03 Short cycling

What the control is telling you

The last four (4) compressor cycles each ran less than three (3) minutes. Reported as 3 flashes on the L terminal.

Applies to: (-)PRL-JEC 2-stage 16 SEER heat pumps: RPRL/UPRL-024JEC, -036JEC, -048JEC, -060JEC

Likely causes

• Loose or bad thermostat wiring (R, C, 1, 2)
• Thermostat located too close to a supply register

Test and repair steps

1. Check thermostat wire connections at R, C, 1 and 2 at thermostat, indoor and outdoor unit.
2. Check the thermostat location - move it if it sits in the discharge air stream of a supply grille.
3. Check for intermittent pressure control trips (codes 21/29) in fault history.
4. Check charge and indoor airflow if pressure controls are tripping.

Settings for these units

Outdoor unit clearances · Rheem/Ruud PRL-JEC heat pump (Comfort Control2 ICC)

Do not reduce the 60 in. discharge or 24 in. service clearances.

Inlet clearances under 6 in. reduce capacity and efficiency.

Models that show this code

4 models in Rheem/Ruud PRL-JEC heat pump (Comfort Control2 ICC)

Other codes on the same units

• 01 Long run time (compressor)
• 1 flash (L terminal) L-terminal fault output: Long run cycle or low pressure
• 02 High side fault (compressor limit opened 4 times)
• 2 flashes (L terminal) L-terminal fault output: High pressure control trip
• 3 flashes (L terminal) L-terminal fault output: Unit short cycling
• 4 flashes (L terminal) L-terminal fault output: Locked rotor
• 05 Open circuit - compressor will not run
• 5 flashes (L terminal) L-terminal fault output: Compressor will not run, open circuit