When the aircon breaks down at a busy massage outlet, time is everything. Recently, my son Evan Lim and I were called in to fix a cooling problem at Ashi Foot Reflexology, Katong branch (134 East Coast Road). We’ve been their designated aircon service contractor for over 5 years, and when emergencies strike, they know we’ll be there.
The Problem: Blinking LED on Mitsubishi Electric Starmex Indoor Unit
The Ashi team reported a blinking LED error on their Mitsubishi Electric Starmex indoor unit. For the average customer, it just looks like an annoying light. But for experienced technicians, it’s a crucial indicator that something deeper is wrong.
In Mitsubishi Starmex systems, a blinking LED is part of the unit’s self-diagnostic system. It helps technicians identify the type of fault by counting the number of flashes or reading the error codes from the control PCB. These errors can point to a wide range of problems, such as:
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Faulty PCBs (Power or Control boards)
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Relay failures
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Sensor issues (temperature, pressure, or flow sensors)
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Fan motor faults
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Compressor overloads
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Electrical supply inconsistencies
For businesses like Ashi, this isn’t just a small inconvenience. A blinking LED often means the aircon is unable to cool properly — and for a foot reflexology and massage center, no cooling = unhappy customers.
At home, an aircon fault can be uncomfortable. But in a commercial setting like Ashi, the stakes are much higher:
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Customers expect a cool, relaxing atmosphere. Without it, they may cut their sessions short.
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Staff working long hours in a warm environment face fatigue and discomfort.
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Negative customer experiences can quickly turn into bad reviews or complaints, especially on weekends when traffic is highest.
So when Ashi called us, it wasn’t just about fixing an aircon. It was about protecting their customer experience and business reputation.
The Diagnosis – Finding the Fault
When we arrived at Ashi Foot Reflexology, our first job was to confirm exactly what was causing the blinking LED problem. Over the years, we’ve learned that a careful and accurate diagnosis saves both time and money — for us and our customers.
Instead of rushing to replace random parts, we went through a systematic check of the system. After carefully observing the unit and running several checks, we narrowed it down to the outdoor unit.
The result?
👉 We discovered that the Relay X52C on the Power PCB had failed.
This explained why the indoor unit was showing a blinking light and why the cooling system wasn’t working properly. Once the Power PCB develops a fault like this, the system simply cannot run as it should.
By confirming the issue precisely, we could order the exact original replacement part needed from Mitsubishi Electric Singapore Service Center. This meant the upcoming repair would be done once, done right — without unnecessary delays or guesswork.
The Workhorse Unit – Mitsubishi Starmex MXY3G28VA
The outdoor unit at Ashi Katong was a Mitsubishi Electric Starmex MXY3G28VA. To say this system has been a workhorse would be an understatement. Installed back in 2016, it has been running more than 12 hours daily, 365 days a year, without ever taking a full day’s rest.
Think about that: nearly a decade of nonstop operation, cooling customers and staff every single day. Very few machines in the world can take that kind of punishment, but Mitsubishi’s engineering proved its worth. The fact that this was the first major breakdown in 8 years speaks volumes about the quality, durability, and reliability of the Starmex brand.
Why Mitsubishi Starmex Works So Well for Businesses
Ashi didn’t choose Mitsubishi Electric by chance. With 13 outlets islandwide, they run their air-conditioning systems harder than most homeowners ever will. They needed a brand that could deliver:
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Strong engineering design – built for efficiency and durability.
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Proven reliability – consistent performance even under heavy usage.
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Ease of servicing – parts and support readily available in Singapore.
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Energy efficiency – crucial for businesses with long operating hours.
For Ashi, every outlet they’ve opened uses Mitsubishi Electric Starmex air conditioners. And with our servicing and support, the breakdowns are extremely rare.
Why Servicing Matters as Much as the Brand
Of course, even the best machines in the world need care. What makes these systems last so long without major issues is regular preventive maintenance. At iAircon.Repair, we’ve been servicing Ashi’s outlets for over 5 years.
