Is your Samsung washing machine showing an error code, flashing lights, or stopping during filling, draining or spinning? The code identifies the system where the washer detected a problem, but it does not always identify the exact failed part.
Samsung uses several code formats across front-load, top-load, FlexWash and older washer models. Record the complete code and model number before resetting the appliance or ordering a replacement component.
What do Samsung washing machine error codes mean?
Samsung washer codes identify problems involving water supply, draining, leaking, overflow, door locking, load balance, excessive suds, temperature sensing, motors, voltage or electronic communication. For example, 4C or 4E means water is not entering correctly, 5C or 5E indicates a drain problem, and UE or Ub means the load is unbalanced.
Some Samsung codes have more than one meaning
Codes such as 3E, 8E, bE2 and dC can mean different things on different Samsung models. A 3E code may identify a motor fault on one washer and a voltage problem on another. Check the owner’s manual for the exact model before replacing parts.
Stop the washer if it is leaking or overfilling
Close the hot and cold water valves if water is leaking, the washer continues filling while turned off, or an overflow code appears. Disconnect power when it is safe to do so. Do not touch the plug, outlet, washer or breaker while standing in water.
Quick Samsung Washer Error Code Guide
Washer is not filling: 4C, 4E, nF or 1 4C
Hot and cold supplies are reversed: 4C2, 4E2, CE or nF1
Washer will not drain: 5C, 5E, SE, SC or nd
Leakage or water-level problem: 1E, LE, LC, LC1 or 1C
Too much water: OE, 0E, OC or 0C
Door is not closed or locked: dE, dC, FL, LO, dL or dS
Load is unbalanced: UE, Ub, U6, Ur or model-dependent dc
Too many suds: SUd, Sd, 5d, SUdS or 5UD
Sensor, motor or electronic problem: 3E, 3C, AC, AE, tC, tE, HC, HE or 8C
What to Check Before Resetting the Washer
- Record the full code exactly as displayed.
- Take a photo of the control panel.
- Locate the washer model and serial number.
- Note whether the code appeared during filling, washing, draining or spinning.
- Look for leaking water, excess foam or standing water.
- Listen for humming, grinding, repeated clicking or a pump running continuously.
- Complete the safe checks for that code before clearing it.
Resetting too early can remove useful information without fixing the blocked hose, leaking connection, failed pump, damaged lock, faulty sensor or control problem that caused the warning.
Samsung Water Supply and Temperature Codes
4C, 4E, nF or 1 4C: Washer Is Not Filling
Water is not entering the washer at the expected rate.
Possible causes
- Hot or cold water valve is closed
- Inlet hose is kinked, crushed or frozen
- Inlet screen is clogged with sediment
- Household water pressure is low
- Drain hose is installed incorrectly and causing siphoning
- Water inlet valve or related wiring has failed
What you can check: Confirm that both hot and cold valves are fully open. Make sure both hoses are connected, even when using a cold cycle, and inspect them for kinks. Avoid FloodSafe-style hoses unless the washer manufacturer specifically approves them.
4C2, 4E2, CE or nF1: Hot and Cold Supply Error
The washer detects extremely hot water entering through the cold-water connection. This normally happens when the hot and cold hoses are reversed.
Turn off both water supplies before correcting the hose connections. Match the cold supply to the cold inlet and the hot supply to the hot inlet, then restore the water and inspect for leaks.
Samsung Drain, Leak and Overflow Codes
5C, 5E, SE, SC or nd: Washer Will Not Drain
The washer cannot remove water at the expected speed.
Common causes
- Blocked pump filter on applicable front-load models
- Kinked, frozen or obstructed drain hose
- Blocked standpipe or household drain
- Excess detergent foam
- Failed drain pump, wiring or control
Clean the user-accessible pump filter only when the owner’s manual provides a procedure. Place towels and a shallow container nearby because retained water may drain from the washer.
1E, LE, LC, LC1 or 1C: Leakage or Water-Level Error
The washer detected moisture where it should not be, a loss of water, or an abnormal water-level reading.
What you can check
- Look for water around the washer and hoses.
- Inspect supply and drain hoses for kinks or damage.
- Check for excessive detergent foam.
- Confirm that the drain hose remains secured in its original holder.
Close the water supply if active leaking is visible. A pressure sensor, hose, seal, pump, tub connection or electronic control may require testing if the code returns.
