What does your Samsung fault code mean?
Pick the code showing on your remote, wall controller or indoor unit and see what it means, what commonly causes it, and what is safe to check yourself. This page covers 67 Samsung fault codes for units sold in Australia, compiled from official Australian manufacturer and distributor documentation, the same references our own technicians carry.
Heads up: Samsung uses the same code with different meanings on different product ranges, so check the model range shown next to the code.
Every Samsung fault code at a glance
Some models show faults as a flashing-light pattern instead of a code; documented lamp patterns are listed alongside their codes.
| Code | What it means | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 101 (Split and ducted systems (varies by series)) | The indoor unit has lost communication with the outdoor unit. | Fault – service needed |
| 102 (Split and ducted systems (varies by series)) | Communication between the indoor and outdoor unit has timed out. | Fault – service needed |
| 460 (Split and ducted systems (usually seen at installation)) | The communication cable between the indoor and outdoor units has been wired into a power terminal by mistake. | Fault – service needed |
| 601 (Systems with a wired wall controller (ducted and cassette especially)) | The wired wall controller has lost communication with the indoor unit. | Fault – service needed |
| 602 (Systems with two wired wall controllers) | The main and secondary wired wall controllers cannot communicate with each other. | Fault – service needed |
| 604 (Systems with a wired wall controller (ducted and cassette especially)) | Repeated communication dropouts between the wired controller and the indoor unit or ventilation system. | Fault – service needed |
| 653 (Systems with a wired wall controller) | The temperature sensor inside the wired wall controller has failed (shorted or open circuit). | Minor fault |
| CF (Wall-mounted split systems (varies by series)) | Filter cleaning reminder. The unit is telling you the return air filter is due for a clean. This is not a fault. | Normal operation |
| Ch (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems, usually after power has been off) | The unit is delaying start-up while the compressor’s crankcase heater warms the oil. This is a protection, not a fault. | Normal operation |
| Cl (Wall-mounted split systems with the Auto Clean feature) also shown as CI |
The Auto Clean function is running to dry out the indoor unit after it switches off. This is normal operation, not a fault. | Normal operation |
| E1 (Older wall-mounted split systems) | The indoor unit’s room temperature sensor (thermistor) has failed. | Minor fault |
| E108 (Multi-head and ducted systems (varies by series)) | Two units on the system have been given the same communication address, so they clash when talking to each other. | Fault – service needed |
| E121 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 121 |
The indoor unit’s room temperature sensor has failed (shorted or open circuit). | Minor fault |
| E122 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 122 |
The temperature sensor on the inlet of the indoor coil has failed (shorted or open circuit). | Minor fault |
| E123 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The temperature sensor on the outlet of the indoor coil has failed (shorted or open circuit). | Minor fault |
| E124 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The outdoor unit is not correctly receiving the signals the indoor unit is sending. | Fault – service needed |
| E128 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 128 |
The indoor coil inlet temperature sensor has come away from its mounting, so its readings are unreliable. | Minor fault |
| E129 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The indoor coil outlet temperature sensor has come away from its mounting, so its readings are unreliable. | Minor fault |
| E131 (Indoor units fitted with an auxiliary heater (varies by series)) | The temperature sensor on the indoor unit’s auxiliary heater has failed. | Minor fault |
| E153 (Ducted, cassette and other systems with a condensate pump or float switch) also shown as 153 |
The float switch that watches the condensate water level has tripped, usually because drain water is not getting away. | Fault – service needed |
| E154 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The indoor fan is not running, or is not running at the speed the unit expects. | Fault – service needed |
| E162 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The memory chip (EEPROM) that stores the unit’s settings has an error. | Fault – service needed |
| E198 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The thermal fuse in the indoor unit has blown (open circuit), which is a safety cut-out against overheating. | Fault – service needed |
| E201 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 201 |
The indoor and outdoor units could not find each other when the system powered up. | Fault – service needed |
| E202 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The outdoor unit stopped receiving data from one or more indoor units after they had connected. | Fault – service needed |
| E203 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 203 |
The two control boards inside the outdoor unit (main and inverter) have stopped communicating with each other. | Fault – service needed |
| E221 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 221 |
The outdoor air temperature sensor has failed (shorted or open circuit). | Minor fault |
| E231 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 237 |
The temperature sensor on the outdoor coil (condenser) has failed (shorted or open circuit). | Minor fault |
| E241 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The outdoor coil temperature sensor has come away from its mounting, so its readings are unreliable. | Minor fault |
| E251 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 251 |
The sensor that measures the temperature of refrigerant leaving the compressor has failed (shorted or open circuit). | Minor fault |
| E320 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The compressor overload protection (OLP) sensor has failed (shorted or open circuit). | Minor fault |
| E403 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The system shut the compressor down to protect it from freezing up. | Fault – service needed |
