Samsung air conditioner error codes pop up for a reason: to show the working condition of the AC. So, expect most of these errors to point to a fault and only a few to indicate a routine operation.
Error codes like CL (Auto-Clean Indicator), CF (Filter-Cleaning reminder), and CF (Automatic Defrost) are not actual ‘error codes’ as they don’t indicate a fault. Others like EL (Overheated Heater), C2 (Indoor Pipe Sensor Fault), and E4 (Forced Defrost, however, are the opposite – showing a fault.
But what do you do with an error code? The first thing is to find its meaning. You have to interpret the code, and once you do, the next thing is to determine its most probable cause.
Lastly, troubleshoot it, and that’s where this Samsung AC error code guide comes in. You’ll learn how to troubleshoot the errors mentioned above and many others.
Let’s jump into it!

In a rush? Check below the 16 most common Samsung AC error codes, their most probable causes, and troubleshooting.
A Quick Guide to Troubleshooting Common Samsung Air Conditioner Error Codes
Error Code | Meaning | Probable Cause | Troubleshooting | |
1. | CL | Auto-Clean indicator | Odor-producing indoor unit | Run the “Auto-Clean’ command to get rid of the odor |
2. | CF | Filter cleaning/reset reminder | Dirty filter | Clean/replace the dirty filter of your indoor unit |
3. | DF | Automatic Defrost | The AC is defrosting | Wait for the Auto Defrost to end |
4. | E3 | Indoor fan motor malfunction | Faulty indoor fan or circuit board | Replace the indoor fan or circuit board, depending on what’s faulty |
5. | E4 | Forced Defrost | Low refrigerant, faulty pump, broken temp sensor, or pressure fluctuation | Contact the nearest Samsung service center |
6. | E5 | Open/short indoor heat exchanger sensor | Faulty outdoor heat exchanger sensor | Replace the indoor heat exchanger sensor |
7. | E6 | Open/short outdoor heat exchanger sensor | Faulty outdoor heat exchanger sensor | Replace the heater temperature sensor |
8. | E7 | Open/short heater temp sensor | Faulty heater temperature sensor | Replace the heater temperature sensor |
9. | C2 | Indoor pipe sensor fault | Faulty indoor pipe sensor | Replace the indoor pipe sensor |
10. | E101 | Failed communication (indoor unit) | Faulty connections or power cables around the indoor unit | Check for any loose connections or power cables and fix them |
11. | E102 | Failed communication (outdoor unit) | Faulty connections or power cables around the outdoor unit | Check for any loose connections or power cables and fix them |
12. | EL | Overheated electrical heater | Power surge | Replace the heater temperature sensor or PCB |
13. | E201 | Failed communication (between the indoor and outdoor units) | Loose connections or bad PCB (printed Circuit Board) | Check for loose connections outdoors and indoors and if there are none, replace the main PCB |
14. | E1/21 | Room temperature sensor fault | Defective room temperature sensor | Contact the nearest Samsung service center |
15. | E1/22 | Heat exchange temperature-sensor fault | Malfunctioning heat exchanger temp sensor | Contact the nearest Samsung service center |
16. | E1/54 | Bad capacitor or fan motor | – | Replace the capacitor or fan motor |
17. | E1/63 | Bad EEPROM | – | Replace the EEPROM |
17 Most Common Samsung Air Conditioner Error Codes
Below are 17 error codes you will likely find on a Samsung air conditioner that you can troubleshoot.
1. Samsung Air Conditioner Error Code CL (Meaning – Auto-Clean Indicator)
The error code CL pops up on a Samsung AC to indicate that the unit is ready for cleaning. That’s likely to happen when the air conditioner’s indoor unit produces some bad odor.
Troubleshooting
Since CL is not a fault code, it shouldn’t concern you. You can clear the error code by running the Auto-Cleaning function on the AC.
2. Samsung Air Conditioner Error Code CF (Meaning – Filter Cleaning or Filter Reset)
It’s essential to clean the AC’s filter or replace it when it clogs. The error code CF will pop up to remind you of that.
Troubleshooting
If it has been a while since replacing the ACs filter, do it as soon as you notice the error code.

3. Samsung Air Conditioner Error Code DF (Meaning – Automatic Defrost)
The error code DF, which signifies Automatic Defrost, is ordinarily a non-concerning error code. It shows that your air conditioner is entering a defrost phase, and you should wait for it to complete.
Troubleshooting
Wait for the AC to self-defrost. It may take up to 10-15 minutes.
4. Samsung AC Error Code E3 (Meaning – Indoor Fan Motor Malfunction)
The error code E3 will pop up when there’s an issue with the indoor fan’s speed. Reasons for that include a faulty indoor fan or circuit board. In both cases, the fan cannot spin freely, so
Troubleshooting
You need to replace the fan motor or circuit board once you establish which is faulty. An HVAC professional can help you with that.
5. Samsung Air Conditioner Error Code E4 (Meaning – Forced Defrost Mode)
The error code E4 typically indicates that the air conditioner is entering the defrost mode. However, unlike the error code DF, where the defrost is automatic, the defrost cycle in error code E4 may be forced.
Reasons for that include:
- Low refrigerant
- Faulty heat pump
- Faulty temperature sensor
- Very low or very high temperature
Troubleshooting
Call the nearest HVAC expert or Samsung service center.
6. Samsung Air Conditioner Error Code E5 (Meaning – Open/Short Indoor Heat Exchanger Sensor)
The error code E5 is likely to appear on a Samsung air conditioner when there’s a problem with the indoor heat exchanger sensor. It’s either the heat exchanger sensor is open or short.
Troubleshooting
The indoor heat exchanger sensor needs replacing if it’s faulty. Contact the nearest Samsung service center to inquire about the same.
7. Samsung Air Conditioner Error Code E6 (Meaning – Open/Short Outdoor Heat Exchanger Sensor)
While error code E5 shows a faulty indoor heat exchanger sensor, error code E6 shows a defective outdoor heat exchanger sensor.
It’s either the sensor is short or open and thus faulty.
Troubleshooting
You need to replace the outdoor heat exchanger sensor if it’s faulty, but you can ask for help from the nearest authorized Samsung service center.

