DIY HVAC Tools

Tempstar mini split code Fo

Refrigerant recovery (pump-down) mode. Also shown as FO.

  • TypeStatus, not a fault
  • SystemDisplay
  • Can I fix it?Usually a homeowner fix
  • Applies toDLC4 / DLF4 series, 2013 to 2015 (Gree-built)

What Fo means on a Tempstar

The unit is in its refrigerant-recovery mode, started from the remote, which pumps the charge into the outdoor unit so the line set can be disconnected. The indoor and cooling lamps flash quickly while it runs. Not a fault, but you should not see it unless someone started it.

On this platform, Fo is a status, not a fault: the unit is telling you what it is doing; nothing is wrong.

What to do

You can almost always clear this yourself with the steps below.

  1. If you did not start it, turn the unit off and on with the remote to exit the mode.
  2. If a technician is pumping the system down, leave it alone.

When to call a technician

This is not a fault. No technician is needed unless it will not clear.

Which Tempstar units show Fo

This page applies to Tempstar DLCSRA / DLCSRB / DLCLRA outdoor with DLFSHA / DLFSFA indoor (2015 and later) and DLC4 / DLF4 (2013 to 2015) units on the DLC4 / DLF4 series, 2013 to 2015 (Gree-built). Tempstar's own documentation lists Fo as "Refrigerant recovery (pump-down) mode", the same definition used across the Gree platform it is built on. If your unit shows a code with a different shape (for example a four-character code, or a plain number), it is from a different table; use the lookup with your exact code.

Where Tempstar shows this code

DLC4 / DLF4 series, 2013 to 2015 (Gree-built): The code shows on the indoor unit's display in place of the temperature. If the display is off, press the Light button on the remote. Some models also count out the code as indicator blinks. E codes are system protections and faults, F codes are mostly sensor faults, H codes are outdoor and compressor protections, U codes are motor and valve faults, and P codes are power-supply faults.

Other Tempstar codes

Same part of the system as Fo:

dFDefrost cycle runningCLFilter cleaning reminderAPWi-Fi pairing (access point) modeH1Defrost cycle runningF7Oil return cycle (cooling)
E0Indoor unit EEPROM parameter errorE1Communication error between indoor and outdoor units / High pressure protectionE2Zero-crossing signal detection error / Indoor anti-freeze protectionE3Indoor fan speed out of control (indoor fan motor fault) / Low pressure protection (refrigerant shortage or blockage)E4Indoor room temperature sensor (T1) open or short circuit / Compressor discharge temperature too highE5Evaporator coil temperature sensor (T2) open or short circuit / Over-current protectionECRefrigerant leak detected (low refrigerant charge)F0Overload current protection (compressor over-current) / Refrigerant shortage or system blockage detected

All Tempstar error codes

Fo on other brands

The same characters do not always mean the same thing. Check the brand on your unit.

Questions people ask

Is Fo on a Tempstar mini split an error?

No. Fo is a status message: refrigerant recovery (pump-down) mode. The unit is in its refrigerant-recovery mode, started from the remote, which pumps the charge into the outdoor unit so the line set can be disconnected.

Do I need a technician for Tempstar Fo?

You can almost always clear this yourself with the steps below. This is not a fault. No technician is needed unless it will not clear.

Sources

  • ICP DLCSRA Outdoor Unit Single Zone Ductless Service Manual 32808000801 (error code table)
  • ICP ductless installation instructions IM-KSAIC04-04 (DLCPRA / DLCSRB / DLCERB / DLCLRA error codes)
  • ICP R-410A Ductless Split System Service Manual 421 01 9204 00 (DLC4 / DLF4, 2013)

Updated September 2026. Codes and definitions vary by model year. If your manual disagrees with this page, your manual wins. Send a correction.