Seeing **AE8** on a Samsung washing machine narrows the problem to **communication / electronic control error**. What you do next depends on whether the code is an issue, a normal status/test message, or a model-dependent interpretation. Samsung appliances monitor whether a function reaches an expected state within a certain sequence. When that check fails, the control can store or display a code even though the root cause may sit elsewhere in the same circuit. The recorded display form is **AE8**. Search normalization stores it as **AE8** while preserving the characters a homeowner actually sees.
Reviewed by Ethan Mercer · Last reviewed August 17, 2026
Written by
Ethan Mercer Appliance Repair Content SpecialistPublished August 17, 2026Updated August 22, 2026Technically reviewed August 17, 2026
Content status:
Verified
Error codeAE8
ApplianceWasher
Quick answer
Communication / electronic control error.
Model compatibility: Samsung can reuse or reformat codes across series and model years, so AE8 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
Seeing **AE8** on a Samsung washing machine narrows the problem to **communication / electronic control error**. What you do next depends on whether the code is an issue, a normal status/test message, or a model-dependent interpretation. Samsung appliances monitor whether a function reaches an expected state within a certain sequence. When that check fails, the control can store or display a code even though the root cause may sit elsewhere in the same circuit. The recorded display form is **AE8**. Search normalization stores it as **AE8** while preserving the characters a homeowner actually sees.
Signs
Symptoms you may notice
While AE8 is active, the appliance can lose communication between control boards, display, inverter, or other electronic modules.
Depending on the exact model, controls can become unresponsive, a feature may stop, or the code may appear after power-up.
Depending on the exact model, intermittent operation can occur if a connection or power condition is unstable.
One clue that supports the AE8 diagnosis is that aE8 appears during the washer stage associated with communication / electronic control error.
While AE8 is active, the cycle can pause, stop, retry, drain, or refuse to advance until the condition is cleared.
Why it happens
Possible causes
varies by model/region — cross-region baseline — Communication / electronic control error
Before you call
Safe checks you can make
These are simple, non-hazardous checks only. If anything is unclear, stop and contact a technician.
As an external check for AE8, power the appliance off once using the documented method, then restore power and see whether the code reappears.
Before opening any service area, record whether the issue followed an outage, update, move, or service event.
Before opening any service area, do not reseat internal live connectors unless qualified to follow the exact service procedure.
To rule out an accessible cause, record the code and the cycle stage where it appears.
As an external check for AE8, verify owner-accessible water supply, drain hose/filter, load balance, door, detergent, or power only when relevant.
Before opening any service area, power-cycle once only where Samsung's guidance recommends it; if the same code reappears, move to model-specific diagnosis.
Important safety warning. Disconnect power and stop use for active leakage near electrical parts, smoke, burning smell, or repeated breaker trips. Do not bypass a safety device merely to see whether AE8 disappears.
Get help
When to request repair service
A returning communication/electronic-control code can require harness, connector, board power-supply, firmware, or module testing. In a service visit for AE8, model-specific testing should follow the communication / electronic control error circuit rather than treating the code as proof of one failed part.
Book your repair
Seeing this code on your Samsung appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
Resetting can clear a temporary state, not a persistent issue. If **AE8** comes back, preserve the code and move to the safe checks or model-specific service path.
That depends on the accompanying symptom. A code with no safety hazard may allow a short diagnostic check, but **AE8** should not be ignored if performance is deteriorating or the display keeps returning.
The code alone is not enough to justify a part. **AE8** should narrow testing to the affected function; the final cause still has to be verified on the exact model.
The same-looking code can be reused on another Samsung appliance family or reformatted by region/model year. Match the appliance type and exact model before applying a meaning. This page therefore keeps **Washer AE8** separate from same-looking codes used by other Samsung appliance families.
