The 88 code on the displays of your Samsung refrigerator most often indicates problems with the circuit of the appliance, caused by a power surge. Sometimes the second 8 of the code may change to any number from 1 to 9 while blinking (so it can be 88/89 for example), this is usually the same error as 88.
What can cause the 88 Error?
In 99% of all cases, the 88 Error is caused by the drop of power. This is why this combination is more often seen on the displays of the inverter refrigerators, as they are too sensitive to all the surges.
After the power went off and on the main unit starts sending requests to all the systems in order to check whether they are working properly, but doesn’t get any response and starts the self-diagnostic process, which leads to nothing and the 88 digits appear on the screen.
How to fix the 88 Error?
Sometimes you can just wait for a few hours for the refrigerator’s system to stabilize itself. The code will keep blinking, while the main module will be sending signals and try to run self-diagnostics.
If you don’t want to wait, try rebooting the device yourself. One of the options is to switch if off and unplug from the main power for 10 minutes. Plug it back in and switch on, if the code is still there, try the third option.
Reset the system by simultaneously pressing Lighting and EnergySaving buttons (they are the upper right and left one, on some models — PowerFreeze and PowerCool) and holding them for 10-15 secs. You have to hear a sound after which the display turns off. Wait for several minutes for the system to run self-diagnostics and check whether the Error code is still indicated on the screen.
If none of the above steps helped you in eliminating the 88 Error code, the problem might be more serious than a temporary system glitch. Because of the power surge, the main module of the device could have been damaged and this is where you will need professional help.
If you are sure it’s the main control board and feel you are capable to replace it on your own, you can do it, but first unplug the appliance and take photos of how the unit was connected, as it is a very complicated and the most important element of your refrigerator, all contacts and wires have to be tightly and properly connected.