On the covered Samsung washer platform, AE, AC, AE6, AC6 and related codes means communication error. Samsung lists it in its All Other Errors section (AE3 is listed separately as a DR Ready modem error). First, power the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung washer code AE, AC, AE6, AC6 and related codes”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A momentary communication drop between the main PCB and the inverter PCB
What separates it AE6 or AC6 appears once and clears after a power cycle
How to confirm Samsung's own AC6 guide starts with a power cycle before any wiring check
- 2
A loose, damaged or corroded connector on the harness between the main and inverter PCBs
What separates it The code returns straight after a full power cycle and restart
How to confirm With the washer unplugged, inspect the harness connecting the two boards for loose pins, damage or corrosion
- 3
Moisture on the sub-PCB
What separates it The washer has had a recent leak or sits somewhere humid
How to confirm Visually check the sub-PCB for water staining or corrosion before reseating any connector
- 4
An unsteady power supply
What separates it The code appears along with other electrical symptoms, such as lights dimming
How to confirm Plug a lamp or charger into the same outlet and confirm it holds steady power
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters: AE, AC, AE6, AC6, AEb, ACb or related codes
- Whether the code cleared after a power cycle or returned
- Whether the washer has had a recent leak near the control area
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedWhat to do first
ReversiblePower the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleSamsung says a code with no specific troubleshooting follows its basic steps: power the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes, power it back on and restart the cycle, and if the error continues request service from its Support Center.
Power cycle
ReversibleSwitch off the washer, unplug it from the outlet, wait, plug it back in and start a cycle; Samsung's own AC6 guide lists this as the first step, since electromagnetic interference or a power spike can cause a one-off communication drop.
Check the outlet
ReversiblePlug another device into the same outlet and confirm it has steady power; an unsteady supply can cause the boards to lose sync.
Inspect the board-to-board harness
ReversibleWith the washer unplugged, find the wire harness connecting the main PCB and inverter PCB and look for loose pins, corrosion or visible damage; reseat each connector.
Check for moisture
ReversibleVisually inspect the sub-PCB for water staining or corrosion, which points at a leak rather than a wiring fault.
Request service
ReversibleIf the code returns after these checks, Samsung's guide and independent sources both point to a service visit to test or replace the affected board.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- AE, AC, AE6, AC6, AEb, ACb, AC4, AC3, AC5, AE8, AEB, AE4, AE5, 1AC6, AC7.
- Parts named
- Main PCB; inverter PCB; the wire harness between them; sub-PCB.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Unplug the washer before inspecting any wiring between the main and inverter PCBs
- !Call for service if moisture or corrosion is visible on either board
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does AE, AC, AE6, AC6 and related codes mean on a Samsung washer?+
Communication error. Samsung lists it in its All Other Errors section (AE3 is listed separately as a DR Ready modem error).
What does AE or AC mean?+
Samsung lists it as a communication error in its All Other Errors section; AC6/AE6 specifically is a communication fault between the main PCB and the inverter PCB.
Does a power cycle usually fix it?+
Often, if the cause was a momentary interference or power spike; Samsung's own guide starts there.
What should I check before calling for service?+
The outlet's power, the harness between the two boards, and any sign of moisture on the sub-PCB.