FixByModel
PC ER

Samsung PC ER: Panel-to-board communication error

PC ER (or PC CH) means the control panel and main board have lost communication with each other. It can be a temporary glitch or a wiring/board fault.

May need a technician

By the FixByModel editorial team · Verified 2026-09 · Researched against manufacturer support & repair references (below)

Most likely causes

  1. Loose or unseated ribbon cable between panel and main board
  2. Power interruption during operation
  3. Damaged wiring harness
  4. Failed communication chip on the main board
  5. Control board fault
Before you start — unplug the refrigerator before working on it. Mind sharp metal edges, and never open the sealed refrigerant system — compressor, sealed-system and refrigerant work must be left to a qualified technician.

Step-by-step fix

1Full power resetUnplug the refrigerator for about 2 to 5 minutes, then restore power to clear a temporary fault.
2Check the cableIf comfortable and safe, inspect the ribbon cable/connector between the display panel and the main board and reseat it.
3Confirm stable powerMake sure the fridge has a solid connection and isn't losing power intermittently.
4Call a technicianIf PC ER returns, have the harness and control boards tested and replaced as needed.

Still showing PC ER?

If you’ve worked through every step and PC ER keeps returning, an internal part likely needs testing and replacement. That’s a job for a qualified appliance technician, who can measure the suspect part against the service-manual spec before replacing it.

Which models this applies to

Samsung refrigerators. Most Samsung refrigerators; also displayed as PC CH on some models.

FAQ

What does Samsung PC ER mean?

Panel-to-board communication error. PC ER (or PC CH) means the control panel and main board have lost communication with each other. It can be a temporary glitch or a wiring/board fault.

What causes Samsung PC ER?

The most likely cause is loose or unseated ribbon cable between panel and main board. Other causes include Power interruption during operation; Damaged wiring harness; Failed communication chip on the main board; Control board fault.

Can I fix Samsung PC ER myself?

Some checks are DIY, but this code often points to an internal component, so it may need a qualified technician.