Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes Explained
Watching your Samsung washing machine flash cryptic error codes can turn laundry day into a frustrating puzzle. Whether you’re seeing 4E, 5E, UE, dE, or any combination of letters and numbers, these diagnostic messages are designed to help you identify and fix problems quickly. Understanding what each code means saves you time, money, and the hassle of unnecessary service calls.
This comprehensive guide decodes every Samsung washing machine error code you’re likely to encounter. From simple fixes like rebalancing loads to more technical solutions involving water supply and drainage, we’ll help you troubleshoot your washer systematically and get your laundry routine back on track.
Understanding Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes
Samsung washing machines use error codes as a diagnostic communication system between the appliance and you. When the machine’s sensors detect something wrong, the control board displays a specific code to indicate the nature of the problem. These codes appear on digital displays as letter-number combinations like “4E” or “UE,” or in models without displays, they manifest as specific patterns of blinking lights.
Error codes save time by directing you to the likely problem area. Instead of guessing why your washer stopped mid-cycle, the code points you toward water supply issues, drainage problems, unbalanced loads, or mechanical failures. While some codes signal simple user errors that fix in seconds, others indicate component failures requiring professional repair.
Understanding the difference helps you decide whether to troubleshoot yourself or call for service. Most importantly, error codes prevent further damage by stopping the wash cycle when problems occur, protecting both your laundry and the machine.
How to Clear Samsung Washer Error Codes (Universal Reset)
Before diving into specific error codes, try this universal reset procedure. Many error codes result from temporary electronic glitches rather than actual mechanical problems. A proper reset clears false errors and restores normal function in many cases.
Complete Reset Procedure:
- Turn off your washing machine using the Power button
- Unplug the machine from the electrical outlet completely
- Wait at least 60 seconds (preferably 2 to 3 minutes) for capacitors to fully discharge
- Plug the machine back into the outlet
- Turn the power back on and run a test cycle
If the error code reappears immediately or during the next cycle, proceed to troubleshoot the specific code. The reset eliminates false positives caused by power surges, temporary sensor miscommunication, or software glitches.
Complete Samsung Washing Machine Error Code List
Water Supply Error Codes: 4E, 4C, nF, nF1, 14C2, 4E2, 4C2, CE
These codes all indicate problems with water entering your washing machine. The washer either isn’t receiving water at all, water pressure is insufficient, or the hot and cold hoses are connected incorrectly.
What Causes Water Supply Errors:
- Water supply valves behind the washer aren’t fully open
- Inlet hoses are kinked, twisted, or damaged
- Hot and cold water hoses connected to the wrong inlets
- Inlet filter screens clogged with sediment or debris
- Low water pressure from your home’s plumbing system
- Frozen water supply lines during the winter months
How to Fix Water Supply Errors:
- Check that both water supply valves are fully turned counterclockwise
- Trace hoses from the wall to the washer, straightening any kinks
- Verify hot water connects to the hot inlet and cold to the cold inlet
- Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply valves
- Disconnect the inlet hoses from the back of the washer
- Inspect mesh filter screens inside each inlet connection
- Clean screens with an old toothbrush if debris is present
- Reconnect hoses securely and turn the water back on
- Run a rinse cycle to test if the error clears
Water supply errors are among the most common and easiest to fix. Even cycles labeled “Cold” may require a hot water connection because the washer uses hot water for internal processes. Never use flood-safe hoses, as they can restrict water flow and trigger these errors.
For detailed help with washing machine issues, visit our Samsung Troubleshooting Center.
Drainage Error Codes: 5E, 5C, SE, nd, 1 5C, SC
These codes signal that water isn’t draining properly from your washing machine. The pump may be clogged, the drain hose kinked, or the drain itself blocked.
What Causes Drainage Errors:
- Drain pump filter clogged with lint, coins, or small objects
- Drain hose kinked, twisted, or inserted too far into the drain pipe
- Blockage in the home drainage system
- Drain pump mechanical failure
- Drain hose installed incorrectly (less than 6 inches or more than 8 inches into the pipe)
How to Fix Drainage Errors:
- Turn off and unplug your washing machine
- Locate the drain pump filter (usually behind a small access panel at the front bottom)
- Place towels around the area to catch water
- Slowly unscrew the filter cap counterclockwise
- Remove any debris, lint, coins, or objects from the filter housing
- Clean the filter thoroughly under running water
- Reinstall the filter by screwing it clockwise until it is tight
- Check the drain hose at the back of the machine
- Ensure the hose isn’t kinked or crushed
- Verify proper insertion depth into the drain pipe (6 to 8 inches)
- Run a drain and spin cycle to test
The drain pump filter should be cleaned every 1 to 2 months as preventive maintenance. Small items like bobby pins, coins, and buttons commonly accumulate here and prevent proper drainage.
