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Error code reference

Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes: What They Mean and What to Do

When your Samsung dishwasher shows a code, it is pointing at the part of the cycle that failed. This page lists the 19 codes we could confirm in Samsung's own owner's manuals and support articles: what each one means, the checks that are safe to do yourself, and the point where a technician should take over.

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At a glance

Samsung dishwasher codes and what to do

Covers Samsung US built-in dishwashers (DW80 series), including WaterWall and conventional rotating-spray-arm models. 1E/IE differs by wash system, 7E applies only to WaterWall, and HC2/HC4 appear on newer models with a drying heater.

Models with a digital display show a two-character code; models without one blink combinations of cycle lights, which vary by control panel. Samsung's reset is to unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker for about 1-5 minutes, but only after fixing the cause, since most codes return otherwise.

CodeMeaningWhat to do
LCLeak sensor detects water in the baseStop using it
1EClogged filter (WaterWall models) or overheating (rotary-arm models)Check, then call if it returns
3CWash pump failure detectedNeeds a technician
3EIncoming water supply is too hotCheck, then call if it returns
4CNot getting water at the needed pressure or temperatureUsually a quick fix
5CDishwasher cannot drainCheck, then call if it returns
OCMore water inside the dishwasher than there should beCheck, then call if it returns
7EWaterWall reflector (vane) cannot moveCheck, then call if it returns
9EToo little water in the tubCheck, then call if it returns
HCHigh-temperature heating faultCheck, then call if it returns
HC2Drying heater faultNeeds a technician
HC4Drying heater overheatingStop using it
HEHeater temperature is being read incorrectlyCheck, then call if it returns
tETemperature sensor reading incorrectlyCheck, then call if it returns
bEA control-panel button is stuckCheck, then call if it returns
CEControl panel can't communicate with the rest of the dishwasherNeeds a technician
PCZone Wash function isn't working correctlyNeeds a technician
PEHalf Load function isn't working correctlyCheck, then call if it returns
APWi-Fi setup (Access Point) mode is activeUsually a quick fix

Safety first. Switch the appliance off at its power button and unplug it or turn off the breaker before you clean a filter or check a hose. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility from outside. If there is a burning smell, smoke, sparking or water near wiring, stop using it and keep it off until it has been checked.

Code by code

What each Samsung dishwasher code means

LCLeak sensor detects water in the base

Stop using it

Also shown as or same meaning as: LE

Common causes

  • Leak at a supply hose connection
  • Detergent spilled outside the dispenser
  • New disposal hookup with knockout plug left in
  • Blocked WaterWall reflector (WaterWall models)

What you can safely check

  • Close the dishwasher's water supply valve and switch off its breaker
  • Look and feel for moisture along the supply hose and both fittings
  • Only put detergent in the dispenser, never loose in the tub
  • Leave power off for several hours to let the base dry

Call a technician if: You find a leak, or the code returns after drying

Source: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

1EClogged filter (WaterWall models) or overheating (rotary-arm models)

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: IE

Applies to: Meaning depends on wash system: WaterWall vs. rotating spray arms

Common causes

  • Food debris blocking the filter (WaterWall)
  • Wash water overheating (rotary-arm)

What you can safely check

  • WaterWall: remove and rinse the fine filter as your manual shows
  • Rotary-arm: switch off the breaker for 30 seconds, then restore power
  • Empty the dishwasher, add detergent, and run a Normal cycle

Call a technician if: Code returns after cleaning the filter or a test cycle

Source: [1], [5]

3CWash pump failure detected

Needs a technician

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dishwasher off, then start the cycle again

Call a technician if: Code continues after a restart

Source: [1], [3], [4], [5]

3EIncoming water supply is too hot

Check, then call if it returns

Common causes

  • Water heater set very high (Samsung's stated limit is 176°F)

What you can safely check

  • Check the water heater setting; Samsung recommends about 120°F supply water
  • Restart the cycle once the water heater is set normally

Call a technician if: Code continues with a normal water heater setting

Source: [1], [3], [4], [5], [6]

4CNot getting water at the needed pressure or temperature

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: 4E

Common causes

  • Closed or partly closed supply valve
  • Kinked, frozen, or clogged supply line
  • Low household water pressure

What you can safely check

  • Make sure the shutoff valve feeding the dishwasher (often under the sink) is open
  • Check the supply line isn't kinked, frozen, or a flow-limiting flood-safe type
  • Confirm the kitchen faucet has normal water pressure

Call a technician if: Water supply checks out and the code returns

Source: [1], [3], [4], [5]

5CDishwasher cannot drain

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: 5E, SC, SE

Common causes

  • Clogged filter or sump
  • Kinked or crushed drain hose
  • Disposal clogged or knockout plug left in
  • Clogged or frozen house drain

What you can safely check

  • Remove and clean the filter as your manual shows
  • Run the disposal; if newly installed, confirm its knockout plug was removed
  • Check the drain hose isn't kinked or crushed and has a high loop or air gap
  • Run the sink for 30 seconds; if it backs up, call a plumber

Call a technician if: Filter, hose, and sink drain are clear but the code returns

Source: [1], [3], [4], [5], [7], [8]