Our servicing ensures that:
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Dust and debris never choke the system.
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Filters and coils remain clean for efficient cooling.
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Early signs of wear are detected before they become serious problems.
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The compressors, PCBs, and motors stay healthy for years.
This combination of Mitsubishi’s engineering and our consistent servicing is why Ashi enjoys near trouble-free cooling across all 13 outlets in Singapore.
The Repair Challenge
Once the faulty Power PCB was confirmed, we scheduled the replacement for a dry day. This detail might seem small, but with the unit fully exposed under the sun and weather, working conditions mattered a lot.
Replacing a Power PCB on a Mitsubishi Starmex outdoor unit isn’t a straightforward task. To reach it, the entire CU enclosure and even the Control PCB had to be carefully removed first. Only then did we have enough access to get the faulty board out. With dozens of screws and a maze of wiring cables to manage, this job demanded patience and precision.
The actual replacement took us about three hours of focused work. Every connection had to be secured properly, every wire tracked and reconnected in its exact position. There’s simply no room for mistakes with this kind of job — a single wrong step could lead to new faults or even damage other expensive components.
Before finalizing the repair, we also took the opportunity to recheck the compressor health and overall cooling performance. Since the issue was intermittent, this was a perfect chance to confirm that every other major component was still operating well.
In the end, the replacement was completed smoothly, and the system was restored to full working condition — just in time before the weekend rush at Ashi.
Father & Son Teamwork
One of the things that made this repair job extra meaningful for me was having my son, Evan Lim, by my side. At just 20 years old, Evan joined me in June 2024, and in a little over a year, he has already grown into a capable technician.
This Power PCB replacement at Ashi Katong was his second major PCB job, and this time, I didn’t have to step in much at all. Evan took charge of the delicate tasks — removing parts, keeping track of the wiring, and securing the new board with confidence. Watching him work reminded me of when I first started in the trade, learning step by step, except Evan is progressing even faster.
As a father, it makes me proud to see him becoming responsible and skilled. As a service provider, it gives me confidence that our customers can continue to rely on us for years to come.
For businesses like Ashi, this family teamwork also means something important:
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They’re not just hiring a contractor; they’re working with a team that treats their equipment like our own.
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Knowledge is passed down, ensuring continuity and long-term reliability.
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Customers benefit from both experience and fresh energy.
So, while the repair was a professional challenge, it was also a personal milestone.
Trusted Partnership with Ashi – Growing Together
Our journey with Ashi Foot Reflexology started about five years ago, when they had just seven outlets in Singapore. Back then, they were already known for their professional reflexology services, but like any growing business, they needed reliable partners who could support them behind the scenes.
That’s where we came in. From the very beginning, Ashi entrusted us with maintaining and servicing their Mitsubishi Electric Starmex systems. They needed an aircon team who could do more than just basic cleaning — they wanted technicians who would respond quickly, diagnose accurately, and deliver long-lasting solutions.
Over the years, as Ashi expanded to 13 outlets islandwide, we’ve grown with them. Each new branch came with new challenges, but also new opportunities to prove our reliability. For us, it has never been just about repairing aircons — it’s about helping Ashi create the cool, comfortable spaces that their customers expect when they walk in for a massage.
This partnership works because it’s built on mutual trust:
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Ashi trusts us to keep their systems running smoothly, even under heavy usage.
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We trust Ashi to value our workmanship and professionalism, and they’ve always appreciated it.
For us, watching Ashi grow across Singapore has been rewarding. In a way, their success feels like part of our story too.
Impact on Business & Customers
Aircon breakdowns are inconvenient anywhere, but in a business like Ashi Foot Reflexology, the stakes are much higher. Customers walk through their doors expecting a cool, calming environment where they can relax and recharge. Without proper cooling, even the best massage can feel uncomfortable.