For more washing machine troubleshooting, check our guide on How to Reset the Samsung Washing Machine Program.
Unbalanced Load Error Codes: UE, Ub, U6, Ur, dc, 1Ub, 1U6
These codes appear when laundry inside the drum isn’t distributed evenly, preventing the machine from spinning safely at high speeds. The washer attempts to rebalance automatically but displays an error if unsuccessful.
What Causes Unbalanced Load Errors:
- Washing one large, heavy item alone (like a comforter or bathrobe)
- Small loads that bundle together on one side
- Tangled items wrapped around the agitator
- The washing machine is not level on the floor
- Damaged suspension springs or shock absorbers
How to Fix Unbalanced Load Errors:
- Open the washing machine door
- Manually redistribute laundry evenly throughout the drum
- Untangle any twisted or bundled items
- Remove some items if the load is too large
- Add a few towels if washing one bulky item alone
- Close the door and restart the spin cycle
- If the error persists, check that the machine is level using a spirit level
- Adjust the leveling feet at the bottom corners until perfectly level
Prevention is key with unbalanced errors. Mix large and small items in each load, avoid washing single heavy items, and never exceed the maximum load capacity. If errors occur frequently despite proper loading, suspension components may need inspection by a technician.
Door Lock Error Codes: dE, dE1, dE2, dC, dC1, d5, FL, LO, L0, dS, 1dC, 1dC1, 1dC4
Door lock errors indicate the washing machine door won’t close properly, the lock mechanism has failed, or sensors can’t detect that the door is securely latched.
What Causes Door Lock Errors:
- Laundry caught between the door and the door seal
- Door not fully closed or latched
- Damaged door lock mechanism
- Worn or torn door gasket
- Detergent drawer not fully closed (causes dC on some models)
- Missing rubber button on FlexWash upper latch (code 1dC4)
How to Fix Door Lock Errors:
- Check the door opening for any clothing blocking the closure
- Inspect the door gasket for tears or objects lodged in folds
- Close the door firmly until you hear a click
- On front-load washers, push the detergent drawer fully until it clicks
- Wipe the door latch area and gasket with a damp cloth to remove soap buildup
- Look for visible damage to the locking mechanism
- For FlexWash models with 1dC4, check if the rubber button near the latch is missing
Door lock errors prevent the wash cycle from starting as a safety feature. Never attempt to force the door closed or override lock mechanisms. If the door latch is physically damaged, replacement by a qualified technician is necessary.
Note: On some Samsung models, “dC” indicates an unbalanced load error rather than a door error. Consult your user manual to determine which meaning applies to your specific model.
Motor and Tachometer Error Codes: 3E, 3E1, 3E2, 3E3, 3E4, 3C, 3C1, 3C2, 3C3, 3C4, EA, 8E, 8C, 8C1, EB
These codes signal problems with the motor or tachometer sensor (also called the Hall sensor), which monitors motor speed and rotation. Modern Samsung washers with vibration sensors display 8E codes for similar issues.
What Causes Motor Error Codes:
- The drum is overloaded with too much laundry
- Foreign objects jammed between the drum and the tub
- Worn motor brushes (on brushed motor models)
- The failed tachometer sensor is not sending signals to the control board
- Loose or disconnected motor wiring
- Motor drawing excessive current due to mechanical resistance
- Control board failure affecting motor operation
How to Fix Motor Error Codes:
- Turn off and unplug the washing machine
- Remove some laundry if the drum is overloaded
- Check for coins, small objects, or clothing stuck in the drum
- Unplug for 2 to 3 minutes to reset the control board
- Remove the rear access panel to inspect motor connections
- Check that all wire harness connections to the motor are secure
- Look for loose, damaged, or corroded wiring
- Test motor brushes if your model has a brushed motor
Motor error codes often require professional diagnosis. The 3E error code specifically indicates tachometer problems and may need Hall sensor replacement or motor repair. If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, schedule service to prevent motor damage.
Temperature Sensor Error Codes: tE, tE1, tE2, tE3, tC, Ec
Temperature error codes indicate problems with water heating or temperature sensors that monitor water temperature during wash cycles.
What Causes Temperature Errors:
- Faulty thermistor or temperature sensor
- Heating element failure
- Wiring issues with heating components
- Water is entering the tub at an incorrect temperature
- The control board is not receiving proper temperature signals
How to Fix Temperature Errors:
- Reset the washer by unplugging it for 2 minutes
- Check that hot and cold hoses are connected to the correct inlets
- Verify your home’s water heater is functioning properly
- Test water temperature from supply hoses
- If the error persists, the heating element or thermistor likely needs replacement
Temperature errors typically require component replacement and professional service unless caused by simple hose connection mistakes.
