HVACopedia

Gree · Heat pump

H3 Compressor overload protection

High severity Gree SapphireGree Livo GEN4Gree Vireo GEN3Gree Multi21+

What the control is telling you

The compressor overload protector opened.

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

  • Overload wire (OVC-COMP/SAT) loose
  • Overload protector failed
  • Refrigerant low or too high
  • Blocked capillary or EEV fault raising suction temp
  • Compressor bearing or valve problem
  • Poor heat exchange

Test and repair steps

  1. Let the compressor cool about 30 min, then check the overload terminal is tight; it should read under 1 ohm when cool.
  2. Check the EEV coil and plug.
  3. Leak-check and correct the charge.
  4. Clean coils and improve airflow around the units.
  5. Replace the overload protector if open when cool; replace the compressor if it is mechanically bad.

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

  • F8 Compressor slowed - high current
  • F9 Compressor slowed - high discharge temperature
  • H0 Compressor slowed - high indoor coil temp in heating
  • H1 Defrost or oil return (status)
  • H4 System abnormal (overload)
  • H5 IPM (inverter module) protection
  • H6 Indoor fan motor not running / no feedback
  • H7 Compressor lost synchronism

Save it for the next call

Star this code in the HVACopedia app and keep the whole library on your phone for jobs with no signal.

Open the app

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.