While the screen displays the code, it rarely tells you the solution. That is where we come in. We will break down the most common Samsung washing machine troubleshooting steps, decode the errors, and help you get your laundry routine back on track.
Key Takeaways
- Identify the Code: Samsung washers use alphanumeric codes (like 5E or UE) to pinpoint issues like drainage blockages or load imbalances.
- Check Basics First: Many problems are solved by checking the power supply, ensuring the door is latched, or cleaning the drain filter.
- Master the Reset: A simple electrical reset (unplugging for 5 minutes) can clear glitchy sensors, but calibration is needed for balance issues.
- Know When to Call: Internal electrical issues or control board failures usually require a professional technician.
In This Article
Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes Chart
Before you start taking things apart, check the display. Below is a table of common Samsung error symbols and what they mean.
| Error Code | What It Means |
| 1E, LE, 1C, LC, LC1, 1 1C, 1 LC | Water level or leak error. Moisture is detected where it shouldn’t be, or the water sensor is failing. |
| N4, 4C2, 4E2, CE, 14C2 | Temperature error. The cold water supply hose is connected to the hot inlet (or vice versa). |
| nd, 5E, SE, 5C, SC, 1 5C | Drainage error. The machine is not draining water properly. |
| OE, 0E, OC, 0C, 1 OC, 1 0C | Overflow error. Too much water is in the machine. |
| E2, bE2, 6E2, BE2, 8E2 | Jammed button. A key on the control panel is stuck. |
| 9C1, 9C2, PF, 3E, 2E, 9E1, 9E2, UC, 19C1, 19C2 | Voltage error. The electrical current supplied to the washer is unstable or incorrect. |
| dS, d5, FL, LO, L0, dE, dE1, dE2, dC, dC1, dL, 1 dC, 1dC4, 1dC1 | Door lock error. The door is not closed, latched, or locked securely. |
| SDC, 5DC, SUd | Dispenser error. The detergent drawer is not completely closed. |
| SUd, 5UD, Sd, 5d, SUdS, 5Ud5 | Suds error. Too much detergent or the wrong type (non-HE) was used. |
| ddC, dC3 | Add Door error. The small “Add Wash” door is not closed properly. |
| dc, Ub, U6, Ur, UE, 1 Ub, 1U6 | Unbalanced load. The laundry is clumped together or the machine is not level. |
| Cb, C6 | Calibration mode. The machine is trying to recalibrate weight detection. |
| CL | Child Lock. This is not an error; it indicates the child lock safety feature is active. |
| dn | Update. The machine is downloading a software update. |
| Refill detergent or softener | Empty dispenser. The auto-dispense reservoir needs refilling. |
| H1, H2, HE, HE1, HE2, HC, HC1, HC2, E5, E6 | Heating error. The water temperature control is malfunctioning. |
| 4E, 4C, E1 | Fill error. The washer is not filling with water within the expected time. |
| bE, 6E, bE1, bE2, bE3, bC, bC2, b2, Eb | Motor error. The machine will not start or turn. |
| tE, tE1, tE2, tE3, tC, tC1, tC2, tC3, tC4, Ec | Sensor error. The temperature sensor is not communicating with the controller. |
| AE, AC, ACb, AC6, 13E | Communication error. The display board and control module are not talking to each other. |
| 8E, 8E1, 8C, 8C1 | MEMS sensor issue. Problem with the vibration sensor or motor connections. |
| PoF, PF | Power failure. The power was cut off during a cycle. |
Common Samsung Washing Machine Problems and Solutions
Knowing the code is step one. Fixing it is step two. Here are the most common practical issues and how to resolve them yourself.
Washer Not Starting
- Caused by: Lack of power, a door latch failure, or the “Child Lock” feature being active.
- How to fix it: First, check that the machine is plugged in and the breaker hasn’t tripped. Next, clean the door latch contacts with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. Ensure the door clicks firmly when you close it. Finally, look for the Child Lock icon (usually a smiley face or lock symbol) and disable it if it is lit.
Washer Won’t Spin (UE/Ub Error)
- Caused by: An unbalanced load (too heavy or too light) or the machine not being level on the floor.
- How to fix it: If you are washing a single heavy item like a blanket, add a few towels to balance the weight. Pause the cycle and redistribute the wet clothes manually. If the machine vibrates excessively, use a level to check the feet and adjust them until the washer sits flat on the floor.
Professional Help
If you have redistributed the load and leveled the feet but the drum still won’t spin, the tub bearing or suspension rods might be worn out. These are difficult DIY repairs, so check your warranty and consider calling a pro.
Washer Stops Mid-Cycle
- Caused by: Drainage issues, water supply interruptions, or overheating.
- How to fix it: Check the display for a code. If there is no code, feel the door; if it is extremely hot, the motor may have overheated. Let it cool down for 30 minutes. Also, ensure the drain hose is not kinked or pushed too far into the standpipe, which can cause siphoning.
Washer Trips Electrical Circuit
- Caused by: Water leaking onto electrical components, a short heater element, or an overloaded circuit.
- How to fix it: Stop immediately. Unplug the machine. Inspect the area for any water leaks that might have reached the motor or plug. If dry, ensure the washer is on a dedicated circuit breaker. Washing machines draw a lot of power and should not share a circuit with other high-voltage appliances.
Door Lock Issues
- Caused by: A faulty latch assembly, warped door hinges, or debris in the lock mechanism.
- How to fix it: Inspect the latch for lint or plastic bits and clean it out. If the door looks misaligned, tighten the hinge screws. If the door refuses to unlock after a cycle, run a “Spin Only” cycle to drain any excess water that might be triggering the safety lock.
