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Error code reference

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

When your Samsung washer shows a code, it is pointing at the part of the cycle that failed. This page lists the 26 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.

Compiled by the Appliance Surgeon team from Samsung documentation · Last checked

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At a glance

Samsung washer codes and what to do

Covers Samsung US front-load (WF series, including AddWash, FlexWash and WashTower washers) and top-load (WA series) washers. Newer models mostly use codes ending in C (4C, 5C, dC, LC, OC) plus Ub, while older models use E codes (4E, 5E, dE, LE, OE, UE) or nd/nF; a few labels (dC, 3E, BE2/8E2) mean different things on different models.

Digital-display models show a letter/number code (some newer models add a leading 1, e.g. '1 5C', which Samsung groups with the same meaning); models without a display blink combinations of option lights instead. Samsung's reset is to unplug the washer or switch off its breaker for about 1 minute (2-3 minutes for codes without specific steps), but fix the cause first and don't reset repeatedly, since that can erase the error history a technician uses.

CodeMeaningWhat to do
4CWasher is not getting enough water to fillUsually a quick fix
4C2Hot and cold supply hoses are connected backwardsUsually a quick fix
5CWater is draining too slowly or not at allCheck, then call if it returns
OCToo much water detected in the tub (overflow)Check, then call if it returns
LCLeak or moisture detected where water shouldn't beCheck, then call if it returns
1CWater level sensor problemNeeds a technician
UBLoad is unbalanced, so the washer can't spin properlyUsually a quick fix
UrWasher is rebalancing the load automatically (information only)Usually a quick fix
dCDoor is not detected as closed and lockedCheck, then call if it returns
ddCAddWash door is not closed and lockedUsually a quick fix
SdCDetergent drawer is not fully closedUsually a quick fix
SudToo many suds; washer pauses until they settleUsually a quick fix
E2A control-panel button is stuck or seen as held downCheck, then call if it returns
9C1Abnormal supply voltage detected (too high or too low)Check, then call if it returns
PFPower was interrupted during a cycleUsually a quick fix
3CMotor problem detectedNeeds a technician
ACInternal control parts are not communicatingNeeds a technician
8CVibration (MEMS) sensor problemNeeds a technician
HCWater heating problem or overheating detectedNeeds a technician
tCWater temperature sensor problemNeeds a technician
PCClutch position or clutch sensor faultNeeds a technician
SFControl system errorNeeds a technician
bEMotor speed sensor problemNeeds a technician
CbCalibration mode is running (not a fault)Usually a quick fix
dnSoftware update is downloading; controls won't respondUsually a quick fix
CLChild Lock is on, or it drained the tub after door openingUsually 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 washer code means

4CWasher is not getting enough water to fill

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: 4E, nF, 1 4C

Applies to: 4C on newer models; 4E or nF on older models

Common causes

  • Water taps closed or partly closed
  • Kinked or pinched supply hose
  • Flow-limiting 'flood-safe' style hoses
  • Clogged inlet screens
  • Drain hose siphoning water out

What you can safely check

  • Open both the hot and cold water taps all the way
  • Straighten any kinked, bent, or pinched supply hoses
  • Make sure the drain hose isn't pushed too deep or sealed airtight in the standpipe
  • Unplug the washer or switch off its breaker for 1 minute, then retry
  • With taps off, clean the hose inlet mesh screens if your manual shows how

Call a technician if: Water still won't enter with taps open and hoses clear

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

4C2Hot and cold supply hoses are connected backwards

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: 4E2, nF1, 14C2, CE

Applies to: On washers, CE is this hot/cold code (not a communication error)

Common causes

  • Hot and cold hoses swapped at the taps or the washer

What you can safely check

  • Turn both taps off before touching the hoses
  • Connect cold to the cold (blue) inlet and hot to the hot (red) inlet
  • Reopen the taps, check for drips, and restart the cycle

Call a technician if: Code persists with hoses verified; Samsung says this code normally needs no service

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

5CWater is draining too slowly or not at all

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: 5E, nd, SE, SC, 1 5C

Applies to: Top-load models have no owner-removable pump filter

Common causes

  • Kinked, clogged, or frozen drain hose
  • Drain hose installed too deep or airtight
  • Clogged pump filter (front-load)
  • Washer not level

What you can safely check

  • Check the drain hose isn't kinked, clogged, or frozen
  • Make sure the hose isn't pushed too deep or sealed airtight in the standpipe
  • Front-load only: drain and clean the pump filter as your manual shows
  • Check the washer is level, then start a cycle to test draining

