General Assist Customer Support

Operating a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner Without the Remote Controller

Using the indoor unit MANUAL/AUTO button
Temporary operation when the wireless remote controller is unavailable
Most General and Fujitsu General wall-mounted split systems can be started without the wireless remote controller by using the small MANUAL/AUTO button on the indoor unit.
Temporary operation only: The button provides basic automatic operation. Temperature, fan speed and operating mode generally cannot be manually adjusted without the correct remote controller.
Location of the MANUAL AUTO button on a wall-mounted indoor unit

1. Locate the MANUAL/AUTO button

1Stand in front of the indoor unit and carefully lift the front panel upwards.
2Raise the panel until it remains open. Do not force the hinges.
3Look on the right-hand side of the indoor unit for a small push button labelled MANUAL/AUTO, AUTO or OPERATION.
Do not remove electrical covers or touch wiring, terminals or circuit boards. Only operate the accessible push button.

2. Start normal automatic operation

1Press and hold the MANUAL/AUTO button for approximately 3 seconds, then release it.
2The OPERATION indicator should illuminate and the indoor fan should start.
3Carefully close the front panel.
What the system will do: The air conditioner selects automatic operating conditions using the room temperature and its internal controls. Fan speed and temperature are normally controlled automatically.

3. Stop the air conditioner

Open the front panel and press the MANUAL/AUTO button again. The OPERATION indicator should turn off and the air conditioner will stop.

4. Important operating limitations

FunctionAvailable without remote?
Start and stopYes
Automatic operating modeYes
Select cooling or heating manuallyGenerally no
Adjust temperatureNo
Adjust fan speedNo
Timer and advanced functionsNo
The outdoor unit may not start immediately. In heating mode there may be a delay while the system performs protection or warm-up functions.

5. Do not activate forced cooling

Do not hold the button for more than 10 seconds. On many models, holding the MANUAL/AUTO button for more than 10 seconds starts forced cooling operation. This function is intended for qualified service technicians and commissioning work, not normal customer operation.
Button operationResult
Hold for approximately 3 secondsNormal MANUAL/AUTO operation
Hold for more than 10 secondsForced cooling - technician use only

6. When further assistance is required

Further assistance may be required when:
  • The OPERATION indicator does not illuminate.
  • The air conditioner starts but stops shortly afterwards.
  • Indicator lamps flash repeatedly.
  • The indoor fan operates but the room does not cool or heat.
  • The MANUAL/AUTO button is missing, damaged or inaccessible.
For full control of temperature, mode, fan speed and timers, obtain the correct replacement remote controller using the complete indoor-unit model number.
Button location, labelling and timing can vary slightly between models. Always follow the operating manual for the exact indoor-unit model where available.