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Error code reference

Samsung Air Conditioner Error Code E163

Option error of remote controller for indoor unit (missed or erroneous input of remote controller options).

Option error of remote controller for indoor unit (missed or erroneous input of remote controller options).

First step from the service manual

Check relevant remote controller options for each model then enter correct options.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What E163 means on a Samsung air conditioner

Error code E163 on a Samsung air conditioner indicates an option configuration problem with the indoor unit's remote controller. Specifically, the system has detected that the remote controller options assigned to the indoor unit are either missing entirely or contain incorrect input values. This is a configuration-level fault rather than a hardware failure, meaning the physical components may be fully functional but the unit cannot operate correctly because the control parameters it needs have not been properly defined.

The remote controller option settings in Samsung multi-split and ducted systems define how the indoor unit communicates with and responds to its associated controller. Each indoor unit model has a specific set of required option codes that must be entered correctly during installation or after a control board replacement. If these options were skipped during commissioning, entered incorrectly, or lost due to a power interruption or board reset, the system will generate E163 to flag the misconfiguration.

Diagnosing E163 begins by identifying the specific indoor unit model and cross-referencing the required remote controller option settings for that model. The correct option codes must then be entered through the remote controller or the system's service menu. This is a commissioning task typically performed at installation, so if the error appears on an existing installation, it may point to a recent control board replacement, a firmware reset, or unintended changes to the option settings.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E163

  1. 01

    Missing option entry during installation

    Wiring / connection

    The remote controller options for the indoor unit were never entered during commissioning. This is the most frequent cause, especially on new installations where setup was not completed fully.

  2. 02

    Incorrect option codes entered

    Wiring / connection

    The wrong option values were entered for the specific indoor unit model. Each model requires a defined set of codes, and entering values that do not match the unit's requirements will trigger E163.

  3. 03

    Option settings lost after control board replacement

    Wiring / connection

    When an indoor unit control board is replaced, all previously stored option settings are cleared. If the technician did not re-enter the required remote controller options after the replacement, this error will appear.

  4. 04

    Settings reset by power interruption or firmware event

    Wiring / connection

    An unexpected power loss or an internal firmware reset can clear stored configuration data, including remote controller options. This can cause E163 to appear on a unit that was previously working correctly.

  5. 05

    Faulty or incompatible remote controller

    Part replacement

    In less common cases, the remote controller itself may be defective or incompatible with the indoor unit, preventing valid option data from being accepted or retained by the system.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E163

What does E163 mean on a Samsung air conditioner?
E163 indicates a remote controller option error for the indoor unit, meaning the configuration settings that define how the remote controller interacts with the indoor unit are either missing or contain incorrect values. This is a commissioning or setup fault rather than a mechanical failure. The unit will not operate normally until the correct option codes for the specific model are entered through the service menu or remote controller.
Can I fix E163 myself or do I need a technician?
Clearing E163 requires entering the correct remote controller option codes for your specific indoor unit model through a service-level menu. Accessing these menus and knowing which codes to enter requires model-specific technical knowledge. Most homeowners will need a qualified Samsung HVAC technician to complete this correctly, as entering wrong values can cause further errors or improper unit operation.
Will resetting the air conditioner clear the E163 error?
A simple power reset will not clear E163 because the error is caused by a configuration problem, not a temporary fault. The missing or incorrect remote controller option settings will still be absent or wrong after a reset, so the error will return. The only way to resolve it is to enter the correct option codes for the indoor unit model.
Is it safe to run my Samsung air conditioner while E163 is displayed?
E163 is a configuration fault that typically prevents the indoor unit from operating normally, so the system may not run at all while this error is active. There is no immediate safety risk from the error code itself, but you should not attempt to bypass the fault. Contact a qualified technician to correct the option settings before using the unit.
How much does it cost to repair an E163 error on a Samsung air conditioner?
If the fix is simply re-entering the correct option codes, the cost is primarily a service call and labor fee, which typically ranges from $75 to $200 depending on your location and the technician's rates. If the error was caused by a failed control board that also needs replacement, parts and labor combined could range from $250 to $600 or more. Getting a diagnostic estimate before authorizing any parts replacement is recommended.

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