Communication Error Between Boards

Home Appliance Error Codes Samsung Washing machines

Can you still use it? With care until repaired

Who can fix it? Needs a technician

Typical repair time 30 minutes – 2 hours

Typical cost SAR 100 to 1,500

What it means

This code appears on Samsung front-load and top-load washing machines when the signal between the main board and the display board or motor drive board is lost; older models show the same fault as AE. The buttons may not respond, or the cycle may stop suddenly. The same code can mean something else on other brands, and its meaning may differ between some Samsung series.

Models covered: Samsung front-load and top-load washing machines; newer models show codes ending in C (e.g. 4C), older ones end in E (e.g. 4E) with the same meaning.

Symptoms4

AC appears at power-on or during the cycle.
Control panel buttons do not respond, or respond only now and then.
The washer stops suddenly and sometimes restarts.
The fault may begin after a power cut or voltage fluctuation.

Possible causes6

Temporary glitch after a power cut or voltage fluctuation.
Loose or corroded connector on the communication cable between boards.
Moisture or water reaching a board from a leak or heavy suds.
Damaged or chafed wire in the harness between the boards.
Failed display (front control) board.
Failed main board.

How to diagnose5

Unplug the washer for several minutes, then restart it.
Make sure the washer is plugged directly into a sound wall socket with no power strip.
Check whether there was a recent leak or heavy suds; if so, keep the washer unplugged and call a technician.
A technician unplugs the washer before opening it, then checks the communication cable and connectors between the boards for looseness, corrosion or water marks.
The technician tests wire continuity and identifies which board is faulty using the manufacturer procedure.

How to fix6

Restart the washer after unplugging it, and fit a voltage protector if the supply fluctuates.
Reseat and clean the communication cable connectors.
Repair the damaged wire or replace the communication cable.
Dry a board affected by moisture and fix the reason water reached it.
Replace the display board or main board according to the test results.
Run a full cycle and confirm the buttons respond and the code does not return.

Repair cost

0–200

200–600

600–1,500

1,500+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low when a connector or cable is the cause, moderate for a display board, and reaches the high end for a main board.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does AE on older washers mean the same thing?

Yes. Older Samsung models show AE and newer ones show AC; both mean a communication fault between the electronic boards.

Does this code mean a board has definitely failed?

No. Many cases are a loose connector, moisture or a temporary glitch after a power cut. A board should only be replaced after the cable and connectors are checked.

Should I keep using the washer?

If the code clears after unplugging and does not come back, it is fine. If it repeats or appeared after a water leak, unplug the washer and call a technician.

This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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