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Samsung error 122 is primarily associated with Samsung air conditioning units, referring to an evaporator sensor short or open circuit fault within the indoor unit. However, some Samsung TV models with integrated climate-adjacent or shared diagnostic architecture in specific regions have occasionally displayed similar numbered codes, so it is worth clarifying which appliance you are actually troubleshooting before proceeding.
Understanding the Evaporator Sensor Error
On Samsung AC units, the evaporator sensor monitors the temperature of the evaporator coil to regulate cooling and prevent icing or overheating. A code 122 indicates this sensor's circuit has either shorted or gone completely open, meaning the unit's control board can no longer receive an accurate temperature reading and will typically stop cooling as a protective measure. If you are seeing a similar numeric code on a Samsung television, it is important to confirm the exact code and context from your TV's manual or support documentation, as TV error codes follow a different numbering system from appliance codes, and misdiagnosing based on appliance information can lead to unnecessary repairs.
Common Causes on AC Units
A physically damaged or disconnected sensor wire, often from vibration or rodent damage within the indoor unit housing, is the most frequent cause. Sensor degradation from age and continuous exposure to condensation and temperature cycling can also cause the sensor to fail electrically over time. A fault on the control board itself, rather than the sensor, occasionally produces the same error code, requiring board-level testing to distinguish from a genuine sensor failure.
How to Fix Error 122
A technician tests the evaporator sensor's resistance using a multimeter, comparing the reading against the manufacturer's expected range to confirm whether the sensor itself has failed. A confirmed faulty sensor is replaced with a genuine or compatible part, a relatively quick and affordable repair. If the sensor tests normally, the control board is inspected next, as the fault may lie in the board's ability to read the sensor's signal correctly.
Cost Guide (Nairobi)
| Service | Estimated Cost (KES) |
| Diagnostic check | 800 - 1,500 |
| Evaporator sensor replacement | 1,500 - 3,000 |
| Wiring repair | 800 - 2,000 |
| Control board repair | 4,000 - 9,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is error 122 a TV or AC unit error code? It is primarily documented as a Samsung AC evaporator sensor error; if seen on a TV, confirm the exact code against your specific model's documentation.
- Can I test the evaporator sensor myself? This requires a multimeter and knowledge of expected resistance values, so it is best handled by a qualified technician.
- Does this error mean my AC unit is unsafe to use? The unit typically stops cooling automatically as a safety measure, so continued use simply will not cool effectively until repaired.
- Is sensor replacement an expensive repair? It is generally one of the more affordable AC repairs compared to control board or compressor issues.
- Can rodent damage really cause this error? Yes, rodents can chew through sensor wiring within indoor units, which is a surprisingly common cause of sensor faults.