Rheem · Heat pump

P Compressor protector trip

High severity Rheem/Ruud PRL-JEC heat pump (Comfort Control2 ICC)

What the control is telling you

There is a call for the compressor but the ICC measures no compressor current, so the compressor's internal motor protector is assumed open. If the protector does not reset within 4 hours the display changes to code 05.

Applies to: (-)PRL-JEC 2-stage 16 SEER heat pumps: RPRL/UPRL-024JEC, -036JEC, -048JEC, -060JEC

Likely causes

  • Compressor internal motor protector open (overheated compressor)
  • Line voltage to compressor disconnected

Test and repair steps

  1. Confirm line voltage is present at the unit and at the ICC L1/L2 lugs.
  2. Allow the compressor to cool; the internal overload can take up to 2 hours to reset before you condemn the compressor.
  3. Look for overheating causes low/high charge, dirty outdoor coil, outdoor fan not running, low or high line voltage.
  4. Check the run capacitor for damage, wrong value or miswiring.
  5. Check for broken wires, loose connectors or a miswired compressor.
  6. Check compressor windings for continuity.
  7. If P persists past 4 hours the ICC will show 05 - continue with the 05 checks.

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Source: Rheem (-)PRL-JEC Heat Pump Installation Instructions, 12.4 Active Compressor Protection Mode / 12.6 ICC Diagnostic Codes, p.25, 29. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.

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