Samsung Dryer Error Code AC
The main control board and the panel or sub board have lost communication, so the dryer will not run a cycle. A one-minute power-off clears a simple glitch; a code that keeps returning means a loose harness or a failed board, which needs a technician.
Also shown as: AE, Et, EEE, E3, AE3, AE4, AE5, 1 AC
Common causes
- Temporary control glitch after a power flicker or surge
- Loose connector between the main and sub control boards
- Damaged wiring harness between the boards
- Memory (EEPROM) communication fault on the control board
- Failed main or sub control board
What to check, in order
- Shut the dryer off for 60 seconds, then turn it back on and restart the cycle, as Samsung directs.
- If the code comes straight back, unplug the dryer for five minutes for a fuller reset, then try again.
- Note whether the code followed a storm, an outage, or the dryer being moved, which points to wiring or a connector.
- If the code returns after a proper reset, book a technician; board and harness diagnosis is not a settings fix.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Plug the appliance back in and restore its water supply if it has one.
- Run the shortest programme and watch the point where the code appeared before.
- If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write it down before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
This code usually points to a faulty part, wiring or the control board on a Samsung dryer. Run the checks above to rule out the simple causes, then book a technician — and book one straight away if any of these apply:
- The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
- You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
- Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
- The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.
When you call, give the brand, the code AC, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Repair or replace?
This fault is in professional territory: the fix usually means a major part or board-level work, and the labour adds up. If your machine is already well into its service life, get the repair quote first, then compare it with the price of a current equivalent model before you decide. Paying a large share of a new machine's price to repair an old one is rarely the better deal; replacing a machine over one cheap fault is wasteful too.
Parts that may be involved
Main control boardSub control board (PBA)Wire harness
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about AC
What does AC mean on a Samsung dryer?
AC means: Communication error: the dryer's control boards cannot talk to each other. The main control board and the panel or sub board have lost communication, so the dryer will not run a cycle. A one-minute power-off clears a simple glitch; a code that keeps returning means a loose harness or a failed board, which needs a technician.
Can I fix Samsung AC myself?
Only the preliminary checks. Code AC usually means a part, wiring or the control board has failed, which is a technician job. Run the checks to rule out simple causes before you book.
How do I clear Samsung AC?
Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.
Sources checked
- Samsung support: washing machine information codes
- Samsung support: dishwasher information codes
- Samsung support (US): dishwasher troubleshooting
The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.