Samsung Washer Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

Samsung washing machines display error codes when something goes wrong—but understanding these cryptic combinations of letters and numbers isn't always straightforward. This guide decodes the most common Samsung washer error codes and provides practical troubleshooting steps.

How Samsung Error Codes Work

Samsung uses alphanumeric codes displayed on the control panel. The same error might appear differently on various models (some use "E" prefix, others don't). When an error occurs:

1. The washer stops mid-cycle
2. An error code displays
3. The washer may beep or flash lights
4. The door may lock or unlock depending on the error

First step for any error: Press the Power button to turn off the washer, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Many temporary errors clear with this simple reset.

Water-Related Error Codes

4E / E1 / 4C — Water Supply Error

What it means: The washer isn't receiving water or is filling too slowly.

Possible causes:

• Water supply faucets turned off
• Kinked water inlet hoses
• Clogged inlet filters
• Low water pressure
• Failed water inlet valve

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify both hot and cold faucets are fully open
2. Check for kinked hoses behind the washer
3. Turn off water, disconnect hoses, and clean the inlet screens (small mesh filters where hoses connect to the washer)
4. Test water pressure by filling a bucket—should fill 1 gallon in 30 seconds
5. If screens are clean and pressure is good, the inlet valve may need replacement

5E / SE / E2 / 5C — Drain Error

What it means: The washer can't drain water properly.

Possible causes:

• Clogged drain pump filter
• Kinked or blocked drain hose
• Drain hose positioned incorrectly
• Failed drain pump

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Locate the drain pump filter (small door at front bottom)
2. Place towels and a shallow pan beneath it
3. Open slowly—water will flow out
4. Remove and clean the filter (coins, hair, small items commonly clog it)
5. Check the drain hose isn't kinked
6. Ensure the drain hose is 6-8 inches into the standpipe (not too deep)
7. If the filter is clear and drainage is still slow, the pump may be failing

LE / LE1 / E6 — Low Water Level Error

What it means: Water level dropped during the cycle.

Possible causes:

• Slow leak from the drum
• Drain hose siphoning (positioned too low)
• Faulty water level sensor

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Check drain hose positioning (the loop should be higher than the drum)
2. Look for leaks under and around the washer
3. Verify the door seal isn't allowing water to escape
4. Water level sensor may need testing by a technician

Door and Lock Error Codes

dE / dE1 / dE2 / Ed / DC — Door Error

What it means: The washer senses the door is open or can't lock properly.

Possible causes:

• Door not fully closed
• Obstruction in the door latch
• Door latch mechanism failure
• Door lock solenoid failure

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Open and firmly close the door, ensuring it clicks
2. Check for clothing or debris caught in the door seal
3. Inspect the latch for damage or debris
4. Clean around the door lock mechanism
5. If the door physically closes but error persists, the lock assembly may need replacement

dL / FL — Door Lock Failure

What it means: The door lock mechanism has failed.

This typically requires professional repair — the door lock assembly needs replacement.

Temperature Error Codes

tE / tE1 / tE2 / tE3 / EC — Temperature Sensor Error

What it means: Problem with the water temperature sensor or heating element.

Possible causes:

• Failed thermistor (temperature sensor)
• Wiring issue to the sensor
• Heating element failure (on models with heaters)

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Turn off the washer and unplug it
2. Wait 5 minutes and restart
3. Try a cycle that doesn't use heated water
4. If error persists, the thermistor likely needs replacement (professional repair)

HE / HE1 / HE2 — Heater Error

What it means: The water heating element has failed (on models with internal heaters).

This requires professional diagnosis — the heating element or its control circuitry needs repair.

Unbalanced Load Codes

UE / E4 / Ub — Unbalanced Load

What it means: The load is unbalanced and the washer can't spin properly.

Possible causes:

• Single heavy item (blanket, comforter)
• Load shifted to one side
• Too few items for the cycle selected
• Worn suspension rods or shock absorbers

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Pause the cycle and open the door
2. Redistribute the clothes evenly around the drum
3. Add similar items to balance a single heavy piece
4. Don't overload or underload
5. If balancing doesn't help and this error recurs, check suspension components (professional repair)

Note: Front-load washers require careful loading. Bulky items need to be loosely distributed, not bunched together.

Motor and Drive Error Codes

3E / 3E1 / 3E2 / 3E3 / 3E4 — Motor Error

What it means: Problem with the drive motor or its components.

Possible causes:

• Overloaded drum
• Foreign object jamming the drum
• Motor hall sensor failure
• Motor failure
• Main control board issue

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Turn off and unplug the washer
2. Check if the drum rotates freely by hand
3. Remove excessive load if overfilled
4. Look for objects caught between the drum and tub
5. Restart and try a spin-only cycle
6. If error persists, professional diagnosis is needed

8E / 8E1 — Motor Overload Error

What it means: The motor is drawing excessive current.

Usually requires professional repair — could be motor, inverter board, or wiring issues.

Communication Error Codes

AE / AE3 / AE4 / AE5 / AE6 / AC / AE8 — Communication Error

What it means: Internal communication failure between control boards.

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Unplug the washer for 5 minutes
2. Plug back in and attempt a cycle
3. If error returns immediately, there's a control board issue

This usually requires professional repair — control boards or wiring may need replacement.

Clutch and Brake Codes (Top-Loaders)

dC3 / DC3 — Add Door Open

What it means: On models with an "Add Item" feature, the add door was opened at an improper time.

Fix: Close the add door and restart the cycle.

Lr — Locked Rotor

What it means: Motor can't turn.

Check for: Obstructions, overloading, or mechanical failure.

What to Do When Codes Persist

If an error code returns after troubleshooting:

Document the Error

• Write down the exact code
• Note when it occurs (beginning, mid-cycle, end)
• Note what cycle was running
• Check if it's consistent or intermittent

Check for Related Issues

Some errors compound—for example, a drain problem might trigger both 5E and UE codes.

Consider the Age and History

• First error on a 2-year-old washer? Likely a simple fix.
• Third error code in 6 months on a 10-year-old washer? May be declining overall.

Samsung-Specific Recalls and Known Issues

Samsung has had notable issues with certain models:

Top-Load Washer Recall (2016)

Certain 2011-2016 top-load models had lid detachment issues during spin. If you have an affected model, Samsung provides free repair.

Common VRT/VRT+ Issues

Samsung's Vibration Reduction Technology washers sometimes develop:

• Spider arm cracks (support under the drum)
• Bearing failures
• Suspension rod wear

These aren't error codes but cause excessive noise and vibration.

Samsung Washer Repair in Metro Atlanta

If your Samsung washer displays an error code you can't resolve, Appliance Dean provides expert diagnosis and repair throughout Metro Atlanta. We're familiar with Samsung's common issues and carry frequently needed parts.

What we can help with:

• Persistent error codes after troubleshooting
• Parts replacement (door locks, sensors, pumps, control boards)
• Motor and drive system diagnosis
• Recall-related repairs

Call (404) 671-9117 or schedule service online for prompt Samsung washer repair.