Frigidaire air conditioner P1 error code: bottom tray full (portable)

What the P1 code means

P1 on a Frigidaire portable air conditioner means the bottom water tray is full, so the unit has stopped. Frigidaire says to move the unit to a drain, take out the bottom drain plug and let the water run out, then reset the unit.

A portable air conditioner removes moisture from the air as it cools. Most of it is evaporated and blown out through the exhaust hose. The rest collects in the bottom tray, and a level switch stops the unit before it overflows.

P1 is a normal alert, not a fault. It is most common in humid weather, in Dry mode, and on the first start of the season when water was left in the tray.

Common causes

Listed from most to least common.

1. Very humid weather making more water than the unit can evaporate
2. Water left in the tray from last season (Frigidaire notes this on first start-up)
3. Running in Dry (dehumidify) mode without a drain hose
4. Unit not standing level
5. Water level switch stuck or faulty

How to fix the P1 code

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

1. 1

   Step 1: Turn off and unplug

   Switch the unit off and unplug it before draining.

2. 2

   Step 2: Move it to a drain

   Carefully roll the unit to a floor drain, or put a shallow pan and towels under the drain plug at the bottom back.

3. 3

   Step 3: Drain the tray

   Remove the bottom drain plug and let the water run out. Frigidaire says you may need to tilt the unit slightly so all of it drains. Refit the plug firmly.

4. 4

   Step 4: Reset the unit

   If P1 is still showing, unplug the unit for about 30 seconds, plug it back in and turn it on.

5. 5

   Step 5: Set up continuous drain if needed

   In humid weather or Dry mode, connect a drain hose to the outlet and run it downhill to a floor drain, as your manual shows.

You'll need: Shallow pan, towels.

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.

Parts that may need replacing

Check your model number on the label inside the door or on the back before ordering.

• Drain hose for portable ACCheck prices

When to call a technician

If P1 comes straight back after draining, with little or no water in the tray, the water level switch may be stuck or faulty. Contact Frigidaire support.

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