Is your Samsung dishwasher showing an error code, stopping during a cycle, or refusing to start? The displayed code identifies the system where the dishwasher detected a problem, such as filling, draining, heating, leaking, sensing, pumping, or electronic communication.
Some Samsung dishwasher codes have safe checks you can complete at home. Others involve pumps, heaters, sensors, wiring, or control boards and require professional diagnosis. Record the complete code and dishwasher model number before turning off or resetting the appliance.
What do Samsung dishwasher error codes mean?
Samsung dishwasher error codes identify the system that could not complete its task. For example, 4C or 4E indicates a water-supply problem, 5C or 5E means the dishwasher cannot drain, LC or LE indicates detected moisture or leaking, 3C relates to pump operation, and tE points to an incorrect temperature-sensor reading.
The same code can mean different things on different Samsung models
On WaterWall models, 1E or IE usually indicates a clogged fine filter. On certain rotary models, the same display can indicate excessive internal temperature. LC or LE normally relates to detected moisture, but it can also indicate an obstructed reflector on some WaterWall dishwashers. Check your exact model manual before ordering parts.
Stop the dishwasher immediately when safety is involved
Turn the appliance off if water is leaking onto the floor, the dishwasher continues filling, the breaker trips, you smell burning, or you see smoke or sparks. Disconnect power and close the dishwasher water supply when it is safe to do so. Do not remove the lower access panel while electricity remains connected.
Quick Samsung Dishwasher Code Guide
Dishwasher is not receiving enough water: 4C, 4E or 9E
Dishwasher cannot drain: 5C, SC, 5E, SE or SR
Leak or water detected: LC or LE
Too much water inside the dishwasher: OC, 0C or oE
Pump problem: 3C
Heating or temperature problem: 3E, HC, HE, tE or rotary-model 1E/IE
WaterWall reflector problem: 7E
Control or feature problem: bE, 6E, CE, PC or PE
What to Check Before Resetting the Dishwasher
Do not clear the display before recording the code and checking the affected system. A reset may remove the warning temporarily without solving the underlying problem.
- Record the full code exactly as displayed.
- Locate the dishwasher model and serial number.
- Note whether the code appeared during filling, washing, heating or draining.
- Check whether water is standing inside the tub.
- Look around the door, cabinets and floor for leaking.
- Listen for humming, grinding, repeated clicking or pump noise.
- Confirm whether the problem started after installation, plumbing work or a power outage.
Complete only the safe troubleshooting steps associated with the displayed code. Reset the dishwasher after those checks, not before them.
How to Reset a Samsung Dishwasher
A power reset can clear a temporary electronic interruption, but it cannot repair a blockage, leak, failed pump, heater, sensor or control component.
- Record the error code.
- Complete the safe checks associated with that code.
- Turn the dishwasher off.
- Switch its circuit breaker off for approximately one minute.
- Restore power.
- Run the appropriate test cycle and watch whether the code returns.
Do not repeatedly reset LC, LE, OC, 0C or oE without checking for leaking or excess water. Close the water supply and arrange service if water continues entering the appliance or appears underneath it.
Samsung Water Supply, Drain and Leak Codes
1E or IE: Clogged Filter on WaterWall Models
Water is not moving through the fine-filter system correctly.
What you can check
- Turn the dishwasher off.
- Remove the lower rack.
- Remove the fine filter according to the manual.
- Rinse away food debris with warm water.
- Reinstall and lock the filter correctly.
If the display is on a rotary-model dishwasher, 1E or IE may instead indicate excessive internal temperature. Confirm the dishwasher type before troubleshooting.
4C or 4E: Water Supply Error
The dishwasher is not receiving water at the pressure, flow or temperature it expects.
Possible causes
- Water valve is closed or partly closed
- Inlet hose is kinked, crushed or frozen
- Household water pressure is insufficient
- Inlet screen or valve is restricted
- An incompatible FloodSafe-style hose is installed
What you can check: Confirm that the supply valve is fully open and inspect the accessible hose for kinks or crushing. Arrange service if the water supply appears normal and the code returns.
5C, SC, 5E, SE or SR: Drain Error
The dishwasher cannot remove water within the expected time.
Common causes
- Food or debris in the filter
- Kinked or blocked drain hose
- Blocked sink or disposal connection
- Garbage-disposal knockout plug left in place after installation
- Debris in the sump area
- Drain-pump, wiring or control problem
What you can check: Clean the removable filter, inspect the accessible drain hose and confirm that the kitchen sink drains normally. Do not force the pump impeller or insert tools into the pump housing.
9E: Low Water Level Error
The dishwasher detected less water than required for normal washing.