OE, 0E, OC or 0C: Overflow Error
The washer detected more water than it should contain.
Possible causes
- Water inlet valve is not closing
- Drain system is restricted
- Excessive detergent is affecting level detection
- Pressure or water-level sensor is faulty
- Electronic control problem
Turn the washer off and close both water valves if water continues entering. Do not repeatedly reset an overflow code without identifying the cause.
Samsung Door, Add Door and Dispenser Codes
dE, dE1, dE2, dC, FL, LO, dL or dS: Door Error
The washer does not detect the main door or lid as securely closed and locked.
What you can check
- Remove laundry caught between the door and gasket.
- Confirm that the latch and strike are securely attached.
- Reduce an overloaded load.
- Close the door firmly without slamming it.
Do not pry the door open or bypass the lock. Note that dC can mean an unbalanced load on certain models, so confirm the model manual.
ddC or dC3: AddWash Door Error
The smaller AddWash door is not detected as closed and locked.
Remove trapped fabric, inspect the latch and close the AddWash door completely. Arrange service if the latch is damaged or the code returns.
SDC or 5DC: Detergent Drawer Is Open
The washer detects that the detergent drawer is not fully closed. Remove detergent buildup from the accessible drawer tracks and push the drawer in until it clicks.
Samsung Suds and Load-Balance Codes
SUd, Sd, 5d, SUdS or 5UD: Excessive Suds
The washer detected enough foam to interfere with normal washing, rinsing, spinning or draining.
The washer may pause automatically while the suds collapse and then continue the cycle. This code usually does not mean that a part has failed.
Use HE detergent, follow the detergent concentration on the label and reduce the amount for small or lightly soiled loads. If the code appears with little visible foam, a drain or water-level sensing problem may be involved.
UE, Ub, U6, Ur or dc: Unbalanced Load
The clothing is distributed unevenly and the washer cannot complete the spin safely.
Ur means the washer is attempting to rebalance the load automatically. The cycle may become longer while it adds water and tries the spin again.
Untangle and redistribute the clothing evenly. Avoid washing one heavy item by itself. If the code appears with balanced loads, the washer may be unlevel or have a suspension, sensor or drive problem.
Samsung Electrical, Motor and Sensor Codes
9C1, 9C2, 9E1, 9E2, UC or PF: Voltage or Power Error
The washer detected irregular voltage or an interruption in its electrical supply.
Use a properly grounded dedicated outlet and avoid extension cords or power bars. A PF code may appear after an outage, unplugging or a tripped breaker. Arrange electrical or appliance service if the code returns without a known power interruption.
3E, 3C, E3 or 1 3C: Motor Error
The washer cannot operate or monitor the motor correctly.
The cause may involve an overloaded drum, foreign object, motor, Hall sensor, wiring, inverter or main control.
Remove some clothing from an overloaded washer and try one reset. Do not continue if the drum is difficult to turn, the washer makes grinding sounds or the breaker trips. On some models, 3E is a voltage code rather than a motor code.
AC, AE or Related AC/AE Codes: Communication Error
One electronic control cannot communicate correctly with another component or board.
Complete one power reset. Persistent communication errors normally require testing of wiring, connectors, the user interface, inverter and main control.
tC, tE or tE1: Temperature Sensor Error
The washer is receiving an abnormal temperature reading.
The thermistor, sensor wiring, connector or electronic control may require testing. A reset may clear a temporary interruption, but a returning temperature code needs professional diagnosis.
HC, HE, HE1 or Hr: Heater Error
The washer detected a problem heating water or controlling temperature.
Stop using the appliance if the breaker trips, the washer becomes unusually hot or there is a burning smell. The heater, temperature sensor, wiring or control should be professionally tested.
8C, 8E, bE or Related Codes: Model-Specific Sensor or Motor Error
Depending on the model, these codes can involve a vibration sensor, MEMS sensor, motor-speed sensor or a jammed control-panel button.
Do not diagnose these codes from the characters alone. Check the exact model manual before deciding whether the control panel, sensor, motor circuit or wiring needs service.
Samsung Messages That Are Not Usually Failures
HOT: The washer is cooling before the door can unlock safely. Allow the fan or cooling process to finish.
Cb or C6: Calibration mode is running. The washer should be empty during calibration.
CL: Child Lock is active or has triggered a safety drain. Turn Child Lock off according to the model instructions.
dn: The washer is downloading an update. Keep it powered on while the update completes.
