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Samsung Washing Machine Error Code AE

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 14, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Also shown as: AE6, AC

Communication error — main and sub control boards not talking

The main control board and the sub (display/UI) board have lost reliable communication. The washer can't coordinate the cycle without both boards exchanging data, so it stops. A loose harness between the two boards is the most common and most fixable cause.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$250 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$350 Save $150+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Washing Machine error code AE on the display panel
How the AE code appears on a Samsung washing machine display

What Does Error Code AE Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?

Communication error — main and sub control boards not talking.

The main control board and the sub (display/UI) board have lost reliable communication. The washer can't coordinate the cycle without both boards exchanging data, so it stops. A loose harness between the two boards is the most common and most fixable cause.

What Causes Error Code AE?

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

  1. 1
    Communication harness loose or damaged 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Sub/UI board failure 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Main control board failure 20% of cases
  4. 4
    Moisture/corrosion on a connector 10% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Washing Machine Error Code AE

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Power cycle

    Unplug for 5–10 minutes. A transient communication glitch often clears.

  2. 2

    Reseat the inter-board harness

    Remove the top/console panel and firmly reseat the ribbon/harness between the main and UI boards.

    ⚠️ Unplug before opening the console.
  3. 3

    Replace the failed board

    If reseating doesn't help, the UI or main board has failed.

    🔩 Samsung washer UI board ($60–$160) 🔩 Main control board ($100–$250)

How to Reset Error Code AE

Unplug 5–10 minutes and restart. If AE returns, reseat the harness between the control boards.

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

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If the harness is sound and reseating doesn't help, professional board diagnosis identifies which board has failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$350

Related Error Codes

9C1
Power supply error — abnormal/low line voltage detected
⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code AE appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows AE →

LG logo
LG Dishwasher AE
Leakage detected — water found in base tray
LG logo
LG Washing Machine AE
Leak detected (Aqua error) — water sensed in the base pan

Find Replacement Parts

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

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

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

More Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes

4C Water supply not detected UE Unbalanced load detected OE Drain failure — water not draining LE Motor locked — drum cannot rotate DE Door not properly closed or door lock failure HE Water heater error — water not heating to target temperature

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code AE mean on a Samsung Washing Machine? +
Communication error — main and sub control boards not talking
How do I fix error code AE on my Samsung Washing Machine? +
Start by Unplug for 5–10 minutes. A transient communication glitch often clears.. If that doesn't resolve it, work through each step in the fix guide above.
How do I clear or reset error code AE? +
Unplug 5–10 minutes and restart. If AE returns, reseat the harness between the control boards.
Is error code AE serious? +
Medium severity. The appliance may still operate but the issue should be resolved to prevent further damage.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 14, 2026.

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