Call a technician if: Washer still won't drain at the start of a test cycle

Source: [1], [3], [4], [6], [7]

OCToo much water detected in the tub (overflow)

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: OE, 0C, 0E, 1 OC, 1 0C

Common causes

  • Drain problem leaving water in the tub
  • Water continuing to enter the tub

What you can safely check

  • Cancel the cycle and run a Spin or Drain cycle
  • Check the drain hose for kinks and clean the pump filter (front-load)
  • If water keeps entering with the washer off, close both water taps

Call a technician if: Water keeps filling with the washer off, or the code returns

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

LCLeak or moisture detected where water shouldn't be

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: LE, LC1, 1 LC

Applies to: Top-load manuals tie LC mainly to drain-hose placement or clogs

Common causes

  • Leaking hose connection
  • Too much or non-HE detergent (excess suds)
  • Drain hose clogged or siphoning

What you can safely check

  • Look for drips at hose connections, around the door, and under the washer
  • Make sure hoses aren't kinked; don't remove the screw holding the drain hose
  • Run an empty cycle with no detergent to check for leftover suds
  • Use HE detergent only and stay below the MAX line

Call a technician if: No leak or suds found and the code keeps returning

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

1CWater level sensor problem

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: 1E, 1 1C

Common causes

  • Water level sensor or its wiring

What you can safely check

  • Turn the washer off for 2-3 minutes, then restart the cycle once

Call a technician if: Code returns after one restart

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

UBLoad is unbalanced, so the washer can't spin properly

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: Ub, UE, U6, 1 Ub, 1U6

Applies to: UE on older models; on some older models dC also means unbalanced

Common causes

  • Single heavy or bulky item
  • Laundry bunched to one side
  • Washer not level

What you can safely check

  • Untangle the laundry and spread it evenly around the tub
  • Close the door or lid and press Start/Pause to resume
  • Rock the washer; if it wobbles, adjust the leveling feet

Call a technician if: Code repeats with normal, balanced loads on a level washer

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

UrWasher is rebalancing the load automatically (information only)

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Imbalance sensed during spin

What you can safely check

  • No action needed; let the cycle finish, as it may run longer
  • Spread future loads more evenly if it shows often

Call a technician if: Followed by a UB code that won't clear

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

dCDoor is not detected as closed and locked

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: dE, dE1, dE2, dC1, dS, d5, FL, LO, L0, dL, 1 dC, 1dC1, 1dC4

Applies to: On some models dC means unbalanced load instead; check your manual

Common causes

  • Door not fully closed
  • Clothing caught in the door
  • Child Lock on while water is in the tub (some models)

What you can safely check

  • Remove any laundry caught in the door or door seal
  • Close the door firmly until it latches
  • Restart the cycle

Call a technician if: Door or latch looks damaged, or code persists with door shut

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

ddCAddWash door is not closed and locked

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: dC3

Applies to: AddWash front-load models

What you can safely check

  • Check nothing is caught in the small AddWash door
  • Push the AddWash door firmly until it latches

Call a technician if: AddWash door is damaged or the code persists

Source: [1]

SdCDetergent drawer is not fully closed

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: 5dC

What you can safely check

  • Push the detergent drawer in until it clicks

Call a technician if: Drawer won't stay closed

Source: [1]

SudToo many suds; washer pauses until they settle

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: SUd, 5Ud, Sd, 5d, SUdS, 5Ud5

Common causes

  • Too much detergent
  • Non-HE detergent

What you can safely check

  • Let the washer pause; it resumes on its own
  • Use less detergent, and HE detergent only, next time
  • Run an empty cycle without detergent if suds linger

Call a technician if: Rarely; Samsung treats this as a detergent issue, not a fault

Source: [1], [8]

E2A control-panel button is stuck or seen as held down

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: bE2, 6E2

Applies to: On some models BE2/8E2 means a vibration (MEMS) sensor error instead

What you can safely check

  • Turn the washer off
  • Press and release each button, working around its edges

Call a technician if: A button is damaged or the code returns at power-on

Source: [1]

9C1Abnormal supply voltage detected (too high or too low)

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: 9C2, 9E1, 9E2, 2E, UC, 19C1, 19C2