Leak Detection Error Codes: 1E, 1C, LC, LC1, LE, 1 1C, 1 LC
These codes indicate the washing machine has detected a water leak or a malfunction with the water level sensor.
What Causes Leak Detection Errors:
- Actual water leak from hoses, door seal, or pump
- The water level sensor is malfunctioning, sending incorrect signals
- Excessive suds triggering leak detection
- Drain hose problems
- Loose hose connections
How to Fix Leak Detection Errors:
- Inspect around and under the washer for standing water
- Check all hose connections for tightness
- Examine the door gasket for tears or damage
- If you see suds, you’ve used too much detergent
- Run an empty cycle to clear excess suds
- Check that the drain and inlet hoses aren’t kinked
- Tighten any loose hose clamps or connections
If you cannot find an actual leak but the code persists, the water level sensor may have failed and requires replacement. Real leaks need immediate attention to prevent floor damage.
Suds Detection Error Codes: Sud, Sd, 5d
The Sud code indicates excessive suds from too much detergent or the wrong type of detergent. This isn’t a malfunction but a warning that the wash cycle has paused to let suds dissipate.
What Causes Suds Errors:
- Using too much laundry detergent
- Using regular detergent instead of HE (High-Efficiency) detergent
- Soft water creates more suds than normal
- Detergent buildup from previous washes
How to Fix Suds Errors:
- Wait for the washer to automatically resume the cycle
- The machine will pause until the suds reduce naturally
- Use only HE detergent in high-efficiency washers
- Follow detergent packaging instructions for proper amounts
- Reduce the detergent quantity by half for future loads
- Run a cleaning cycle with no detergent to remove residue
Suds errors don’t indicate service needs. They’re informational messages reminding you to adjust detergent usage. The cycle continues automatically once the suds dissipate.
Additional Samsung Washer Error Codes
OF OF, O FF, OFF OFF (Demo Mode): Cooling is disabled for retail store display. Press and hold the first two buttons on the control panel for 5 seconds to deactivate demo mode.
CLB or Cb (Calibration Mode): The washer needs calibration to properly detect load weight. Run calibration mode with an empty drum according to your model’s instructions.
AP or Update (Software Update): The washer is downloading a software update via Wi-Fi. Keep the machine powered on for 15 to 30 minutes until the update completes. Controls won’t respond during updates.
CL or Child Lock: Child lock is engaged, disabling all buttons except power. Press and hold the designated Child Lock button (varies by model) for 3 seconds to disengage.
Add Door (AD): The Add Door isn’t detected as closed and locked on models with AddWash doors. Close and latch the door securely.
Empty Dispenser: The automatic dispenser compartments are empty. Refill detergent, fabric softener, or both as needed.
Models Without Digital Displays
Older Samsung washing machines without digital displays communicate errors through blinking light patterns. Different combinations of temperature and cycle indicator lights represent specific error codes. Refer to your user manual for the blinking pattern chart specific to your model, as these patterns vary significantly across different Samsung washer models.
Only interpret blinking lights as error codes if the machine stops working normally. Lights may blink during regular operation as part of the cycle status display.
When to Call a Professional
While many error codes resolve through simple troubleshooting, certain situations require professional appliance repair:
- Error codes persist after trying all recommended solutions
- Multiple different error codes appear consecutively
- You smell burning odors or see smoke
- Loud grinding, clanking, or unusual mechanical noises accompany errors
- Water leaks cannot be located or stopped
- Electrical components like motors or control boards need replacement
- Your washing machine is still under the manufacturer’s warranty
Professional diagnosis costs $75 to $150 for service calls, with repair costs varying based on required parts and labor. Motor replacement can cost $200 to $400, control boards $150 to $350, and simpler components like door locks or sensors $100 to $200, including labor.
For other Samsung appliance issues, explore our guides on Samsung Refrigerator Not Cooling and Samsung Dryer Not Heating.
Preventive Maintenance to Avoid Error Codes
Regular maintenance prevents most washing machine error codes before they occur:
Clean the drain pump filter monthly to prevent drainage errors and extend pump life.
Use proper HE detergent in correct amounts to avoid suds detection and residue buildup.
Don’t overload the drum beyond maximum capacity to prevent motor strain and unbalanced load errors.
Leave the door open between washes (front-loaders) to prevent mold and gasket deterioration.
Check hose connections quarterly for leaks, wear, or loose fittings.
