Why your GE air conditioner is displaying an F10 error & how you can fix it

Are you seeing an F10 error on your GE air conditioner? Don’t throw out your unit just yet. We’re here to help you troubleshoot your AC so you can save the cost of a service call.

If you find out that you need replacement parts for your GE air conditioner while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The error code information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. The disassembly information is based on GE PTAC Zoneline models starting with AZ45 and AZ65. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What does the F10 error code mean?

The F10 error typically translates to a heat pump over-temperature fault on your GE air conditioner. This usually means that the temperature of the indoor coil has risen above the safe operating threshold of 131°F.

When this happens, the system has detected that the temperature of the indoor coil could potentially damage the unit. As a protective measure, the outdoor fan motor is automatically shut down until the coil temperature can recover to a safe level.

What you need

• 5/16-inch socket or drive
• 1/4-inch socket or drive
• 4mm Allen wrench
• Multimeter

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: How to troubleshoot & fix common window air conditioner problems  

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.

Read more: 8 steps to troubleshoot a window air conditioner that’s running but not cooling

How to troubleshoot your GE air conditioner

Follow these steps to resolve the F10 error code on your AC.

Step 1: Check the airflow

• Inspect the air filters on the unit. Clogged or dirty filters can restrict airflow over the indoor coil, causing it to overheat. Clean or replace the filters as needed.
• Make sure nothing is blocking the airflow around the unit, such as furniture, curtains, or other objects. The unit should have clearance on all sides for unrestricted airflow.
• Check that the set temperature is below the ambient temperature of the room.

Step 2: Examine & test the thermistor

1. Disconnect the unit from the power source.
2. Lift up the front cover from the lower corners and pull it straight out to remove it from the clips.
3. Check the thermistor for any damage, debris or blockages that would prevent it from working.
4. Inspect the indoor blower and fan for any issues that could be reducing airflow.
5. Check for any loose wiring connections to the thermistor. Reseat them as needed.
6. Set the multimeter to the resistance (Ω) setting.
7. Use the meter probes to measure the resistance between the following pins on the J29 connector: Pin 1 and Pin 2 (AIR range: 7k Ohms to 64k Ohms), Pin 3 and Pin 4 (COIL range: 10.5k Ohms to 95k Ohms) and Pin 5 and Pin 6 (OUTLET range: 35k Ohms to 300k Ohms)

If the resistance values are outside the specified ranges, then the thermistor will need to be replaced.

If you’ve made it this far and everything has passed testing, you can replace the control board as a last resort.

Read more: How to get better air quality from your window air conditioner   

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your GE air conditioner working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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