Trane Mini Split 6-TIME BLINK Error Code
Quick answer
6-TIME BLINK on Trane mini splits means outdoor thermistor trouble - an outdoor temperature sensor was detected as shorted or open while the compressor ran. Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris and power cycle once; sensor testing and replacement are technician work.
Severity: medium · DIY difficulty: beginner
Safety
Stop here: compressor, electrical, and inverter work is technician-only. Do not open panels, test capacitors, touch wiring, connect gauges, add refrigerant, or keep resetting the system.
What 6-TIME BLINK means
Trane's troubleshooting table lists 6-TIME BLINK as outdoor thermistor trouble. The service manual says outdoor thermistors are detected as shorted or open during compressor operation, and the upper OPERATION INDICATOR lamp blinks 6 times with a 2.5-second pause.
Code meaning varies by series
- Trane ML series (Mitsubishi-built NTXWMT/NAXWMT) service manual: Outdoor thermistor (discharge, coil, ambient, or suction sensor) short/open circuit detected; remedy is thermistor testing per 9-5 criterion tables and outdoor unit service
Causes, ranked
1. One-time sensor reading glitch that clears on reset occasional diy-ok
Check: Power cycle once at the breaker or disconnect if you can do that safely; keep the outdoor cabinet clear of leaves and debris but do not open it.
Fix: If the blink clears and stays clear, monitor; if it returns, schedule service.
2. Outdoor thermistor drifted out of resistance range occasional pro-only
Check: Requires disconnecting sensors and measuring resistance against the manual's characteristics.
Fix: Technician: identify the failed thermistor from the failure-mode recall and replace it.
3. Sensor connector or harness fault at the outdoor board occasional pro-only
Check: Connector inspection requires opening the outdoor cabinet.
Fix: Technician: reseat/repair connectors and wiring.
4. Outdoor control PCB misreading a good sensor occasional pro-only
Check: Distinguishable only with PCB-level voltage checks.
Fix: Technician: replace the outdoor electronic control PCB if sensors test good.
Related codes
trane/3-time-blink · trane/4-time-blink · trane/5-time-blink · trane/7-time-blink · trane/upper-lamp-0-5-second-blink
Sources
- Trane error codes (upper lamp blink table) - SplitAtlas, sourced from Trane MyLinkDrive NTXWMT-A111A(B) Service Manual Section 9 — verified 2026-08-29
- Mitsubishi Electric / American Standard NAXSMT-A111AA (Trane ML-series equivalent) Service Manual, 9-4 Troubleshooting Check Table — verified 2026-08-29