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Samsung Washer Error Codes: Troubleshooting & Fixes

Updated
Find out what the obscure Samsung washer error codes mean and troubleshoot your washer like a pro.

Nothing is worse than walking to your washing machine only to find an error code, obscure symbols, or icons displayed. Visions of expensive repairs dance in your head. So today we’re discussing what the Samsung washer error codes are, what they mean, and some simple solutions you can try in an effort to fix your washing machine.

In the end, it doesn’t matter if the codes are Samsung front load washer error codes, Samsung top loader codes, or a Samsung Eco Bubble error. This list will help you run a diagnostic on your machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung washer error codes indicate various issues with your washing machine, like drainage problems, unbalanced loads, or sensor malfunctions.
  • Some common error codes are 5e (poor drainage), U6 (unbalanced load), and 4c (water intake issues).
  • Solutions often involve checking and fixing drain hoses, rebalancing loads, or verifying connections between components.
  • To reset a Samsung washer, unplug it for 1-5 minutes and then plug it back in to clear error codes from its memory.

Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes and Troubleshooting

Samsung Washing Machine codes can appear complex. Thankfully, most are fairly simple to solve. Below you’ll find a list of the various error codes, what their meanings are, and possible steps you can take to fix the problem.

You’ll find that there may be several Samsung washer fault codes for the same issue. This is because the cause of the issue may change. The different codes will help a technician pinpoint the exact cause of the malfunction even though the error codes appear to mean the same to us.

Error Code Se, 5e, or 5c

What It Means: The Washer Isn’t Draining Well. This could be that the water isn’t draining properly or slowly from your washing machine. It can also mean that the water is not draining at all.

Solution: Check the drain hose. There is a good chance that there is a clog or small item such as a sock plugging the drain hose. Also, check to be sure the line is not kinked. The drain pump or the impeller may have failed in which case you will need to call a technician. Also, you will need to check to make sure the water level switch and controller are not malfunctioning. Call a technician for a professional diagnosis and repair.

Error Code U6

What It Means: Washing Machine Unbalanced. The washing machine started the spin cycle but the load became unbalanced so it stopped.

Solution: The solution is to rebalance your load. Make sure that heavy items are distributed evenly throughout the drum.

Error Code 4c

What It Means: Water Intake Issues. There is an issue with how your washing machine is filling up with water. It’s filling too slowly or not at all.

Solution: Check the hot and cold intake hoses to make sure that they’re connected correctly. You will also need to make sure that there are no kinks in the hoses. Take a look at the inlet valves. Make sure they’re turned on and working properly. Check to make sure the door is closed tightly and the cycle has started. The water level sensor may not be working properly and may need to be replaced. The controller may be malfunctioning and will need a technician to diagnose and possibly replace it.

Error Code 8c

What It Means: VRT+ Vibration Sensor Not Working. Models produced in or after 2013 have the sensor installed to detect vibration going above certain set limits. This prevents excessive vibration from damaging motor couplings and bearings in your washing machine.

Solution: The circuit containing the sensor and controller is not properly closed. The connections and wiring need to be repaired. The sensor or control board may be malfunctioning. Call a technician to diagnose and repair.

Error Code LO, FL, or DE

What It Means: Door Isn’t Closed and Locked

Solution: Double-check the door of your washing machine to make sure that nothing is preventing it from closing. Also, check to make sure the latch isn’t damaged. Clean the connections by dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rubbing it over the sensors.

It may also appear when the child lock is enabled and water is in the tub. If the door isn’t closed or the child lock turned off within 30 seconds, the washing machine will drain the water from the tub.

Error Code ds

What It Means: Door Not Closed and Locked

Solution: You will need to check to make sure nothing is preventing the door of your washing machine from closing and locking properly. Double-check that the latch isn’t damaged. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and clean the connections.

The error code may also appear if the child lock is enabled and water is in the machine. Close the door or turn off the child lock within 30 seconds. Otherwise, the machine will drain the water from the tub.

Error Code dc

What It Means: Problem With the Door. The controller is not receiving a signal that the door has closed. It could also mean that the door won’t open.