That’s why this repair at the Katong branch was so urgent. The issue happened right before the weekend — their busiest period of the week. A prolonged breakdown would have meant unhappy customers, potential complaints, and even damage to Ashi’s hard-earned reputation.
Customer Comfort
Once the repair was completed, the difference was immediate. Customers who stepped into the branch after the fix were welcomed by cool, refreshing air instead of a warm, stuffy space.
Staff Comfort
The staff at Ashi — therapists who spend hours on their feet attending to clients — also felt the relief. Working in a hot environment is exhausting, and over long shifts, it can take a toll. With the aircon running smoothly again, they could focus on providing great service without discomfort weighing them down.
Business Continuity
For Ashi, avoiding downtime was just as important. Their management understood how critical it was to get the unit fixed before the weekend rush. When we completed the repair successfully, their response said it all:
“Thank god, we saved the day!”
Watch the Video – Behind the Scenes of the Repair
While words can describe the repair process, nothing compares to seeing it happen in real time. That’s why we documented this project on video — so customers and viewers can get a true behind-the-scenes look at what goes into a major aircon repair.
In the video, you’ll see:
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The Diagnosis in Action – How we confirmed the PCB fault.
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The Repair Process – Removing panels, wiring work, and the replacement.
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Father & Son Teamwork – Evan stepping up to take the lead.
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The Final Result – Restored cooling performance, just in time.
📹 Watch the Full Repair on YouTube: Mitsubishi Starmex PCB Replacement at Ashi Reflexology Katong
By including the video, readers can actually see the level of detail and care that goes into our work.
Mini Guide & FAQs – What to Do If Your Mitsubishi Starmex Blinks
❓ Why is my Mitsubishi Starmex aircon blinking?
A blinking light means the unit has detected a fault — ranging from sensors to PCBs.
❓ Can I fix the blinking light myself?
Try a quick reset and check for error codes. If it persists, call a technician.
❓ How long does a Power PCB last?
Usually 7–10 years. Ashi’s lasted 8 years under nonstop use — proof of quality.
❓ Can a PCB be repaired or must it be replaced?
Most of the time, replacement with an original part is best.
❓ Is it safe to DIY a PCB replacement?
No — it involves high voltage, wiring, and sensitive boards. Leave it to professionals.
❓ When should I call a professional?
If blinking continues, cooling fails, or strange noises occur.
👉 For fast help in Singapore:
Chat with iAircon.Repair on WhatsApp
This repair was about more than just fixing a faulty PCB. It was about protecting Ashi’s business, ensuring comfort for their customers and staff, and strengthening a partnership built over years.
On a personal note, it was also about seeing my son Evan step up as a capable technician — a proud moment for any father.
When you choose iAircon, you’re not just hiring a contractor. You’re trusting a family-run team that combines experience, responsibility, and care.
👉 If your Mitsubishi Starmex or any aircon system shows blinking lights or stops cooling, contact us today:
WhatsApp iAircon
Conclusion
This repair at Ashi Foot Reflexology, Katong was more than just about fixing a faulty PCB — it was about keeping their business running smoothly, ensuring comfort for their customers and staff, and strengthening the trust we’ve built over the years. On a personal note, working alongside my son Evan made the experience even more meaningful, as I watched him grow into a capable, responsible young technician.
But now, let’s talk about you.
If you’re reading this, chances are you want the same reliability for your aircon at home or for your business. Here’s how you can take the next step with us:
✅ Book Online in Minutes – First-time customers can enjoy special offers when booking through our simple online form here:
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✅ Save More with an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) – For long-term peace of mind and the best cost savings, sign up for our Annual Maintenance Contract. Regular servicing keeps your aircon running efficiently and prevents costly breakdowns.
We want to thank you sincerely for reading our story. Every view, every click, and every customer we serve motivates us to keep doing better.
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Because when your aircon is running cool and smooth, and your space feels just right, that’s when we know we’ve truly done our job.
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