HVAC & Cooling

Trane AC Error Codes: 2, 3, 4, 6, 91, 92 — What They Mean & How to Fix

Trane AC systems and heat pumps communicate faults through flash codes on the control board LED or through the ComfortLink II display. The number of flashes before the pause indicates the fault code. This guide covers the most common Trane residential AC fault codes: 2 (low pressure trip), 3 (high pressure trip), 4 (outdoor unit over-temp), 6 (communication failure), 91 (refrigerant charge), and 92 (outdoor fan fault).

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Common Symptoms

  • AC not cooling or heat pump not heating
  • Control board LED blinking in a specific count pattern
  • System short-cycling — turning on and off rapidly
  • Outdoor unit not running
  • ComfortLink II display showing fault code

Most Likely Causes

  1. 1

    Code 2 — Low Pressure Trip

    The refrigerant low-pressure switch tripped, indicating the refrigerant pressure is too low. Causes: low refrigerant charge (leak), a refrigerant-starved evaporator from dirty air filter, or a faulty low-pressure switch.

  2. 2

    Code 3 — High Pressure Trip

    The refrigerant high-pressure switch tripped, indicating excessive head pressure. Common causes: dirty condenser coils with restricted airflow, a failed condenser fan motor, an overcharged refrigerant system, or an outdoor temperature extreme.

  3. 3

    Code 4 — Outdoor Unit High Temperature

    The outdoor unit's temperature protection tripped due to excessive heat. Usually caused by restricted airflow around the condenser: overgrown vegetation, debris in the coil, or a failed condenser fan.

  4. 4

    Code 6 — Communication Failure

    The thermostat or air handler has lost communication with the outdoor unit control board. Causes: a loose thermostat wire connection, a failed control board, or a damaged communication wire.

  5. 5

    Code 91 — Refrigerant Charge Fault

    The system's ComfortLink II has detected that the refrigerant charge is outside the acceptable range. Indicates either a leak or an improper charge from the last service.

  6. 6

    Code 92 — Outdoor Fan Fault

    The condenser fan motor is not reaching the expected RPM or has failed. A failed fan capacitor, seized motor, or failed motor control board can cause code 92.

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Quick DIY Checks

Safety Warning

Refrigerant handling (codes 2, 3, 91) requires EPA 608 certification. Do not attempt to add or recover refrigerant yourself — it is illegal without certification and dangerous. Call a licensed HVAC technician for any refrigerant-related fault.

Caution

Turn off the AC circuit breaker before opening the outdoor unit panel, touching the capacitor, or inspecting the fan motor. Capacitors store a lethal charge — discharge with a resistor before handling.

  1. 1For codes 3 and 4: Check the outdoor condenser unit. Clear any vegetation, leaves, or debris from around the unit — maintain at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides. Use a garden hose to gently rinse the condenser coil fins from the inside out. Make sure the condenser fan is spinning freely when the unit runs.
  2. 2For code 2: Replace the indoor air filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow over the evaporator coil and can cause low refrigerant pressure readings. If the filter is clean and code 2 persists, the system likely has a refrigerant leak — call an HVAC technician.
  3. 3For code 92 (fan fault): Turn off the system and inspect the condenser fan blade — it should spin freely by hand. A seized blade indicates a failed motor bearing. Also inspect the fan capacitor for bulging or leaks. A failed capacitor ($10–$30) is the most common outdoor fan fault.

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Repair vs Replace

✓ Worth Repairing

A condenser coil cleaning costs $0. A fan capacitor is $10–$30. A condenser fan motor runs $80–$200. Even a refrigerant recharge and leak repair ($200–$600) makes strong economic sense on a Trane system — they're built to last 15–20 years. Only consider full replacement if the compressor itself has failed on a unit over 12 years old.

Est. Repair Cost

$10–$400 (capacitor, fan motor, or refrigerant charge)

Est. Replacement Cost

$4,000–$9,000 for a new Trane AC system installed

Recommended Tools & Parts

  • AC Condenser Fan Motor Capacitor

    Replacement run capacitor for Trane condenser fan motors. Check the MFD and voltage rating on your existing capacitor before ordering. Fixes most code 92 fan faults.

    $10–$30

    Buy on Amazon →
  • Trane Condenser Fan Motor

    Replacement condenser fan motor for Trane outdoor units. Required when capacitor replacement doesn't restore fan operation.

    $80–$200

    Buy on Amazon →
  • AC Coil Fin Comb

    Fin comb tool for straightening bent condenser coil fins. Improves airflow and prevents high pressure and overtemp codes.

    $10–$20

    Buy on Amazon →
  • AC Fin Coil Cleaner Spray

    No-rinse coil cleaner for condenser fins. Helps clear codes 3 and 4 caused by dirty condenser coils.

    $10–$20

    Buy on Amazon →

Links are Amazon affiliate links (tag: fixitfastai-20). Prices are estimates.

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