Samsung uses one code system across a lot of machines, which is handy — and occasionally confusing, because Samsung itself notes some codes mean different things on different models. Below are the common codes for Samsung washers, dryers and dishwashers, what Samsung says they mean, and the checks Samsung gives owners. Codes differ between models and generations, so check what your own manual says against the model number on the plate — here is where to find it. One Samsung tip worth knowing first: on its dryers, an upside-down “F” in a code is meant to be a “t”.
Samsung washers
4C, 4E, nF — not filling
Water isn’t entering the washer correctly.
- Check both taps are fully open and stay open.
- Check the hoses aren’t bent, and that hot goes to hot and cold to cold.
- Turn the power off at the plug or breaker briefly, then try again.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
5C, 5E, SC, SE, nd — not draining
Water isn’t draining at the right speed, or at all.
- Check the drain hose isn’t kinked.
- Clean the drain filter as your manual describes.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
4C2, 4E2 — hot and cold swapped
Samsung says the cold supply is very hot: the hoses are connected the wrong way round. Swap them (blue to blue, red to red). Samsung notes this code doesn’t mean service is needed.
LE, LC, 1E — water level or leak
Moisture is detected where it shouldn’t be, or the sensor has a fault.
- Look for a small leak around and under the washer.
- Check the hoses behind it aren’t kinked.
- Run an empty cycle with nothing in the dispenser. If suds appear, too much (or non-HE) detergent was used; run empty cycles until the suds are gone.
If there are no suds and the code continues, it needs service.
UB, UE, Ub — unbalanced load
The load is unbalanced in the tub. A Ur code just means the washer is retrying.
- Untangle and rearrange the laundry, close the door and restart.
dE, dC, dS, LO — door
The door isn’t detected as closed and locked. Samsung notes that on some models dC is an unbalanced-load code instead — your manual says which.
- Make sure no laundry is caught in the door and it closes fully.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
SUd, Sd — too many suds
The washer pauses to let suds die down, then carries on. Samsung says it’s caused by detergent use, not a fault: use less, and HE detergent.
OE, OC — too much water
Samsung says there’s too much water in the washer, and points to its water-fill guidance. If it returns, it needs service.
3E, 3C — motor
Samsung lists these as a motor error (on some models 3E is a voltage error). Power the washer off for a few minutes and restart; if it returns, it needs service.
What the common Samsung washer, dryer and dishwasher codes mean, from Samsung’s own support pages, and what you can check before booking a repair.
Samsung dryers
tS, tC, tE, tO — temperature
Samsung says these reflect a temperature or sensor problem, often caused by a clogged lint screen or vent.
- Clean the lint screen.
- Check the vent isn’t blocked, crushed or kinked.
If cleaning doesn’t clear it, the dryer needs service.
HC, hE — overheating
Samsung says the dryer is overheating, commonly from a clogged lint screen or vent. On an electric dryer, low voltage can also cause poor heating — Samsung suggests an electrician for that.
- Clean the lint screen and the vent.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
9C1, 9E, 2E — voltage
Abnormal voltage is reaching the dryer.
- Make sure the dryer is on its own circuit with no extension cord.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
dC, dE, dF — door
The door, its latch or its sensor isn’t reading closed.
- Check nothing is in the way and close the door firmly.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
C80, C90, Clg — vent blockage test
These are the result of Samsung’s Vent Blockage test: about 80 per cent, over 90 per cent, or clogged. Ct means the dryer is below freezing or above 40 °C.
A restricted run needs cleaning — see dryer duct cleaning.
Samsung dishwashers
5C, 5E, SC, SE — drain
Difficulty draining water.
- Clean the filter and check the drain hose isn’t kinked.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
4C, 4E — water supply
Samsung says the water pressure or temperature is inadequate.
- Check the supply valve under the sink is on.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
LC, LE — leak sensor
Moisture detected. Samsung lists excess detergent as a common trigger.
- Look for a leak and use the right amount of detergent.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
OC, oE — too much water
Excessive water, often linked to drainage. Clean the filter and check the drain hose.
HE — heater / temperature
Incorrect temperature detection. Samsung suggests emptying it and running a normal cycle; if it returns, it needs service.
1E, IE — depends on the model
On Waterwall models Samsung lists this as a clogged filter: clean the fine filter. On rotary models it is a high-temperature heater error that needs service if it repeats.
3E — supply water too hot
Samsung says the incoming water is too hot and asks that it be kept below 80 °C.
Where this comes from
Every meaning above is the manufacturer’s own, from its support pages:
- Samsung Canada — dryer error codes
- Samsung Canada — dishwasher error codes
- Samsung — washing machine information and error codes
A code tells you where the machine gave up, not always why. If the simple checks don’t clear it, that’s what a diagnosis is for.
Not sure what you’re looking at?
Kodiak covers Edmonton and the Capital Region, and Calgary and area. Get in touch if you’d like a straight answer on what your repair is likely to involve.
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