Danby air conditioner PF error code: sensor failure (portable)
- Urgency
- Medium
- Who can fix it
- Technician job
- Time
- About 10 min
- Repair cost
- $120–$300
What the PF code means
PF on a newer Danby portable air conditioner, such as the DPA080E3 series, means a sensor failure. Danby says to unplug the unit for 5 minutes to reset the internal sensors, and to contact Danby Consumer Care for service if PF comes back.
Portable air conditioners use several small temperature sensors to watch the room and the coils. When the control board stops getting a sensible reading from one of them, newer Danby models show PF and stop.
A single PF after a power cut can clear with the 5-minute unplug Danby recommends. If it returns, a sensor, its wire or the board needs testing.
Common causes
Listed from most to least common.
- Internal temperature sensor failed
- Sensor plug loose on the control board
- Sensor wire damaged
- Brief power glitch
- Control board fault
How to fix the PF code
Unplug the air conditioner or switch it off at the breaker before removing any panel or filter.
Step 1: Unplug the unit
Turn the unit off and unplug it for 5 minutes, as Danby advises, to reset the internal sensors.
Step 2: Plug straight into the wall
Use a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
Step 3: Restart and watch
Turn the unit on in Cool mode and check that it runs normally for a few hours.
Step 4: Call for service if it returns
If PF comes back, Danby says to contact Consumer Care for servicing information.
How to reset the Danby air conditioner
- Turn the air conditioner off with the remote or the control panel.
- Unplug the unit and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, as Danby's manuals advise.
- Plug it back in and turn it on. The compressor normally waits a few minutes before starting, so give it time before judging.
- If the same code comes back, the fault is still there. Work through the fix steps above, or call Danby Consumer Care at 1-800-263-2629.
When to call a technician
If PF persists after a 5-minute unplug, contact Danby Consumer Care at 1-800-263-2629. The DPA080E3 is a recent model, so check whether it is still under warranty.
A typical repair for this code costs $120–$300 in the US, including parts and labor. Prices vary by area and model.
Models this applies to
- Portable air conditioners (DPA series)
- Window air conditioners (DAC series)
Codes can differ slightly between models. Your owner's manual is the final word and is available from Danby support.
Frequently asked questions
›What is Lt on my Danby DPA080E3?
Lt is a low temperature code. Danby says the unit pauses if ice forms inside and resumes on its own when the ice melts.
›Can I keep using the unit with PF?
No. A sensor the unit relies on is not working. Leave it off until it is reset or repaired.
›Why do older Danby portables show E1 or E2 instead?
Older Danby portables report each sensor with its own E code. Newer models such as the DPA080E3 use the single PF code for a sensor failure.