Frigidaire air conditioner EC error code: communication error

What the EC code means

EC on a Frigidaire air conditioner is a communications error. Two control parts inside the unit have stopped talking to each other. Frigidaire says to unplug the unit for about 30 seconds, then contact support if EC comes back.

Frigidaire air conditioners have a main control board and a separate board behind the buttons and display. They swap signals over a short cable. If one stops hearing from the other, the unit shows EC.

A single EC after a power cut is common and usually clears with a reset. Repeated EC codes point to a loose connector or a failing board.

Common causes

Listed from most to least common.

1. Power surge or brief outage
2. Loose plug between the control board and the display board
3. Moisture on a control board
4. Display or main control board failed

How to fix the EC code

Unplug the air conditioner or switch it off at the breaker before removing any panel or filter.

1. 1

   Step 1: Unplug the unit

   Unplug the air conditioner for about 30 seconds, as Frigidaire advises.

2. 2

   Step 2: Use a wall outlet

   Plug straight into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension cord, and restart.

3. 3

   Step 3: Let it dry if it got wet

   If rain blew in or water spilled on the unit, leave it unplugged in a dry room for a day before trying again.

4. 4

   Step 4: Contact Frigidaire if it returns

   If EC comes back, stop using the unit and contact Frigidaire support.

How to reset the Frigidaire air conditioner

1. Turn the air conditioner off with the remote or the control panel.
2. Cut the power. Frigidaire says to unplug window and portable units for about 30 seconds. For a mini-split, turn off its breaker for a few minutes.
3. Restore power and turn the unit back on. The compressor normally waits about 3 minutes before starting, so give it time before judging.
4. If the same code comes back, the fault is still there. Work through the fix steps above, or contact Frigidaire support.

When to call a technician

If EC returns after unplugging, the wiring between the boards or one of the boards needs replacing. That means opening the cabinet, so book a technician.

A typical repair for this code costs $150–$350 in the US, including parts and labor. Prices vary by area and model.

Models this applies to

• Window air conditioners (including Frigidaire Gallery)
• Portable air conditioners
• Ductless mini-splits

Codes can differ slightly between models. Your owner's manual is the final word and is available from Frigidaire support.

Frequently asked questions