Run a cleaning cycle monthly using the Self Clean or Pure Cycle function to remove detergent residue.
Inspect door gaskets regularly for tears, mold, or trapped objects.
Keep the washer level by checking the leveling feet periodically, especially after moving the machine.
Clean detergent dispensers monthly to prevent blockages and ensure proper detergent flow.
Understanding Error Code Variations
Samsung uses multiple codes to indicate the same basic problem with slight variations. For example, 3E, 3E1, 3E2, 3E3, 3E4, 3C, and EA all relate to motor and tachometer issues, but the specific number helps technicians pinpoint exact failure modes during professional diagnosis.
Similarly, 4E, 4C, nF, and nF1 all indicate water supply problems but may specify slightly different conditions, like complete water failure versus low pressure. Don’t worry if you see variations. The troubleshooting steps remain the same for codes within each family.
Related Error Code Resources
For specific error code deep dives, check out these detailed guides:
- Samsung Washer Error Code 3E for motor and tachometer issues
- What Does UE Mean on Samsung Washer for unbalanced load errors
- What Is Samsung Washer SC Code for drainage problems
- How to Fix Samsung Washer OE Code Error for overflow issues
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common Samsung washing machine error code?
The most common error codes are 4E/4C (water supply issues), 5E/5C (drainage problems), and UE (unbalanced load). These three account for approximately 60% of all error codes and typically resolve through simple troubleshooting like checking hoses, cleaning filters, or redistributing laundry.
How do I reset my Samsung washing machine error code?
Unplug your washing machine from the electrical outlet, wait 60 seconds to 3 minutes for capacitors to fully discharge, then plug it back in. This complete power cycle resets the control board and clears temporary error codes caused by electronic glitches rather than actual malfunctions.
What does 3E mean on my Samsung washer?
The 3E error code indicates a motor tachometer failure. The tachometer sensor (Hall sensor) monitors motor speed, and this code appears when signals aren’t reaching the control board properly. Causes include overloaded drums, loose motor wiring, failed tachometer sensors, or motor problems requiring professional repair.
Can I fix Samsung washer error codes myself?
Many error codes like water supply, drainage, unbalanced load, door lock, and suds issues, can be fixed through DIY troubleshooting. However, motor errors, control board failures, and leak sensor problems typically require professional repair. Start with simple fixes and call for service if errors persist.
What does UE mean on my Samsung washer?
UE indicates an unbalanced load error. The drum contains unevenly distributed laundry, preventing safe high-speed spinning. Open the door, redistribute items evenly throughout the drum, remove excess if overloaded, and restart the spin cycle. Ensure your washer is level on the floor to prevent recurring UE errors.
How much does it cost to fix Samsung washer error codes?
Simple fixes like cleaning filters or reconnecting hoses cost nothing. Service call fees run $75 to $150. Component replacements vary: door locks ($100 to $150), drain pumps ($150 to $250), motors ($200 to $400), and control boards ($150 to $350), including parts and labor.
Why does my Samsung washer keep showing error codes?
Recurring error codes indicate an underlying problem that hasn’t been properly diagnosed or fixed. Check that you’ve followed all troubleshooting steps completely, verify proper installation, including level placement and correct hose connections, and ensure you’re using the machine according to capacity limits and detergent guidelines.
What does 5E error code mean on a Samsung washer?
The 5E code (also displayed as 5C, SE, or nd) indicates drainage problems. Water isn’t leaving the tub properly due to clogged drain pump filters, kinked drain hoses, blocked home drainage, or drain pump failure. Clean the filter, check hoses, and verify proper drain hose installation.
Conclusion
Samsung washing machine error codes are diagnostic tools designed to help you identify and resolve problems quickly. While seeing error messages can be alarming, most codes indicate simple issues you can fix yourself in minutes without professional help. Understanding what each code means empowers you to troubleshoot systematically instead of guessing at solutions.
Start with the universal reset procedure to eliminate false errors caused by electronic glitches. Then, proceed through the troubleshooting steps specific to your error code, focusing on the most common causes first. Water supply, drainage, unbalanced loads, and door issues account for the majority of errors and rarely require professional repair.
For persistent errors or codes indicating motor, control board, or sensor failures, professional diagnosis ensures accurate repair and prevents further damage. Regular maintenance, including filter cleaning, proper detergent use, and avoiding overloading, prevents most error codes from occurring in the first place.
Keep this guide bookmarked as your go-to resource whenever error codes appear. With systematic troubleshooting and proper maintenance, your Samsung washing machine will provide years of reliable service.
Need help with other Samsung devices? Visit our comprehensive Samsung Troubleshooting Guide for expert solutions across all Samsung products.
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