Solution: Make sure that the door is closed tightly and nothing is preventing the door from closing. If the door is closed properly, you could have a broken connection between the locking assembly and the controller. Check the circuit with a multimeter and also check the contacts. You can try cleaning the contacts by dipping a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol. Rub the contacts with the cotton swab to make sure they’re clean.

Sometimes the lock or hinges may be loose. You may need to call a technician about replacing the locking mechanism. In addition, the door lock sensor or controller may be faulty. If so, the part will need to be replaced.

Error Code Sud

What It Means:: Excessive Sudding. You have too many suds during the wash cycle.

Solution: You may have used the wrong type of laundry detergent. Make sure you’re using an HE detergent that will not cause sudding. Another cause may be that you used too much of the detergent than is required for a wash cycle. Use less detergent the next time you wash clothes.The water is not draining well from your washing machine.

The foam level sensor may be broken or the circuit isn’t closed. Check with a multimeter and replace the sensor if necessary. The pressure switch may be malfunctioning. You will also need to check it with a multimeter and replace it if needed.

The controller may be having problems. Call a technician for troubleshooting and repairs.

Error Code IE

What It Means: No Signal From Water Level Sensor.

Solution: Make sure that there is a good circuit between the water level sensor and the controller by checking that all the contacts are making a good connection and aren’t oxidized. Then check the sensor and the controller to make sure neither one is damaged. You may need to contact a technician for troubleshooting and repairs.

Error Code nF

What It Means: Washing Machine Isn’t Filling

Solution: Make sure that your water is turned on and water is going to the supply valves. Clean the water inlet filters to make sure that they’re not clogged. Also, clean out the debris filter if you have a front load washing machine.

Sometimes the problem is caused because the door or lid is not closing properly or there’s a failure with the door or lid switch. The washer will not fill unless it knows the door or lid is shut. Test the switch for continuity using a multimeter.

Double-check your washer pressure because the washing machine requires the pressure to be between 30 and 12- psi.

Finally check the water level switch. If the switch is malfunctioning, your washer will not fill correctly.

Error Code LE

What It Means: Sudden Drop In Water Level. The LE error code usually appears when you have a leaking tank. You will usually find puddles on the floor..

Solution: Usually, you have a hose that is leaking such as the drain hose. Double-check all hoses and their connections. It’s also possible that the compressor is leaking. You may need to call a technician.

Error Code OE

What It Means: Tub Overfilled

Solution: The likely causes are that the tub is not draining properly, the sensor is not working correctly, or you used the wrong type of laundry detergent. The easiest solution is to change the type of laundry detergent you are using. Also, make sure that you use the correct amount of detergent for one cycle. Too much detergent will cause problems.

The pressure switch or inlet filling valve may be broken or the circuits are remaining open. Check each circuit with a multimeter to see if either part needs to be replaced.

Your washing machine may not be draining properly. See the solutions for the 5E error code. The controller may be malfunctioning which will require a technician.

Error Code nF1 or 4E2

What It Means: Hot and Cold Lines Reversed

Solution: You will need to switch the hot and cold intake hoses as they were connected to the wrong connections. Make sure that the red hose connects the hot intake to the hot water connection on the washing machine. Also, make sure that the blue hose connects the cold intake to the cold water connection.

Error Code tE

What It Means: Faulty Temperature Sensor

Solution: The temperature sensor or thermistor reads the temperature of the water inside the washer. For some reason, it’s giving a temperature that’s either too high or too low. First, reset the machine by unplugging it for 10 minutes and then plugging it back in. Run a small load to check your washer. If you continue to get the tE error, check the wirings to the thermistor and the wirings between the thermistor and the control board to make sure they’re connected properly. Follow up by checking the continuity of the thermistor. You may need to replace the device if it’s faulty.

Error Code nd

What It Means: Water Is Not Draining

Solution: Check to make sure that the debris filter isn’t full of residue and small articles preventing water from draining. Pull out the drain hose and make sure that there are no clogs in the drainage hose. You will also need to make sure that the drain pump is working as well.

