooting, split and multi-split air conditioners
Last reviewed October 2026. Manufacturers update their pages, and your manual is the final word. Spotted a mistake? Email contact@appliance-error-codes.com.