| E404 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The system stopped itself because it detected an overload condition. | Fault – service needed |
| E407 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The compressor stopped because the refrigerant pressure went too high. | Fault – service needed |
| E410 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The compressor stopped because the refrigerant pressure went too low. | Fault – service needed |
| E416 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 416 |
The compressor stopped because the refrigerant leaving it was too hot. | Fault – service needed |
| E422 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The system has detected a blockage in the high pressure side of the refrigerant circuit. | Fault – service needed |
| E425 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems (three phase models especially)) also shown as 425 |
The power supply wiring is connected incorrectly, or a phase of the power supply is missing or reversed. | Fault – service needed |
| E440 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | Heating is blocked because the outdoor temperature is above the limit for heat mode (around 30 degrees C by default). This is a protective restriction, not a breakdown. | Normal operation |
| E441 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | Cooling is blocked because the outdoor temperature is below the limit for cool mode (around 0 degrees C by default). This is a protective restriction, not a breakdown. | Normal operation |
| E452 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The system shut down suddenly because the power supply dropped out or became unstable. | Minor fault |
| E458 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 458 |
The outdoor fan (fan 1) is not running at the correct speed. | Fault – service needed |
| E461 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 461 |
The inverter compressor failed to start, or the outdoor unit’s current sensor read almost no current while it was trying to start. | Fault – service needed |
| E462 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 462 |
The system shut down because it drew more electrical current than its safe limit. | Fault – service needed |
| E464 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 464 |
The inverter power module detected a sudden current spike and shut down to protect itself. | Fault – service needed |
| E465 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The system limited or stopped the compressor to prevent overload damage. | Fault – service needed |
| E466 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The internal voltage feeding the inverter went above or below its safe range. | Fault – service needed |
| E467 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 467 |
The compressor is not rotating correctly, or one of its wires is disconnected. | Fault – service needed |
| E468 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 468 |
The electrical current sensor in the outdoor unit has failed (shorted or open circuit). | Minor fault |
| E469 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 469 |
The voltage sensor on the inverter circuit has failed (shorted or open circuit). | Minor fault |
| E470 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The outdoor unit could not read or write its option settings, which points to a configuration problem rather than failed hardware. | Fault – service needed |
| E471 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 471 |
The outdoor unit could not read or write its stored settings (EEPROM hardware error). | Fault – service needed |
| E474 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 474 |
The temperature sensor on the inverter heat sink is faulty, or the heat sink has run too hot. | Minor fault |
| E475 (Larger split, ducted and multi-head systems with two outdoor fans) also shown as 475 |
The second outdoor fan is faulty or not running at the correct speed. | Fault – service needed |
| E484 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The power factor correction circuit in the outdoor unit shut down because of excess current. | Fault – service needed |
| E485 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The input current sensor in the outdoor unit has failed (shorted or open circuit). | Minor fault |
| E5 (Older wall-mounted split systems) | The indoor coil (pipe) temperature sensor has failed. | Minor fault |
| E500 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) | The inverter power module in the outdoor unit overheated and the system shut down to protect it. | Fault – service needed |
| E554 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 554 |
The system has detected a refrigerant gas leak. | Urgent – turn it off |
| E556 (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems) also shown as 556 |
The indoor and outdoor unit capacities do not match, or the capacity option is set incorrectly. | Fault – service needed |
| E6 (Older wall-mounted split systems) | The outdoor unit temperature sensor has failed. | Minor fault |
| E9 (Older wall-mounted split systems with a condensate pump or float switch) | The float switch that watches the condensate water level is open, usually because drain water is not getting away. | Fault – service needed |
| EA (Older wall-mounted split systems; on systems with a wired wall controller EA instead means a controller option setting error (see the wired controller EA entry)) | The indoor and outdoor units have lost communication with each other. | Fault – service needed |
| EA (Systems with a wired wall controller (ducted and cassette especially)) | The wired wall controller has an incorrect COM2 communication option setting, so it cannot talk to the system properly. | Minor fault |
| EC (Older wall-mounted split systems with a wired remote controller) | The wired remote controller has lost communication with the indoor unit. | Fault – service needed |
| ED (Older wall-mounted split systems) | The outdoor coil (pipe) temperature sensor has failed. | Minor fault |
| dF (All Samsung reverse cycle systems in heating mode) | The unit is running its automatic defrost cycle to melt frost off the outdoor unit. This is normal operation, not a fault. | Normal operation |
Codes that mean switch the system off
If your Samsung unit shows E554, turn the system off at the isolator and leave it off. These faults involve the compressor, refrigerant or electrical protection, and running the unit can cause further damage.