Applies to: Top-load manuals: 9C1 is high voltage, 9C2 is low voltage

Common causes

  • Extension cord or shared circuit
  • Household voltage dips or surges

What you can safely check

  • Plug the washer directly into its own outlet, with no extension cord
  • Check the house breaker for the washer and reset it if tripped

Call a technician if: Code continues on a dedicated circuit

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

PFPower was interrupted during a cycle

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Power outage
  • Washer unplugged
  • Tripped breaker

What you can safely check

  • Check the outlet and house breaker, then restart the cycle

Call a technician if: PF shows without any outage, unplugging, or breaker trip

Source: [1]

3CMotor problem detected

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: 3E, E3, 1 3C

Applies to: On some models 3E is a voltage error instead; check your manual

What you can safely check

  • Turn the washer off for 2-3 minutes, then restart the cycle once

Call a technician if: Code returns after a restart

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

ACInternal control parts are not communicating

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: AE, AC3, AC4, AC5, AC6, AC7, ACb, AE3, AE4, AE5, AE6, AE8, AEb, 1 AC, 1AC6

What you can safely check

  • Turn the washer off for 2-3 minutes, then restart the cycle once

Call a technician if: Code returns after a restart

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

8CVibration (MEMS) sensor problem

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: 8E, 8E1, 8E2, 8C1, 8C2, BE, BE1, BE2, BC, BC1, BC2, 1 8C, 18C1, 18C2

What you can safely check

  • Turn the washer off for 2-3 minutes, then restart the cycle once

Call a technician if: Code returns after a restart

Source: [1]

HCWater heating problem or overheating detected

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: HE, HE1, Hr, 1 HC

What you can safely check

  • Turn the washer off for 2-3 minutes, then restart the cycle once

Call a technician if: Code returns after a restart

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

tCWater temperature sensor problem

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: tE, tE1

What you can safely check

  • Turn the washer off for 2-3 minutes, then restart the cycle once

Call a technician if: Code returns after a restart

Source: [1]

PCClutch position or clutch sensor fault

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: PE, PC1, PE1

Applies to: Top-load models

What you can safely check

  • Turn the washer off for 2-3 minutes, then restart the cycle once

Call a technician if: Code returns after a restart

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

SFControl system error

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: IE, 5F, SF1, SF2, SF3, 1 SF

What you can safely check

  • Turn the washer off for 2-3 minutes, then restart the cycle once

Call a technician if: Code returns after a restart

Source: [1]

bEMotor speed sensor problem

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: 6E

Applies to: Per Samsung's washer list; bE2 (with a 2) is the stuck-button code

What you can safely check

  • Turn the washer off for 2-3 minutes, then restart the cycle once

Call a technician if: Code returns after a restart

Source: [1]

CbCalibration mode is running (not a fault)

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: C6

What you can safely check

  • Make sure the tub is empty; calibration takes about 1-3 minutes
  • If it ran with laundry inside, empty the tub and run it again

Call a technician if: Not needed unless calibration never finishes

Source: [1], [2], [7]

dnSoftware update is downloading; controls won't respond

Usually a quick fix

What you can safely check

  • Keep the washer powered on; updates take about 15 minutes

Call a technician if: Still showing after 30 minutes with steady power and Wi-Fi

Source: [1]

CLChild Lock is on, or it drained the tub after door opening

Usually a quick fix

What you can safely check

  • Turn off Child Lock as your manual describes
  • Or turn the washer off and back on

Call a technician if: Not needed

Source: [1]

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 washer. 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 washer 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 washing machine information and error codes — Samsung Electronics America. www.samsung.com
  2. Water fill issues with Samsung washing machines — Samsung Electronics America. www.samsung.com
  3. Samsung Top-Load Washer User Manual, WA45T3400 / WA44A34 series (DC68-03850E-02) — Samsung Electronics (manufacturer PDF; copy hosted by Build.com). s1.img-b.com
  4. Samsung Top-Load Washer User Manual, WA52M7750 / WA52M7755 (DC68-03774D-00) — Samsung Electronics (manufacturer PDF; copy hosted by Build.com). s2.img-b.com
  5. How to reset your Samsung washer (Samsung Canada; North American models) — Samsung Electronics Canada. www.samsung.com
  6. Samsung washing machine will not drain — Samsung Electronics America. www.samsung.com
  7. Samsung washing machine does not spin at all — Samsung Electronics America. www.samsung.com
  8. Samsung washing machine is leaking — Samsung Electronics America. www.samsung.com

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