Don’t Forget
If the door is locked and you cannot open it, check if the Child Lock is on. You usually need to hold two buttons simultaneously (marked with a lock icon) for 3 seconds to disengage it.
Washer Won’t Drain (5C/5E Error)
- Caused by: A clogged pump filter (debris filter) or a blocked drain hose.
- How to fix it: Manually drain the machine first. Locate the small door at the bottom front of the washer. Place a shallow tray and towels underneath. Open the door, pull out the small emergency drain tube, remove the cap, and let the water flow out. Once empty, unscrew the large round filter. Clean out any coins, lint, or hair, rinse it, and screw it back in tightly.
Water Overflow
- Caused by: A faulty water inlet valve or a pressure switch that fails to detect the water level.
- How to fix it: Turn off the water supply faucets immediately. If the machine continues to fill even when unplugged, the water inlet valve is stuck open and needs replacing. If it stops filling when unplugged, the pressure switch (water level sensor) is likely the culprit.
Water Fills Slowly or Not At All (4C/4E Error)
- Caused by: Clogged mesh screens in the inlet valves, closed faucets, or frozen pipes.
- How to fix it: Turn off the water faucets and unscrew the hoses from the back of the washer. Inside the inlet ports, you will see small mesh screens. Remove them gently with needle-nose pliers and rinse them under water to remove sediment buildup. Reattach the hoses and turn the water back on.
Washer Leaks
- Caused by: A torn door gasket (seal), loose hose connections, or cracks in the detergent dispenser.
- How to fix it: Inspect the gray rubber seal around the door for tears or punctures; sharp objects like zippers can rip this seal. If damaged, it must be replaced. Check the water hoses at the back to ensure they are hand-tight plus a quarter turn with pliers.
Washer is Noisy or Vibrating
- Caused by: Shipping bolts left in the machine, uneven flooring, or worn shock absorbers.
- How to fix it: If the washer is new, ensure the 4 large shipping bolts on the back have been removed. Use a spirit level to check if the machine is flat; adjust the locking legs at the bottom until it is perfectly level. Run a calibration mode (see your manual) to reset the weight sensors.
Water Won’t Heat Up
- Caused by: A faulty heating element or incorrect hose installation.
- How to fix it: Verify that the hot and cold water hoses are connected to the correct inlets. If they are correct, run a diagnostic cycle. A heating element failure usually requires a multimeter to test for continuity and is a slightly more advanced repair.
Control Panel Won’t Respond
- Caused by: Child Lock is active, moisture in the control board, or a software glitch.
- How to fix it: Look for the Child Lock icon again. If that is off, try the “power cycle” reset method listed below. If buttons are physically stuck, try cleaning around the edges with a toothbrush to dislodge dried detergent.
Suds Error (Sud/Sd)
- Caused by: Using too much detergent or using non-HE (High Efficiency) detergent.
- How to fix it: Do not turn the machine off. The washer will automatically pause to let the suds dissolve, which can take quite a while. To speed it up, you can run a “Rinse + Spin” cycle with no detergent. In the future, use only HE detergent and reduce the amount you use.
How to Reset a Samsung Washing Machine
Sometimes, the computer inside the washer just gets confused. A “hard reset” can clear glitchy error codes.
- Electrical Reset: Unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet. Wait for at least 5 to 10 minutes to let the electrical charge dissipate from the capacitors. Plug it back in and try the cycle again.
- Factory Reset: On newer models with LCD screens, navigate to Settings > Factory Reset. This will wipe your saved cycles and Wi-Fi settings.
- Calibration Mode: If you keep getting load errors, you need to run Calibration Mode. This is usually done by holding two specific buttons (often Temp + Delay End) and hitting Power. The drum will rotate back and forth to measure weight. Check your manual for the specific button combo for your model.
FAQs
How Do I Run a Diagnostic on My Samsung Washing Machine?
To run a diagnostic, you can use the “Smart Check” feature. Press and hold the Rinse + Spin buttons simultaneously for three seconds (or until the code shows up). Open the Samsung Smart Washer app on your phone, select Smart Check, and point your camera at the code on the washer display. The app will interpret the pattern and tell you the specific fault.
Why is My Samsung Washer Blinking?
If your model does not have a digital display screen, it uses blinking LED lights to communicate errors. The specific combination of lights (e.g., “Wash” flashing while “Spin” is solid) corresponds to an error code. You will need to consult your specific user manual to decode these light patterns, as they vary between models.
How Long Should a Samsung Washing Machine Last?
You can expect a Samsung washing machine to last between 10 and 13 years with regular use and proper maintenance. Samsung offers a 10-year or 20-year warranty on the digital inverter motor for many models, which covers the part but usually not the labor.
Where is the Fuse On a Samsung Washer?
The fuse location varies by model. In many top loaders, it is inline on the wiring harness near the AC power cord entry point inside the back panel. On front loaders, it is often located directly on the main PCB (Printed Circuit Board), which is usually housed in a plastic casing near the top or back of the machine.
How Do I Clean the Drain Pump Filter On My Samsung Washer?
Locate the filter door on the bottom front of the machine. Open it, place a towel down, and unscrew the small emergency drain hose cap to release trapped water. Once drained, unscrew the large circular filter counter-clockwise. Wash the filter under warm running water, scrub it with a soft brush to remove slime or lint, and screw it back in securely before running a cycle.
Troubleshooting with Confidence
Dealing with a broken appliance is never fun, but Samsung’s error code system takes a lot of the guesswork out of the repair process. Whether it is a simple drain filter clean or a load balancing act, you can likely fix the issue without a service call.
However, if you have tried the resets and the fixes above and the code persists, do not hesitate to contact Samsung Support. Complex electrical or motor issues are best left to the pros, especially if your machine is still under warranty.
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