The most serious Samsung fault codes explained
What does Samsung fault code E554 mean? (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems)
The system has detected a refrigerant gas leak.
Likely causes:
- Refrigerant leak at a pipe joint or coil
- Damage to refrigerant pipework
- Pressure sensor fault
Safe checks before you call:
- Stop using the unit and turn it off
- Open windows to ventilate the room
- Do not try to find or fix the leak yourself. Refrigerant work is licensed work
What does Samsung fault code 101 mean? (Split and ducted systems (varies by series))
The indoor unit has lost communication with the outdoor unit.
Likely causes:
- Power interruption to the outdoor unit
- Damaged or loose interconnecting cable between the units
- Indoor or outdoor control board fault
Safe checks before you call:
- Check the outdoor unit isolator switch is on
- Turn the system off at the isolator or breaker, wait 5 minutes, then restart
What does Samsung fault code 102 mean? (Split and ducted systems (varies by series))
Communication between the indoor and outdoor unit has timed out.
Likely causes:
- Interference or a fault on the communication cable
- Power interruption during startup
- Control board fault on either unit
Safe checks before you call:
- Turn the system off at the isolator or breaker, wait 5 minutes, then restart
- Check the outdoor unit isolator switch is on
What does Samsung fault code E108 mean? (Multi-head and ducted systems (varies by series))
Two units on the system have been given the same communication address, so they clash when talking to each other.
Likely causes:
- Incorrect address setting after installation or board replacement
- Control board fault
Safe checks before you call:
- Turn the system off at the isolator or breaker, wait 5 minutes, then restart
What does Samsung fault code E124 mean? (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems)
The outdoor unit is not correctly receiving the signals the indoor unit is sending.
Likely causes:
- Communication cable fault between the units
- Power interruption during startup
- Indoor or outdoor control board fault
Safe checks before you call:
- Turn the system off at the isolator or breaker, wait 5 minutes, then restart
What does Samsung fault code E153 mean? (Ducted, cassette and other systems with a condensate pump or float switch)
The float switch that watches the condensate water level has tripped, usually because drain water is not getting away.
Likely causes:
- Blocked condensate drain line
- Failed condensate pump
- Faulty float switch or wiring
Safe checks before you call:
- Turn the system off to stop water overflowing
- Check the drain outlet outside is not visibly blocked by leaves or dirt
- Do not open panels or touch the drain pump. Book a service
What does Samsung fault code E154 mean? (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems)
The indoor fan is not running, or is not running at the speed the unit expects.
Likely causes:
- Indoor fan motor fault
- Fan speed feedback error
- Heavily clogged return air filter restricting the fan
- Indoor control board fault
Safe checks before you call:
- Check the return air filter is clean and refit it properly
- Turn the system off at the isolator or breaker, wait 5 minutes, then restart
What does Samsung fault code E162 mean? (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems)
The memory chip (EEPROM) that stores the unit’s settings has an error.