OCMore water inside the dishwasher than there should be

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: 0C, oE

Common causes

  • Drain blockage leaving water behind
  • Water continuing to enter

What you can safely check

  • Clean the filter and check the drain hose for kinks
  • Make sure the sink drain and disposal are clear
  • If water keeps entering with the unit off, close its supply valve

Call a technician if: Water keeps entering, or the code returns after drain checks

Source: [1], [5], [7], [8]

7EWaterWall reflector (vane) cannot move

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: 7C

Applies to: WaterWall models

Common causes

  • Item blocking the reflector
  • Packing tape left after installation
  • Vane seated backwards

What you can safely check

  • Move any pot handle, knife, or ladle blocking the reflector track
  • Remove any leftover packing tape from the reflector
  • Reseat the vane on its rail so the WaterWall logo faces forward and up
  • Switch off the breaker for 2 minutes, then restore power

Call a technician if: Code persists after reseating and a power cycle

Source: [1], [5], [9]

9EToo little water in the tub

Check, then call if it returns

What you can safely check

  • Empty the dishwasher, add detergent, and run a Normal cycle
  • Make sure the water supply valve is fully open

Call a technician if: Code continues; switch off the breaker and book service

Source: [1], [5]

HCHigh-temperature heating fault

Check, then call if it returns

What you can safely check

  • Switch off the breaker for 30 seconds, then restore power
  • Empty the dishwasher, add detergent, and run a Normal cycle

Call a technician if: Code returns

Source: [1], [3], [4], [5]

HC2Drying heater fault

Needs a technician

Applies to: Models with a drying heater, e.g. DW80B60*/DW80B70* series

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dishwasher off and restart it once

Call a technician if: Code returns

Source: [3]

HC4Drying heater overheating

Stop using it

Applies to: Models with a drying heater, e.g. DW80B60*/DW80B70* series

What you can safely check

  • Stop the cycle and unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker

Call a technician if: Always; book service before using it again

Source: [3]

HEHeater temperature is being read incorrectly

Check, then call if it returns

What you can safely check

  • Empty the dishwasher, add detergent, and run a Normal cycle

Call a technician if: Code continues; switch off power and book service

Source: [1], [5]

tETemperature sensor reading incorrectly

Check, then call if it returns

What you can safely check

  • Empty the dishwasher, add detergent, and run a Normal cycle

Call a technician if: Code continues; switch off power and book service

Source: [1], [5]

bEA control-panel button is stuck

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: 6E

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dishwasher off
  • Press each button on the panel once

Call a technician if: Buttons don't respond or the code returns

Source: [1], [5], [6]

CEControl panel can't communicate with the rest of the dishwasher

Needs a technician

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dishwasher off and restart it, or switch off the breaker 2 minutes

Call a technician if: Code returns

Source: [1], [5], [6]

PCZone Wash function isn't working correctly

Needs a technician

Applies to: Models with Zone Wash

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dishwasher off, then start the cycle again

Call a technician if: Code continues

Source: [1], [3], [4], [5]

PEHalf Load function isn't working correctly

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Models with Half Load

What you can safely check

  • Empty the dishwasher, add detergent, and run a Half Load cycle

Call a technician if: Code continues; switch off power and book service

Source: [1], [5]

APWi-Fi setup (Access Point) mode is active

Usually a quick fix

What you can safely check

  • If you didn't mean to start setup, turn the dishwasher off and on

Call a technician if: Not needed

Source: [1], [4], [5], [8]

Still showing the code?

When to call a technician

If a code comes back after the safe checks, or the table says it needs a technician, the fault is usually a sensor, valve, pump, motor or control board, and diagnosing it means opening the dishwasher. Our technicians repair Samsung appliances across Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland, seven days a week until 10 PM. Tell us the code when you book and we bring the parts that code usually points to.

Book Samsung dishwasher repair $75 diagnostic, credited toward the repair.

Sources

Where these meanings come from

Every code on this page was checked against Samsung's own documentation: owner's manuals, use and care guides, support articles or Samsung technical sheets. Codes we could only find on third-party sites are left out. Meanings are paraphrased; your model's manual is the final word.

  1. Samsung dishwasher is displaying an error code — Samsung Electronics America. www.samsung.com
  2. Samsung dishwasher is leaking or has a leakage error code — Samsung Electronics America. www.samsung.com
  3. Samsung Dishwasher User Manual, DW80B70* / DW80B60* series (DD68-00243A-00) — Samsung Electronics (manufacturer PDF; copy hosted by Home Depot). images.thdstatic.com
  4. Samsung Dishwasher User Manual, DW80R9950 series (DD68-00209A-00) — Samsung Electronics (manufacturer PDF; copy hosted by Build.com). s1.img-b.com
  5. Common Samsung dishwasher error codes and their meaning (Samsung Canada; North American models) — Samsung Electronics Canada. www.samsung.com
  6. Lights are blinking on the Samsung dishwasher — Samsung Electronics America. www.samsung.com
  7. Samsung dishwasher is not draining — Samsung Electronics America. www.samsung.com
  8. How to reset your Samsung dishwasher — Samsung Electronics America. www.samsung.com
  9. Waterwall reflector error code 7E on Samsung dishwasher — Samsung Electronics America. www.samsung.com

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