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Samsung Refrigerator Error Code PC ER

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
🛑 Critical — Stop Using 👨‍🔧 Call a Pro

Pump / compressor communication error — critical cooling failure

The most common cause of the PC ER error on a Samsung refrigerator is compressor control module failure (~45% of cases); start with: power cycle.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$0 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $350–$800 Save $350+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Refrigerator error code PC ER on the display panel
How the PC ER code appears on a Samsung refrigerator display

What Does Error Code PC ER Mean on a Samsung Refrigerator?

Pump / compressor communication error — critical cooling failure.

PC ER fires when the main control board loses digital communication with the inverter compressor's control module (the PBA that drives the variable-speed compressor). The board expects handshake signals confirming the compressor is running; when those signals drop or become corrupted, it flags PC ER and halts cooling to protect the compressor. Unlike a temperature-sensor code, this points to the compressor drive electronics or its harness rather than a thermistor, and cooling stops entirely rather than drifting warm.

Models affected: Samsung refrigerators using a variable-speed inverter/linear compressor, including French-door and side-by-side models such as the RF28R7351SG, RF263BEAESR, RF23M8070SR, RS27T5200SR, and RF27T5201SR.
What owners report: Owners commonly report PC ER appearing suddenly alongside a fridge that has stopped cooling, sometimes after a power surge or brownout. A five-minute unplug occasionally clears a transient glitch, but if the code returns it usually indicates the compressor module or harness. Many owners note the repair can fall under Samsung's 10-year compressor warranty, so checking coverage before paying is often the quick win.

What Causes Error Code PC ER?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Compressor control module failure 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Main control board communication failure 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Wiring harness fault between board and compressor 20% of cases
  4. 4
    Compressor itself has failed 5% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Refrigerator Error Code PC ER

👨‍🔧 Call a Pro Est. time: 1–3 hours
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Power cycle

    Unplug for 5 minutes. Some communication errors clear on restart.

    ⚠️ If food is warm, move perishables immediately.
  2. 2

    Check wiring harness to compressor

    Access the compressor area (back/bottom of unit) and check the communication wire harness for damage or loose connections.

  3. 3

    Contact Samsung service

    PC ER on Samsung's linear/inverter compressors is often covered under Samsung's 10-year compressor warranty — even out of standard warranty.

How to Reset Error Code PC ER

Unplug 5 minutes and restart. If PC ER returns, do not attempt DIY compressor repair.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Samsung refrigerator reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Refrigerator not cooling →

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When to Call a Professional

PC ER requires professional diagnosis. Samsung offers a 10-year compressor warranty — call 1-800-726-7864 and provide the model number before paying for service.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $350–$800

Related Error Codes

22E
Refrigerator fan error — fresh-food compartment fan not running
⚠ High Severity

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Samsung Refrigerator:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Samsung Refrigerator repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes

21E Freezer fan error — freezer evaporator fan not running 24E Evaporator sensor error — freezer temperature sensor fault 25E Freezer defrost sensor error 88-88 Display test mode active — not a fault code 39E Ice maker function error — ice maker not cycling 5E Defrost sensor error

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Refrigerator when error PC ER appears? +
No — stop using the refrigerator right away. PC ER is a critical compressor fault, and continuing to run it risks further damage or a safety hazard. Unplug it and resolve the fault before the next cycle.
What most commonly causes PC ER on a Samsung Refrigerator? +
Across reported Samsung refrigerator repairs, the most frequent is compressor control module failure (45% of cases), main control board communication failure (30%), then wiring harness fault between board and compressor (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
PC ER keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored PC ER fault; if it returns, the compressor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — power cycle, then check wiring harness to compressor — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a repair most owners hand to a technician.
How much does it cost to fix Samsung Refrigerator error PC ER? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$0 in parts, versus $350–$800 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $350. Expect the work to take a full service visit.
Which Samsung Refrigerator models show error PC ER? +
PC ER is documented on Samsung refrigerators using a variable-speed inverter/linear compressor, including French-door and side-by-side models such as the RF28R7351SG, RF263BEAESR, RF23M8070SR, RS27T5200SR, and RF27T5201SR.. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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