Code: F3🔧 Daikin Mini Split

Daikin Error Code F3: Discharge Pipe Temperature Too High (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Based on 6 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Daikin's ductless service manuals (for example SiBE041029_A, SiBE041102_A and the multi-zone manual SiBE121135_A) describe F3 like this: the outdoor board watches the discharge pipe thermistor, and if the temperature rises above a set limit the compressor stops. The error clears when the pipe cools below a lower limit, and if it repeats the system shuts down; it resets after about 60 minutes of continuous running with no other error. The limits depend on the unit size and compressor speed, for example 110 °C (230 °F) stop and 95 °C (203 °F) restart on smaller classes, and 120 °C (248 °F) and 107 °C (225 °F) on larger ones. Daikin's newer R-32 manuals (ESIE16-02B, ESIE17-08, Perfera FTXM-R) list it as F3-00 "Discharge pipe temperature abnormality": the unit keeps running at first, stops if the high temperature repeats 10 times within 200 minutes, and can then be reset from the remote. Daikin's Simple Self-Diagnosis code list gives the causes as a defective discharge pipe thermistor, an abnormal discharge pipe temperature, a defective outdoor control board, or a bad connector contact.

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Turn off the breaker and outdoor disconnect before anyone opens the outdoor unit. Inverter boards can hold a dangerous charge after power is removed, the discharge line can be hot enough to burn, and refrigerant work (including mildly flammable R-32) must be done by a certified technician.

  1. Write down the full code (F3 or F3-00) and when it happens (cooling or heating, hot day or mild day). That helps the technician.
  2. Turn the system off with the remote, then switch off the breaker or outdoor disconnect, wait a few minutes and turn it back on. Daikin's newer models allow a manual reset from the remote once the pipe has cooled.
  3. Make sure the outdoor unit has clear airflow: remove leaves, snow or anything stacked against it, and keep the area around it clear.
  4. If the unit was installed or serviced recently, tell the installer about F3 right away. A stop valve left closed or a poor evacuation are installation problems Daikin lists for this code.
  5. If F3 returns, stop resetting it and call a licensed HVAC technician. Running a compressor repeatedly at high discharge temperature can damage it, and the remaining checks involve refrigerant and sealed-system parts.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • Follow Daikin's F3 flowchart order: check the thermistors (discharge pipe, outdoor heat exchanger, outdoor temperature) and their connectors; check the outdoor electronic expansion valve and coil; then run the refrigerant line check (charge, four-way valve, moisture, stop valves); replace the outdoor PCB only if everything else checks out.
  • Confirm both stop valves are fully open and check the charge against the nameplate; Daikin's corrective action for shortage is to find the leak and charge the correct amount.
  • If moisture or non-condensables are suspected, recover the refrigerant, pull a vacuum and recharge with virgin refrigerant, as Daikin's R-32 manuals specify.
  • On R-32 models, check that the outdoor main PCB HAP LED is blinking at regular intervals and that the correct spare part is fitted before condemning the board.
  • Stop limits vary by model and capacity class (for example 110/95 °C on smaller classes and 120/107 °C on larger ones in the SiBE manuals); use the service manual for the exact outdoor model.
  • Daikin says to turn off the power switch before connecting or disconnecting any connector, or parts may be damaged.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Discharge pipe thermistor

Daikin lists a defective discharge pipe thermistor as a cause; match the outdoor model number and have it tested before replacing.

Search eBay →
⚙

Refrigerant leak detector

For a technician tracking down the refrigerant shortage that commonly causes F3.

Search eBay →
⚙

Multimeter

For checking thermistor resistance and connectors, the first step in Daikin's F3 flowchart.

Search eBay →

Sources

  1. Daikin Simple Self-Diagnosis by Malfunction Code: F3 Malfunction of discharge pipe temperature (defective discharge pipe thermistor, abnormal discharge pipe temperature, defective outdoor unit control PCB, defective connector contact)
  2. Daikin service manual SiBE041029_A (FTX-GV), 4.17 Discharge Pipe Temperature Control: error decision conditions, 60-minute reset, supposed causes, flowchart, stop temperatures 110/95 °C and 120/107 °C by class
  3. Daikin multi-zone service manual SiBE121135_A, 7.11 Discharge Pipe Temperature Control (F3), outdoor unit LED display and the same causes and checks
  4. Daikin service manual SiBE041102_A (FTXN-KEV), 4.13 Discharge Pipe Temperature Control: stop temperatures by compressor frequency
  5. Daikin RA R32 Split & multi split M-Series service manual ESIE16-02B, 2.2.2.8 F3-00 Discharge pipe temperature abnormality: trigger, effect, reset, possible causes and corrective actions
  6. Daikin Perfera FTXM-R service manual, 2.5.15 F3-00 Malfunction of discharge pipe temperature: check order (stop valves, charge, non-condensables, clogging, 4-way valve, expansion valve, main PCB, thermistors)

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.