Possible causes
- Restricted water supply
- Inlet-valve problem
- Low-level or flow-sensing problem
- Internal leaking or control issue
What you can try: Empty the dishwasher, add the normal amount of automatic dishwasher detergent and run a Normal cycle. Turn the power off and arrange service if 9E returns.
LC or LE: Leakage or Moisture-Detection Error
The dishwasher’s leak sensor detected moisture. The appliance may run its drain pump continuously in an attempt to remove water.
Possible causes
- Leaking hose, valve, pump, seal or connection
- Water escaping around the door
- Excessive detergent or incorrect detergent
- Improper installation or levelling
- Blocked WaterWall reflector on applicable models
What to do: Stop the dishwasher, close its water supply and check for visible water around the door, floor, cabinets and accessible connections. Do not repeatedly reset the code without locating the source of the moisture.
OC, 0C or oE: Over-Level Water Error
The dishwasher detected more water than it should contain. A drainage problem can cause the water level to remain too high.
Possible causes
- Blocked filter or drain connection
- Restricted drain hose
- Inlet valve not closing correctly
- Water-level sensor problem
- Electronic-control fault
Turn the dishwasher off and close the water supply if the appliance continues filling. Clean the accessible filter and inspect the drain system before arranging service.
Samsung Pump, WaterWall and Wash-Feature Codes
3C: Pump Operation Error
The dishwasher detected that a pump is not operating as expected.
Possible causes
- Pump cannot turn normally
- Foreign material is obstructing operation
- Pump wiring or connector is damaged
- Electronic-control problem
Restart the dishwasher once after checking the filter. Arrange professional diagnosis if 3C returns, the dishwasher will not circulate water or unusual pump noise continues.
7E: WaterWall Reflector Error
The WaterWall reflector cannot move through its expected path.
What you can check
- Remove any shipping or packing tape.
- Check that the reflector is installed in the correct direction.
- Remove dishes or debris obstructing its path.
- Do not force the reflector or drive mechanism.
Arrange service if the reflector is correctly positioned but cannot move, becomes stuck repeatedly or the code returns.
PC: Zone Wash Error
The dishwasher detected that the Zone Wash function is not operating correctly.
Restart the dishwasher once. If PC returns, the zone-control mechanism, sensor, wiring or electronic control should be professionally tested.
PE: Half Load Function Error
The dishwasher cannot operate the Half Load function correctly.
Empty the dishwasher, add the normal detergent amount and run a Half Load cycle. Turn off power and arrange service if PE returns.
Samsung Heating and Temperature Error Codes
3E: High-Temperature Water Supply Error
The incoming water is hotter than the dishwasher expects. Samsung identifies water above 176°F or 80°C as the threshold associated with this code.
Do not increase the water-heater temperature. Confirm the household hot-water setting and arrange service if the supply is not excessively hot but 3E continues.
HC or Rotary-Model 1E/IE: High Internal Temperature
The dishwasher detected that the internal temperature is too high.
Empty the dishwasher, power-cycle the appliance and run a Normal cycle using the recommended amount of detergent.
Stop using the dishwasher and arrange service if the code returns. The heater, temperature sensor, wiring or control system may require testing.
HE: Heater or Temperature-Detection Error
The dishwasher is detecting its internal temperature incorrectly or cannot control heating as expected.
Empty the dishwasher, add detergent and run a Normal cycle once.
Arrange diagnosis if HE returns, dishes remain cold and wet, the cycle stops during heating or the breaker trips.
tE: Temperature Sensor Error
The dishwasher is receiving an inaccurate or abnormal temperature reading.
The problem may involve the thermistor, sensor wiring, connector or electronic control.
Empty the dishwasher and run one Normal cycle. Disconnect power and arrange service if tE returns.
Samsung Control Panel and Communication Codes
AP: Access Point Mode
AP is not a mechanical failure. The dishwasher is in wireless pairing mode and is waiting to connect to a mobile device.
Turn the dishwasher off and back on if you did not intend to connect it. Follow the SmartThings instructions if you are setting up wireless control.
bE or 6E: Button Error
The control panel detects a button that is stuck or continuously activated.
What you can check
- Turn the dishwasher off.
- Press each button individually.
- Remove visible residue with a lightly damp cloth.
- Dry the control panel before restoring power.
Arrange service if a button does not respond normally, the panel is damaged or the code returns.
CE: Communication Error
The control panel cannot communicate correctly with another electronic part of the dishwasher.
The cause may be a temporary interruption, damaged wiring, loose connector, failed user-interface board or main control.
Complete one power reset. If CE returns, professional electrical testing is recommended.
What if the Samsung Dishwasher Has No Digital Display?
Samsung dishwashers without a digital screen communicate problems through combinations of blinking cycle and option lights.
