Samsung Air Conditioner Error Code E473

E473 means the inverter compressor failed to start successfully five times in a row. Samsung's outdoor unit controller monitors each startup attempt and locks out the system after five consecutive failures to protect the compressor from damage. The root cause can be mechanical, refrigerant-related, or electrical in nature.

The system will not operate normally when E473 is active because it has already shut down to protect the compressor. Attempting to force repeated restarts without fixing the underlying problem can cause additional damage to the compressor or outdoor controller board. Leave the unit off until a technician has diagnosed and corrected the fault.

Repair costs vary widely depending on the cause. Correcting a closed service valve or loose wiring connection may cost relatively little beyond a service call fee, typically in the range of $75 to $200. Replacing a faulty EEV can run $150 to $400 in parts and labor. A failed outdoor controller board or compressor replacement represents the most expensive outcome, often ranging from $400 to $1,500 or more depending on the system size and parts availability.

Some basic checks are safe for a homeowner, such as confirming the service valves on the outdoor unit are fully open. However, diagnosing the EEV, compressor wiring, refrigerant pressure, and outdoor controller board requires specialized tools and HVAC training. Most causes of E473 require a qualified technician to repair safely.

A power reset may temporarily clear the error and allow the unit to attempt startup again, but if the underlying fault is still present, the system will fail five more times and re-display E473. A reset is useful for confirming whether a transient condition caused the fault, but it is not a fix. The root cause must be identified and corrected to permanently resolve the code.