Likely causes:
- Corrupted memory data, often after a power surge
- Control board fault
Safe checks before you call:
- Turn the system off at the isolator or breaker, wait 5 minutes, then restart. If the code returns, book a service
What does Samsung fault code E198 mean? (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems)
The thermal fuse in the indoor unit has blown (open circuit), which is a safety cut-out against overheating.
Likely causes:
- Indoor unit overheating event
- Failed thermal fuse
- Wiring fault
Safe checks before you call:
- Turn the system off and leave it off. Book a service
What does Samsung fault code E201 mean? (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems)
The indoor and outdoor units could not find each other when the system powered up.
Likely causes:
- Communication cable fault between the units
- Number of indoor units does not match the outdoor unit’s setting (multi-head)
- Power interruption during startup
- Control board fault
Safe checks before you call:
- Check the outdoor unit isolator switch is on
- Turn the system off at the isolator or breaker, wait 5 minutes, then restart
What does Samsung fault code E202 mean? (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems)
The outdoor unit stopped receiving data from one or more indoor units after they had connected.
Likely causes:
- Communication line fault
- An indoor unit has lost power
- Control board fault
Safe checks before you call:
- Turn the system off at the isolator or breaker, wait 5 minutes, then restart
What does Samsung fault code E203 mean? (Split, ducted, multi-head and cassette systems)
The two control boards inside the outdoor unit (main and inverter) have stopped communicating with each other.
Likely causes:
- Outdoor unit control board fault
- Loose internal connection in the outdoor unit
- Power supply problem to the outdoor unit
Safe checks before you call:
- Turn the system off at the isolator or breaker, wait 5 minutes, then restart
Fault confirmed? Here is what to do next
A fault code is the starting point, not the fix. Start here:
- Air conditioner repairs – how we diagnose and fix Samsung faults across Adelaide. Our fault find covers the full diagnosis, and it is on us if you go ahead with the repair.
- Repair or replace calculator – whether fixing your current system is the smarter money.
- Service and maintenance – regular servicing prevents most of the faults on this page.
- Air conditioner fault code lookup – all 15 brands in one place.
- All calculators and tools
Call us on 08 8296 7888 or book online and we will call or text you back ASAP.
Sources for this page
Every Samsung code above is checked against these Australian documents. Open them yourself to verify anything on this page:
- AR09TXHYBWK1 Samsung User Manual (PDF) (appliancesonline.com.au)
- air conditioning fault codes what do they mean (crownpower.com.au)
- faq air conditioner (samsung.com/au)
- samsung air conditioner error codes (valleyairconditioning.com.au)
- samsung air conditioner error codes (airconditioningmackay.com.au)
- samsung error codes (aircaresolutionsnsw.com.au)
Samsung fault code FAQs
Where do I find the fault code on a Samsung air conditioner?
Check the remote or wall controller display first. Some models flash the indoor unit’s lamps in a pattern instead; the table above lists documented lamp patterns alongside their codes. If nothing is showing, the code may only appear while the fault is active.
Can I clear a Samsung fault code myself?
You can reset the system by turning it off at the isolator or breaker for five minutes. If the code stays gone, it was a one-off. If it returns, the fault is real and needs a licensed technician, and repeated resets can cause further damage on compressor or refrigerant faults.
Does a Samsung fault code mean I need a new air conditioner?
Usually not. Most codes point to repairable faults like sensors, fan motors or drainage. Our fault find gives you an honest verdict either way, and the fee is credited if you repair with us.
Are these Samsung fault codes correct for Australian models?
Yes. Every code on this page was checked against Australian documentation (appliancesonline.com.au, crownpower.com.au, samsung.com/au), not overseas lists, because the same code can mean different things in different markets. Meanings still vary between model series, so treat this page as reference and cross-check your unit’s manual.
Written by Oliver Hastings, T&K Airpower. Last updated 01/08/2026. Compiled from Australian sources including appliancesonline.com.au, crownpower.com.au, samsung.com/au, valleyairconditioning.com.au, so you can check every code against the official documentation. Fault code meanings vary between model series and controllers, so treat this page as reference only and never remove panels or work on the refrigeration or electrical parts of the system yourself.
