Danby Portable AC Error Codes – Problems and Meaning

Danby Appliances Inc is a Montreal Quebec, Canadian-based company that was founded back in 1947. The company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing appliances all over the local and international markets. Working with various retailers in Canada, the USA, Mexico, and the UK – they are able to offer the world what they have to offer.

Based in Guelph, Ontario and Findlay Ohio the company not only has a well-established name in Canada and other parts of the world. What was once a family-owned business, has now made its name as one of the best appliance businesses in the Americas. Generating more than 400 million dollars per year in sales alone, the company offers washing machines, air conditioners, microwaves, wine coolers, refrigerators, and other small appliances.

When facing an error code we suggest you grab a pen and paper to note down the code rather than pressing various buttons on your Danby portable AC. This way you will not risk damaging your appliance any further and will be able to find out the exact issue using the common error code list for Danby Portable AC Error codes listed below. Once you nail down the issue you can easily call in a professional, or fix the issue yourself.

Occasionally, a problem may arise that is minor in nature, and a service call may not be necessary. Use this troubleshooting guide for a possible solution.

Codes List

Error CodesProblem
E1Error with the coils temperature sensor.
E2Error with the indoor temperature sensor.
E4Frost protection: the temperature of the coil is too low and the A/C shuts down to prevent excess frost build-up. When the temperature increases to 8°C (46.4°F), the  protective setting is released and the previous setting is applied.
FtTank is full - Connect the drain hose and drain the collected water away. If error repeats, call for service.
P1Bottom tray is full - Connect the drain hose and drain the collected water away. If error repeats, call for service.
LtLow Temperature. The unit will defrost. The appliance will start again once defrosting is complete
PFProbe failure, call for service
Danby Portable Air Conditioner Troubleshooting
Danby Portable Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Problem: Unit does not start when pressing on/off button

Possible Cause:

  1. P1 appears in the display window
  2. Room temperature is lower than the set temperature. (Cooling mode)

Solution:

  1. Drain the water in the bottom tray.
  2. Reset the temperature.

Problem: Not cool enough

Possible Cause:

  1. The windows or doors in the room are not closed.
  2. There are heat sources inside the room.
  3. Exhaust air duct is not connected or blocked.
  4. Temperature setting is too high.
  5. Air filter is blocked by dust.

Solution:

  1. Make sure all the windows and doors are closed.
  2. Remove the heat sources if possible.
  3. Connect the duct and make sure it can function properly.
  4. Decrease the set temperature.
  5. Clean the air filter.

Problem: Noisy or vibration

Possible Cause: The ground is not level or not flat enough.

Solution: Place the unit on a flat, level ground if possible.

Problem: Gurgling sound

Possible Cause: The sound comes from the flowing of the refrigerant inside the air conditioner

Solution: It is normal

Problem: Power shut off at Heating mode

Possible Cause: The automatic over heat protection function. When the temperature at the air outlet exceeds 70°C/158°F, the device wi ll stop.

Solution: Switch on again after the unit has cooled down.

Danby Portable AC Remote Control
Danby Portable AC Remote Control

Be sure the electrical service is adequate for the model you have chosen. This information can be found on the serial plate, which is located on the side of the cabinet and behind the grille.

• Be sure the air conditioner is properly grounded. To minimize shock and fire hazards, proper grounding is important. The power cord is equipped with a three-prong grounding plug for protection against shock hazards.

• Your air conditioner must be used in a properly grounded wall receptacle. If the wall receptacle you intend to use is not adequately grounded or protected by a time delay fuse or circuit breaker, have a qualified electrician install the proper receptacle.

• Ensure the receptacle is accessible after the unit installation.

Danby Portable Air Conditioner Parts
Danby Portable Air Conditioner Parts

How to Fix P1 Error?

When the water level of the bottom tray reaches a predetermined level, the unit beeps 8 times, the digital display area shows P1. At this time the air conditioning/dehumidification process will immediately stop. However, the fan motor will continue to operate (this is normal). Carefully move the unit to a drain location, remove the bottom drain plug and let the water drain away (Fig.24). Restart the machine until the P1 symbol disappears. If the error repeats, call for service.

During dehumidifying modes, remove the drain plug from the back of the unit, install the drain connector (5/8” universal female connecter) with 3/4” hose (locally purchased). For the models without a drain connector, just attach the drain hose to the hole. Place the open end of the hose directly over the drain area in your basement floor. Please refer to Fig.22 & 23.

NOTE: When operating or draining water always protect carpeting or floors from possible water spillage.

Danby Portable Air Conditioner Water Drainage
Danby Portable Air Conditioner Water Drainage

Air Filter

Clean the air filter at least once every two weeks to prevent inferior fan operation because of dust.

Removal: This unit has three filters. Take the upper filter out along the arrow direction (Fig.25), then take the filter down. Remove the lower filter and the side filter by loosening the screws, taking out the filters as shown in Fig.25.

Cleaning: Wash the air filter by immersing it gently in warm water (about 40°C / 104 °F) with a neutral detergent. Rinse the filter and dry it in a shady place.

Mounting: Install the upper air filter after cleaning ,then insert the side filter into the unit and install the lower filter by using the screws (see Fig.26).

Danby Portable Air Conditioner Control Panel
Danby Portable Air Conditioner Control Panel

Manual Pdf

Danby Portable Air Conditioner Manual

Danny Reese


*If you can't find the code you're looking for on our site, please let us know, and we'll update our database as soon as possible.

38 thoughts on “Danby Portable AC Error Codes – Problems and Meaning”

  1. I got an E4 error right out of the box on my 14000 BTU portable danby Ac. Anyone have any suggections? Waiting for customer service but it’s a heat wave and we have a new baby that can’t get over 25 degrees. Help!!! please….

    Reply
  2. My Danby unit does not stop cooling when the tray is full of water. Instead, it continues to cool and allows water to leak out of the unit. No error codes, no P1 indicator, nothing…. Just waking up to water on the floor and going through to our basement! The unit is level and it has done it on two separate uses now so resetting the unit is not a solution. I contacted customer support and am waiting for a reply but we are in a heat wave and if I can get an answer sooner, awesome! Ideas?
    Note: Continuous drainage is not an option for us at the moment.

    Reply
  3. What is Fe mean? How to fix it? I have Danby 14,000 BTU 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner with Silencer and Wireless Connect

    Reply
  4. Have my unit about 2 years now and the mode button on the unit stopped working so it is stuck on heat and the remote completely stopped working as well. Tried new batteries and everything. The rest of the buttons on the unit work fine except the mode button.

    Reply

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