Daikin Mini-Split E11 Error Code: Dual Compressor Fault

Quick Answer

Daikin E11 is exclusive to multi-compressor outdoor units - typically 3-ton and larger capacity systems that use two compressors working in tandem for capacity modulation. E11 triggers when the inverter board detects a mismatch between the two compressors: one running while the other is not, unequal current draw between them, or a communication fault between the compressor control circuits.

When E11 shows up, your big Daikin is refusing to run because its two compressors aren't cooperating. Ignore it and you'll torch the healthy compressor trying to pick up the slack on its own. These tandem systems are seriously impressive engineering, but when the inverter board sees unequal current between those two motors, it shuts down hard. Nine times out of ten it's a failed driver circuit or a compressor that's finally hit its limit.

DaikinMinisplitSeverity: criticalDifficulty: advanced55% DIY Success

Time to Fix

180–600 min

Difficulty

advanced

Parts Cost

$350 – $750

Tools Needed

Clamp-on ammeter (AC, 0-200A range), Digital multimeter

What Does the E11 Code Mean?

E11 only shows up on bigger Daikin units, like your 3-ton and 4-ton systems that run two compressors working as a team. Think of it like two people rowing the same boat and one person suddenly stops. The boat spins in circles, so the coach calls time. That's what the inverter board does here. It sees unequal load, stops the whole show, and throws E11 so you know where to look. I saw three of these last month alone, all on systems between 8 and 12 years old.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

One compressor failed mechanically40%

Inverter board driver for one compressor failed24%

Wiring fault to one compressor14%

Control board communication fault between compressor drivers12%

Unequal refrigerant distribution between circuits10%

Symptoms You May Notice

The indoor unit shows E11 and shuts down completely, won't restart no matter how many times you try it from the remote.
Before it fully faults out you might notice the system struggling to keep up on a hot afternoon even though it sounds like it's running, because it's only firing on one compressor.
Walk up to the outdoor unit and listen. One side sounds like it's humming along normally while the other half is completely silent. That right there is your tell.
Your power bill spiked for a week or two before the fault showed up, because the healthy compressor was maxing itself out trying to compensate for the one that was struggling.
The running side of the outdoor unit might sound rougher than normal, kind of a low knock or heavier vibration, because it's working way harder than it was ever designed to handle alone.

Can you reset a Daikin minisplit to clear the E11 code?

Flip the outdoor disconnect or breaker off and leave it for a full five minutes, not just one or two. This gives the inverter board time to fully discharge and clear its fault memory. After you restore power, stand back and watch the startup sequence. If E11 comes back within the first minute, stop right there. Don't keep cycling it. Running multiple resets when there's a real fault is a good way to kill the compressor that's still working fine.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Clamp-on ammeter (AC, 0-200A range)Digital multimeterMegohmmeter (500V DC minimum)Refrigerant manifold gauge set (R-410A)Phillips #2 screwdriverInsulated gloves (1000V rated)Non-contact thermometerNon-contact voltage tester

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Daikin Scroll CompressorModel-specific · $350–$750	Model-specific	$350 – $750
Daikin Outdoor Inverter BoardModel-specific · $350–$750	Model-specific	$350 – $750

Frequently Asked Questions

Does E11 mean both compressors are bad?

Almost never. Think of it like a twin-engine plane. If one engine quits, the sensors notice and ground the flight. Both engines didn't fail, just one did. My job is to figure out if it's the engine itself that seized, or if the fuel line, basically the inverter driver board, stopped sending power to it. Usually it's one or the other. I've fixed way more of these with a board swap than with a full compressor replacement. Don't assume the worst until you've actually tested both.

Can the system run on just one compressor?

No, and don't try to make it. Daikin hard-coded E11 as a total lockout for a real reason. Running on one compressor would cause serious oil migration between the circuits and would probably burn out the remaining good motor within a few hours of operation. The software knows those two compressors need to share the load equally. Even if you somehow bypassed the fault sensors, you'd be looking at a second compressor replacement real soon after. It's not worth it.

How much does an E11 repair cost?

If it's the inverter board, you're probably looking at $400 to $800 in parts depending on the unit size, plus labor. That's actually the good outcome. If you find a grounded compressor, you're talking refrigerant recovery, a new compressor, brazing, evacuation, and recharge. That's easily $1,500 to $2,500 or more on a big tandem unit. Honestly, if your system is past 12 years old, I usually tell customers to put that money toward a new unit with a fresh warranty instead.

How do I tell if it's the board or the compressor?

This is exactly what the winding resistance test tells you. If the compressor's three windings are balanced and there's no ground fault to the copper suction line, the compressor itself is mechanically and electrically intact. Then you check if the board is actually sending output voltage to that compressor's terminals during a run attempt. Board not outputting anything? That's your fix. Compressor windings shorted or grounded? That's a compressor job. Don't guess and order the wrong part. Pull out the meter and know for sure before you spend a dime.

Is E11 covered under Daikin's warranty?

Daikin offers a 7-year parts warranty on compressors, and a 12-year warranty if you registered the unit within 60 days of installation. So if you've got a documented registration and you're inside that window, the compressor replacement parts might be covered. Labor usually isn't. The inverter board typically carries a 5-year parts warranty. Call your installing contractor first because they're usually the ones who filed the registration with Daikin and can pull the paperwork faster than you can.

Related Daikin Minisplit Error Codes

Code: HUBDaikin Mini-Split Error Codes: Complete Guide Code: L5Daikin Mini-Split L5: Compressor Overcurrent Code: E6Daikin Mini-Split E6: Compressor Lock

Models Known to Experience E11 Errors

This repair applies to most Daikin minisplits with this error code. Common model numbers include:

RXL24QMVJU, RXL36UMVJU, RXL48QMVJU, RMXS36LVJU, RMXS48LVJU, RMXS54LVJU, RZQ48PVJU

Written by

Raj Patel

HVAC & Water Systems Specialist · 15 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026