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GE air conditioner E2 error code: temperature sensor fault (portable)

Urgency
Medium
Who can fix it
Technician job
Time
About 10 min
Repair cost
$120–$300

What the E2 code means

E2 on a GE portable air conditioner is a sensor fault. On APCA, APWA and APSA portables GE lists it as the room temperature sensor; on newer APCD portables GE calls it an abnormal refrigeration system sensor. The unit stops because it cannot trust the reading.

The room sensor sits near the air intake and tells the board how warm the room is, so it knows when to cycle the compressor. The other sensors watch the cooling system's temperatures. If any reading drops out or jumps to an impossible value, the board stops the unit and shows E2.

A one-off E2 after a power cut is often a glitch. If it keeps coming back, the sensor, its wire or the plug on the board is usually at fault.

Common causes

Listed from most to least common.

  1. Room or refrigeration system temperature sensor failed
  2. Sensor plug loose on the control board
  3. Sensor wire damaged
  4. Brief power glitch
  5. Control board fault

How to fix the E2 code

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

  1. Step 1: Unplug the unit

    Turn the unit off and unplug it for 5 minutes.

  2. Step 2: Check where it sits

    Move the unit out of direct sun and away from heaters or lamps, and make sure the air intake is not blocked. This rules out misleading room readings.

  3. Step 3: Restart in Cool mode

    Plug it straight into a wall outlet and turn it on. Allow about 3 minutes for the compressor to start.

  4. Step 4: Book a repair if it returns

    If E2 comes back, stop using the unit and contact GE Appliances service.

E2 on older vs newer GE portables

On APCA, APWA and APSA models, E2 points to the room temperature sensor. On APCD models, it points to a sensor in the refrigeration system. Both are inexpensive parts, but the cabinet has to come apart to reach them.

The model number is on the rating label. Give it to the technician so they bring the right part.

How to reset the GE air conditioner

  1. Turn the air conditioner off with the remote or the control panel.
  2. Unplug the unit for 5 minutes. If the power cord plug has a RESET button, press it when you plug back in. A wall unit on a dedicated circuit can be reset at the breaker instead.
  3. Plug it back in and turn it on. GE builds in a protective delay of about 3 minutes before the compressor starts, so give it time before judging.
  4. If the same code comes back straight away, the fault is still there. Work through the fix steps above, or call a technician.

When to call a technician

If E2 returns after a reset, the sensor or its wiring needs testing inside the cabinet. Book a technician, and on an older portable compare the quote with the price of a new unit.

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

  • GE Profile ClearView and GE ClearView saddle window units (PHNT, AHTT)
  • Portable air conditioners (APCA, APCD, APSA, APWA series)
  • Through-the-wall and built-in wall units (AKCQ, AJCQ series)

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

Frequently asked questions

›Does E2 mean my GE portable is low on refrigerant?

GE's APCD manual describes E2 as an abnormal refrigeration system sensor. That points to the sensor, not the refrigerant level, but a technician should check it.

›Can I keep using the unit with E2?

No. The unit stops or runs poorly when it cannot read the temperature. Leave it off until it is repaired.

›How much does it cost to fix E2?

Usually about $120 to $300 for a technician to replace a sensor. A control board costs more.

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