Self Clean reminder: A blinking Self Clean indicator is normally a maintenance reminder rather than an error.
How to Reset a Samsung Washing Machine
A reset can clear a temporary electronic interruption, but it will not repair a blockage, leak, failed pump, damaged lock, faulty sensor or electrical problem.
- Record the error code.
- Complete the safe checks associated with that code.
- Turn the washer off.
- Unplug it or switch off its dedicated breaker.
- Wait approximately one to three minutes.
- Restore power.
- Run a test cycle and watch whether the code returns.
Do not repeatedly reset leak, overflow, motor, heater, voltage, or communication codes. A returning code means the washer is still detecting the original condition.
What Not to Do When a Samsung Washer Shows an Error
- Do not reset the washer before recording the code.
- Do not force a locked door or AddWash door open.
- Do not keep running a washer that leaks or overfills.
- Do not pour water manually into the drum.
- Do not bypass the door lock or water-level sensor.
- Do not pull inlet screens out with a sharp tool.
- Do not reach into the pump while power is connected.
- Do not use an extension cord or power bar.
- Do not assume a code has the same meaning on every Samsung model.
When to Call a Samsung Washer Repair Technician
Checking water valves, accessible hoses, the pump filter, detergent use, load balance, and door obstructions are reasonable first steps. Professional service is recommended when:
- The same code returns after the recommended checks.
- The washer leaks or overfills.
- It will not fill, drain, or spin.
- The door will not lock or unlock.
- The pump hums, grinds, or runs continuously.
- A motor, sensor, heater, or communication code persists.
- The washer is repeatedly unbalanced with normal loads.
- The breaker trips or the outlet becomes hot.
- You smell burning, or see smoke,open the AddWash door or damaged wiring.
Alpha Tech provides Samsung appliance repair and washing machine repair in Toronto and the GTA.
What a Technician Checks During the Service Visit
The technician will confirm the code, model, and point in the cycle where the problem appears. Mention recent plumbing work, installation changes, power failures, detergent changes, leaking or unusual sounds.
- Water pressure, supply hoses, inlet screens, and inlet valve
- Drain hose, pump filter, drain pump, and household drain
- Door lock, latch, strike, and AddWash door
- Water-level and leak-sensing systems
- Motor, Hall sensor, and drive components
- Suspension and vibration sensor
- Heater and temperature sensor
- Wiring and electronic connectors
- User interface, inverter, and main control
Testing the complete affected system helps avoid replacing a pump, valve, lock, sensor or control board based only on the displayed code.
Official Samsung Washer Code Information
Samsung code meanings, indicator-light combinations and reset procedures differ by washer model. Use the complete model number when reviewing official support information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 4C mean on a Samsung washing machine?
4C or 4E means water is not entering the washer correctly. Check that both water valves are fully open and that the inlet hoses are connected, straight and not restricted.
What does 5C mean on a Samsung washer?
5C means the washer is not draining at the expected speed. Check the drain hose, user-accessible pump filter, detergent use and household drain.
What does LC mean on a Samsung washer?
LC or LE indicates detected moisture, water loss or an abnormal water-level condition. Check for visible leaking, damaged hoses, excessive foam and incorrect drain-hose installation.,,
What does UE mean on a Samsung washer?
UE means the clothing is unbalanced inside the washer. Untangle and redistribute the load, then restart the spin. Avoid washing one heavy item by itself.
Is HOT an error on a Samsung washing machine?
Usually not. HOT generally means the washer is cooling down before it can unlock safely. Allow the cooling process to finish and do not force the door open.
How do I reset a Samsung washing machine error code?
Record the code and complete the relevant troubleshooting first. Then turn the washer off, disconnect power for approximately one to three minutes, restore power and,,, run a test cycle.
When should I call a Samsung washer technician?
Book service when a code returns after safe troubleshooting, the washer leaks or overfills, will not fill or drain, cannot lock, makes unusual pump or motor sounds, or shows a recurring electrical, heater, sensor or communication code.
Is Your Samsung Washer Code Still Returning?
An error code identifies the affected system, but testing may be needed to determine whether the cause is a hose, pump, valve, lock, sensor, motor, wire or control.
Alpha Tech Appliance provides Samsung washing machine diagnosis and repair for homeowners across Toronto and the GTA.