Fujitsu air conditioner 97 error code: outdoor fan motor fault

What the 97 code means

Error 97 on a Fujitsu mini-split is an outdoor unit fan motor error. Fujitsu says it triggers when the outdoor fan cannot reach 100 RPM within 20 seconds of starting, three times in a row. The lamps show 9 operation blinks and 7 timer blinks.

The outdoor fan pulls air across the outdoor coil. Without it, the coil overheats in cooling and ices up in heating. The board watches the fan speed and, if the fan will not get going after three tries, it stops the compressor and fan and shows error 97.

Fujitsu's diagnosis checks that the fan turns, the temperature around the motor, the motor windings and the DC voltage to the motor.

Common causes

Listed from most to least common.

1. Snow, ice, leaves or debris jamming the outdoor fan
2. Fan blade loose or rubbing
3. Very hot surroundings around the outdoor unit
4. Outdoor fan motor failed
5. Outdoor board fault

How to fix the 97 code

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

1. 1

   Step 1: Turn off the power

   Switch off the breaker and the outdoor disconnect before going near the fan.

2. 2

   Step 2: Clear the fan

   Look through the fan grille for snow, ice, leaves or sticks. Wearing gloves, remove anything you can reach without taking off panels. Let ice melt on its own; do not chip at it.

3. 3

   Step 3: Check the fan turns

   With the power off, nudge a fan blade with a stick through the grille. Fujitsu's first check is whether the fan rotates freely or the motor is locked.

4. 4

   Step 4: Reset and listen

   Restore power and start the system. The fan should start within a few minutes and spin smoothly.

You'll need: Work gloves, flashlight.

How to reset the Fujitsu air conditioner

1. Turn the system off with the remote or wired controller.
2. Switch off the breaker for the system, and the outdoor disconnect switch if there is one. Leave the power off for at least 5 minutes.
3. Restore power and turn the unit back on. The compressor normally waits a few minutes before starting, so give it time before judging.
4. If the same code or blink pattern comes back, the fault is still there. Work through the fix steps above, or call a Fujitsu contractor or other licensed HVAC technician.

When to call a technician

If the fan is clear and 97 returns, a licensed HVAC technician needs to test the fan motor windings and its supply from the board. Do not open the outdoor unit's covers.

A typical repair for this code costs $250–$700 in the US, including parts and labor. Prices vary by area and model.

Models this applies to

• Halcyon wall-mounted mini-splits (ASU indoor, AOU outdoor)
• Halcyon floor, ceiling cassette and slim duct units (AGU, AUU, ARU)
• Halcyon multi-zone systems (RLF series)
• Ducted and ceiling-suspended units (RGLX, RULX series)

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

Frequently asked questions