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Gree · Heat pump

E5 Overcurrent protection (whole unit)

High severity Gree SapphireGree Livo GEN4Gree Vireo GEN3Gree Multi21+

What the control is telling you

Total current drawn by the outdoor unit went above its limit, so the compressor and outdoor fan stop.

Applies to: Gree Sapphire 9-24k (SAP..HP230V1A), Livo GEN4 30-36k (4LIV..HP230V1A), Vireo GEN3 9-24k (3VIR..HP115/230V1A), Multi21+ 18-24k multi-zone (MULTI..HP230V1CO)

Likely causes

  • Supply voltage unstable or too low under load
  • Dirty coils or blocked airflow
  • Fan motor slow or stopped
  • Restriction inside the system (debris, ice, oil, valve not open)
  • Compressor dragging (noise, oil leak, very hot shell)
  • Outdoor board fault

Test and repair steps

  1. Measure supply voltage under load; it should stay within 10% of the nameplate rating.
  2. Clean both coils and clear the air inlet and outlet.
  3. Check that indoor and outdoor fans run at normal speed.
  4. Clamp the line current at the board and compare with the protection value.
  5. Look for restrictions service valves fully open, no ice or oil blockage; flush with nitrogen if blocked.
  6. If the compressor is noisy, leaking oil or very hot, replace it; otherwise replace the outdoor board.

Models that show this code

14 models in Gree Sapphire, Gree Livo GEN4, Gree Vireo GEN3, Gree Multi21+

3VIR09HP115V1A3VIR09HP230V1A3VIR12HP115V1A3VIR12HP230V1A3VIR18HP230V1A3VIR24HP230V1A4LIV30HP230V1AH4LIV36HP230V1AHMULTI18HP230V1COMULTI24HP230V1COSAP09HP230V1AHSAP12HP230V1AHSAP18HP230V1AHSAP24HP230V1AH

Other codes on the same units

  • E1 High pressure protection
  • E2 Indoor coil freeze protection (status)
  • E3 Low pressure protection
  • E4 Compressor discharge temperature too high
  • E6 Indoor/outdoor communication fault
  • E7 Mode conflict between indoor units (status)
  • E8 High temperature / overload protection
  • E9 Cold air prevention (status)

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Source: Gree Sapphire 9-12k (SAP09-12HP230V1A) service.pdf - section 9.1 Error Code List / 9.2 Procedure of Troubleshooting; Gree Sapphire 18-24k (SAP18-24HP230V1A) service.pdf - section 9.1 Error Code List / 9.2 Procedure of Troubleshooting; Gree Livo GEN4 30-36k (4LIV30-36HP230V1A) service.pdf - section 9.1 Error Code List / 9.2 Procedure of Troubleshooting; Gree Vireo GEN3 9-24k (3VIR..HP115-230V1A) service GREE_VIREOGEN3_SERVICE_090921.pdf - section 9.1 Error Code List / 9.2 Procedure of Troubleshooting; Gree Multi21+ multi-zone 18-24k (MULTI18-24HP230V1CO) service.pdf - section 9.1 Malfunction status sheet / 9.2 Malfunction Checking and Elimination. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.

Homeowner looking at this code? See what it means for you and when to call a technician.

For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.