Error Code E2

What It Means: Water Draining Too Slowly

Solution: You will need to make sure the sewage is not clogged, the filter isn’t clogged, and the hose is not blocked.

Error Code 3E

What It Means: No Signal from the Tachometer of the Drive Motor

Solution: You may have put too large of a load into your washing machine so the drive motor is overworked. The circuit that includes the tachometer may be open or the contacts aren’t making a good connection. The sensor may have popped out of position if the tacho washer fixing coil broke loose. You may have a faulty motor. The tachogenerator may need to be replaced or the controller may be faulty.

Error Code 2E

What It Means: Washing Machine Failed to Drain

Solution: Check and clean the debris filter to make sure nothing is clogging the drain hose. Take a look to make sure that the drain hose isn’t clogged with residue or small articles. Do this by removing the drain hose from the machine and connecting it to a spray hose. Spray water downward into the clogged hose until water is able to run freely. You’ll also need to ensure that the drain hose is installed properly.

Error Code AE

What It Means: Signal Communication Error Between the Main Printed Circuit Board and the Sub Printed Circuit Board

Solution: Reset your washing machine by unplugging it for at least 30 seconds. Plug it back in and start a new cycle. If you see the error code again, call a technician for support.

Error Code SF

What It Means: Main PCB error

Solution: Unplug your washing machine for 5 minutes to reset the machine. Then plug your washing machine into the electrical socket and try running another cycle. If the error code reappears, then it’s recommended that you call a technician.

Error Code Hr

What It Means: Heater Relay Failure. The heater relay failure happens when there’s a problem with the main control board as the heater relay is a part of the control board.

Solution: Try to reset your Samsung washer by unplugging it for 10 or more minutes. Plug it back in and try running another wash cycle. If you again see the error code Hr, then unplug your machine again so you can check the wiring connections and harnesses on the control board. You’re looking for a shorted-out wire that needs to be replaced. You may need to call a technician.

How Do I Reset My Samsung Washer?

You can do a power reset or power cycle to reset your Samsung washing machine. This will remove all error codes from the memory. However, the power reset will make it harder for a technician to troubleshoot the issue as there will not be an error code to reference.

Unplug your washing machine from the electrical socket or turn off the circuit breaker. You need to remove your machine from all power sources.

Wait 1-5 minutes for all the electrical charge to dissipate from your washer.

Restore power to your washing machine by replugging it into the electrical socket or turning on the circuit breaker. You have now completed a power reset of your Samsung washer.

How Long Do Samsung Washers Last?

A Samsung washing machine will last 10-13 years if it is cared for properly.

It’s recommended that you replace your washing machine if it’s more than 8 years old. Also, consider replacing your washer if the repair costs will be more than 50% of the cost of a new machine.

FAQs

Why are the Lights Flashing on my Samsung Washing Machine?

There are several reasons why your lights are flashing on your Samsung washing machine. It could be due to improper installation or you have an imbalance load.

How Often Should You Run Self-Clean on a Samsung Washer?

You should run self-clean on your Samsung washer at least once a month. If you use it more frequently than most, you may need to do it twice a month to keep it clean and functioning properly.

What Causes a Samsung Washer Not to Drain?

There are several causes why your Samsung washer won’t drain, including a blocked drain pipe, a clogged drain pump, a defective water pump belt, or a faulty door lock mechanism.

How Do You Fix an OC Error on a Samsung Washer?

The best way to fix an OC error on a Samsung washer is to press the start/reset button for a few seconds. Release the button and then press it once more and the error code should disappear.

How Do I Clean the Drain Pump Filter on My Samsung Washer?

The best way to clean the drain pump filter on your Samsung washer is to remove the lower rack, follow the instructions in the manual, remove moisture from the filter, and check the impeller.

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About the Author

Sara Dennis

Sara Dennis is a coffee-loving freelance writer, homeschool blogger, and mom of six kids. In her free time, Sara loves reading books and researching more efficient and effective ways to keep a clean house, homeschool her children, and blog better while making a home for her large family.