Record which lights are flashing and whether they remain on continuously or blink in a repeated pattern. Do not assume that every flashing light means the same fault.
Why a Samsung Dishwasher Code Keeps Returning
A code that returns after a reset means the dishwasher is still detecting the original condition. The display identifies the affected system, but it does not always identify the exact failed part.
- 4C can involve the supply valve, hose, pressure, inlet valve, sensor or wiring.
- 5C can involve the filter, drain hose, sink connection, pump or installation.
- LC can result from a component leak, excess foam, loading, installation or a WaterWall obstruction.
- 3C can involve the pump, mechanical obstruction, wiring or control system.
- HE and tE can involve heaters, sensors, connectors, wiring or controls.
- CE can result from the communication wiring or connected board rather than the main control alone.
What Not to Do When a Samsung Dishwasher Shows an Error
- Do not reset the dishwasher before recording and troubleshooting the code.
- Do not repeatedly reset an LC, LE or over-level water error.
- Do not run the dishwasher while water is leaking onto the floor.
- Do not use ordinary hand-washing liquid.
- Do not force a WaterWall reflector, pump or spray mechanism.
- Do not insert tools into pump or gas-free water openings.
- Do not remove the lower access panel while power is connected.
- Do not test heaters, pumps, sensors or live wiring without appropriate equipment.
- Do not replace a control board solely because an electronic code appears.
When to Call a Samsung Dishwasher Repair Technician
Cleaning the filter, checking accessible hoses, confirming the water valve and completing one proper reset are reasonable first steps. Professional service is recommended when:
- The same code returns after the recommended checks.
- Water is leaking around or underneath the dishwasher.
- The drain pump runs continuously.
- The dishwasher will not fill, circulate or drain.
- The appliance continues filling while turned off.
- The WaterWall reflector remains stuck.
- The dishwasher will not heat or dry properly.
- 3C, CE, HC, HE, PC, PE or tE keeps returning.
- The breaker trips repeatedly.
- You smell burning or see electrical damage.
Alpha Tech provides Samsung appliance repair and dishwasher repair in Toronto and the GTA.
What a Technician Checks During the Service Visit
The technician will confirm the complete code, appliance model and point in the cycle where the problem appears. Mention any recent installation, plumbing work, power interruption, detergent change, leaking or unusual sound.
Depending on the code, testing may include:
- Water pressure, inlet hose and inlet-valve operation
- Filter, drain hose, sink connection and drain pump
- Door seal, hoses, pump housing and leak sensor
- Wash-pump and circulation performance
- WaterWall reflector and drive mechanism
- Heating system and temperature sensor
- Zone Wash and Half Load components
- Control panel, wiring and communication circuits
- Electronic controls and stored fault history
Testing the complete affected system helps identify the actual failed component instead of replacing parts based only on the displayed code.
Check the Official Information for Your Samsung Model
Samsung uses different code meanings and troubleshooting procedures across WaterWall, rotary, display and indicator-light models. Use the model number when reviewing the owner’s manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 4C mean on a Samsung dishwasher?
4C or 4E means the dishwasher is not receiving water at the pressure, flow or temperature it expects. Check that the water valve is open and the inlet hose is not kinked or crushed.
What does 5C mean on a Samsung dishwasher?
5C means the dishwasher cannot drain normally. Clean the removable filter and check the drain hose, sink connection and garbage-disposal connection for restrictions.
What does LC mean on a Samsung dishwasher?
LC or LE normally means the leak sensor detected moisture. Stop the dishwasher, close its water supply and check for visible leaking. On some WaterWall models, the code can also indicate an obstructed reflector.
What does 1E or IE mean on a Samsung dishwasher?
On WaterWall models, 1E or IE means water is not passing through the fine filter correctly. On certain rotary models, the same display can indicate excessive internal temperature.
How do I reset a Samsung dishwasher error code?
Record the code and complete the relevant troubleshooting first. Then turn the dishwasher off, switch its breaker off for approximately one minute, restore power and run a test cycle.
Is AP an error on a Samsung dishwasher?
No. AP means the dishwasher is in Access Point mode for connection to a mobile device. Turn the dishwasher off and back on if you did not intend to pair it.
When should I call a technician for a Samsung dishwasher code?
Book service when the code returns after the recommended checks, the dishwasher leaks, will not fill or drain, runs its pump continuously, or displays a recurring pump, heater, sensor, communication or control code.
Is Your Samsung Dishwasher Code Still Returning?
An error code identifies the affected system, but testing is often required to determine whether the problem comes from a blockage, pump, valve, sensor, heater, connection or electronic control.
Alpha Tech Appliance provides Samsung dishwasher diagnosis and repair for homeowners across Toronto and the GTA.