8. Error Code E7 (Meaning – Open/Short Heater Temperature Sensor)
The error code E7 shows up on a Samsung AC to indicate an open or short heat temperature sensor. Such a sensor is faulty and unable to measure the heat exchanger’s surface temperature.
Troubleshooting
Since the error code suggests a faulty heater temperature sensor, you should replace it. You can procure the service of an Authorized Samsung service dealer.
9. Error Code C2 (Meaning – Indoor Pipe Sensor fault)
The error code C2 pops up when the indoor pipe sensor fails. In such a case, the air conditioner cannot measure your room temperature correctly and regulate it. So, the room may overheat as a result.
Troubleshooting:
If the indoor pipe sensor is faulty, replace it. Call the nearest Samsung service center to inquire about the same.
10. Error Code E101 (Meaning – Failed Communication Indoors)
If there’s an issue, such as a loose connection or power cable inside, the error code E101 will appear. It shows there’s a broken connection around your indoor unit.
Troubleshooting
Inspect the indoor unit’s power cables and connections to see if there’s anything loose. If there is, fix it or call a professional.
11. Error Code E102 (Meaning – Failed Communication Outdoors)
While the error code E101 shows failed communication indoors, the error code E102 suggests faulty transmission outdoors. There may be a loose connection around your outdoor unit, which you should check.
Troubleshooting
Check for any loose connection or power cable on your outdoor unit and fix it. If you cannot do it, call an expert. If the error code carries on, you may need to replace the ACs printed circuit board (PCB).
12. Error Code EL (Meaning – Overheated Electrical Heater)
During a power surge, a power spike can overheat the electrical heater. When it does so, the error code EL will appear. Thus, check the PCB and heater temperature sensor for faults.
Troubleshooting
Inspect the heater temperature sensor and PCB and replace the faulty one.
13. Samsung E201 Error Code (Meaning – Failed Communication Between Indoor and Outdoor Unit)
If communication fails between the inside and outside unit, the error code E201 will pop up. Thus, observe both units for any loose connections or power cables. Sometimes, however, the printed circuit board may be faulty.
Troubleshooting
Check for any loose connections outside and inside and fix them. If the error code persists, replace the PCB.

14. Error Code E1/21 (Meaning – Room Temperature Sensor Fault)
The error code E1/21 pops up when the room temperature sensor fails to detect the temperature change in your room. In that case, the AC cannot cool and heat properly, thus unreliable.
Troubleshooting
You’ll need to replace the room temperature sensor if it is faulty. But since the replacement is technical, call the nearest Samsung service call or dealer.
15. Error Code E1/22 (Meaning – Heat Exchanger Temp Sensor Fault)
When the heat exchanger temperature sensor fails, the error code E1/22 appears on a Samsung air conditioner. In that case, the sensor cannot measure the surface temperature of the AC’s heat exchanger. That means your Ac will struggle to heat and cool your space.
Troubleshooting
Call the nearest Samsung service or dealer to check and replace the temperature sensor.
16. Error Code E1/54 (Meaning – Bad Capacitor or Fan Motor)
If the capacitor or fan motor fails, the error code E1/54 will pop up. It could be that the capacitor is burnt or the fan motor is broken. In either case, the air conditioner cannot blow cold air.
Troubleshooting
Test the capacitor’s leads’ continuity (with a multimeter) and inspect the motor for breaks or whether it’s running. If either is faulty, replace it or call Samsung.
17. Error Code E1/63 (Meaning – Bad EEPROM)
Samsung air conditioners have an electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM) storage chip that may become corrupted. Once it does, its storage information may be lost, prompting the error code EEPROM.
Troubleshooting
Try resetting the air conditioner, but call the nearest Samsung service center if it doesn’t reset.
People Also Ask
1. What Is E4 Error in Samsung Air Conditioner?
The E4 error code on the Samsung air conditioner shows your AC is entering a forced defrost mode. You’ll need an expert to determine the underlying fault and fix it.
2. What Is C2 Error in Samsung AC?
The error code C2 on a Samsung Ac indicates a faulty indoor pipe sensor. To eliminate the fault code, you’ll need to replace such a pipe sensor.
3. Why Is My Samsung AC Blinking?
Your Samsung AC is blinking because the air filter is filthy and needs cleaning, or there’s loose wiring, low refrigerant, or frozen coils. The last three parts require an expert inspection and fixing.
Concluding Thought
Now you have the 17 most common Samsung air conditioner error codes. You can thus refer to the list when your Samsung AC displays an error code you don’t understand. But if you cannot troubleshoot it, call the nearest Samsung service center for help.
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