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Error code reference

Samsung Air Conditioner Error Code E260

Breakaway of outdoor unit COND OUT sensor

Samsung codesSamsung air conditioner codes

Breakaway of outdoor unit COND OUT sensor – sensor detached.

First step from the service manual

Check if outdoor COND OUT sensor is separated; reassemble to correct.

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

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What E260 means on a Samsung air conditioner

The E260 error code on a Samsung air conditioner indicates that the outdoor unit COND OUT sensor has become physically detached or separated from its mounting position. The COND OUT sensor, short for condenser outlet temperature sensor, monitors the refrigerant or coil temperature at the outlet side of the outdoor condenser. This measurement is critical for the system's control board to regulate compressor operation, fan speed, and overall refrigerant flow management. When the sensor loses contact with its designated mounting point, the signal it returns becomes unreliable or absent entirely, triggering the E260 fault.

The most immediate cause is physical separation of the sensor from its clip, bracket, or contact point on the condenser piping or coil. This can happen due to vibration over time, improper reinstallation after previous service work, or a weak or broken retention clip that no longer holds the sensor securely in place. In some cases, the sensor wire harness may have enough slack that the sensor migrates away from its intended position without the wire itself being damaged.

Diagnosing this fault starts with a visual inspection of the outdoor unit. The technician should locate the COND OUT sensor, typically a small thermistor probe clipped or strapped to the condenser coil outlet tubing, and confirm whether it is still properly seated. If the sensor has simply dislodged, reseating it in the correct position and securing it properly will often resolve the error. If the sensor or its clip is damaged, replacement of the sensor assembly will be necessary before the unit can return to normal operation.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E260

  1. 01

    Sensor physically dislodged from mounting point

    Wiring / connection

    The most common cause is the sensor probe simply slipping out of its retaining clip or bracket on the condenser outlet tubing. A visual inspection of the outdoor unit will confirm if the sensor is hanging loose or missing from its position.

  2. 02

    Broken or fatigued retention clip

    Part replacement

    The plastic clip or clamp that holds the sensor against the condenser piping can crack or weaken over time due to heat cycling and vibration. If the clip no longer holds the sensor securely, the sensor will repeatedly separate even after being reattached.

  3. 03

    Improper reinstallation after prior service

    Wiring / connection

    If the outdoor unit was recently serviced and the sensor was not properly reseated during reassembly, it may have been running in a detached state since that service visit. Check whether recent maintenance was performed on the outdoor unit.

  4. 04

    Excessive vibration loosening the sensor over time

    Wiring / connection

    Prolonged operation with elevated vibration, sometimes caused by a loose panel or an aging compressor, can gradually work the sensor free from its mounting position. Inspect the unit for other signs of vibration-related loosening such as rattling panels or loose fasteners.

  5. 05

    Damaged sensor wire harness pulling sensor out of position

    Part replacement

    If the sensor wire is pinched, kinked, or has insufficient slack, tension on the harness can pull the sensor away from the condenser. Inspect the wire routing from the sensor back to the control board for any points of strain or damage.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E260

What does E260 mean on a Samsung air conditioner?
The E260 code means that the outdoor unit COND OUT sensor, which monitors condenser outlet temperature, has been detected as physically separated or detached from its mounting position. The system cannot reliably read condenser temperatures without the sensor properly seated, so it generates this fault to alert the user or technician. The fix typically involves locating the sensor on the outdoor condenser and reattaching it correctly.
Can I fix the E260 error myself?
If you are comfortable working around outdoor HVAC equipment and can safely access the outdoor unit, you may be able to resolve this by visually locating the COND OUT sensor on the condenser outlet tubing and pressing it back into its retaining clip. However, if the clip is broken or you cannot identify the correct sensor position, a qualified technician should perform the repair to avoid incorrect reassembly that could cause further faults or system damage.
Is the E260 error dangerous to ignore?
Operating the unit with the COND OUT sensor detached can cause the control board to make incorrect decisions about compressor load and refrigerant flow, since it is missing accurate condenser outlet temperature data. Over time this can contribute to compressor stress or inefficient operation. It is best to address this fault promptly rather than continuing to run the system in a faulted state.
Will resetting the air conditioner clear the E260 error?
A simple power reset may temporarily clear the fault code display, but if the sensor is still physically detached the error will return once the system attempts to read the sensor during operation. The underlying cause, the detached sensor, must be physically corrected before the fault will remain cleared.
How much does it cost to repair an E260 error on a Samsung air conditioner?
If the sensor only needs to be reseated, a service call to diagnose and reattach it would typically fall in the range of $75 to $150 depending on local labor rates. If the retention clip or the sensor itself requires replacement, parts costs would add roughly $20 to $80 to that total, putting the overall repair in the $100 to $230 range in most cases.

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