Samsung Air Conditioner Error Code E555

E555 indicates a full refrigerant leakage condition detected at the outdoor unit. The system has determined, based on compressor terminal resistance, refrigerant pressure readings, and PWM valve behavior, that the refrigerant charge is critically low or fully depleted. This is a serious fault that requires professional diagnosis and repair before the system can operate safely again.

No, you should not continue operating the unit with this error active. Running the compressor without adequate refrigerant removes the lubrication and cooling that refrigerant provides to the compressor internals, which can cause permanent and costly compressor failure. Turn the system off until the leak is repaired and the system is properly recharged.

A power reset may temporarily clear the fault code from the display, but it will not resolve the underlying refrigerant loss that triggered E555. If the refrigerant is truly depleted, the system will either fail to operate correctly or the error will return quickly. The root cause, including the leak source and any damaged components, must be identified and repaired before the system will function normally.

This repair is not a DIY task for most homeowners. Handling refrigerant requires EPA Section 608 certification in the United States, and the diagnostic steps involve measuring compressor terminal resistance, checking system pressures with manifold gauges, and verifying PWM valve operation. A licensed HVAC technician must locate and repair the leak, then recharge the system with the correct refrigerant type and quantity.

Repair costs vary widely depending on where the leak is located and how much damage has occurred. A simple fitting repair and recharge may cost in the range of $200 to $600, while coil replacement or compressor replacement can run from $800 to over $2,000 including labor and refrigerant. Getting a diagnostic inspection first will give you a clearer picture of the scope of the repair.