Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them
Meanings and safe checks for common Samsung dishwasher codes such as 5E (drain), 1E (filter) and LC (leak), and when to call a technician.
A Samsung dishwasher shows a code when it detects a problem with water, heat or its controls. Many are fixed by cleaning the filter, clearing a hose or running a normal cycle. Samsung advises working through the proper checks before resetting the dishwasher, otherwise the cause is not addressed and the code can return. Models without a display show the same faults as flashing lights.
To find your model number, look for the label on the dishwasher, usually along the edge of the door or inside the tub. Waterwall and rotary models behave differently for some codes, and codes vary by model year, so check your manual if the description does not match.
Switch off power at the breaker before checking inside the machine for anything beyond the filter, and never open panels or touch wiring.
Wipe up any water on the floor promptly to avoid slips.
Water supply, drain and filter codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1E (IE) | Clogged filter (Waterwall) or overheating (rotary) | On Waterwall models, clean the fine filter at the bottom of the tub | If it returns after cleaning the filter |
| 4C (4E) | Not getting enough water | Make sure the water supply is on and the hose is not kinked, and avoid FloodSafe hoses | If supply is fine and the code returns |
| 5C (SC, 5E, SE, SR) | Drain error | Clean the filter and check the drain hose is not kinked | If it still will not drain |
| OC (0C, oE) | Too much water in the tub | Check the filter and drain hose for blockages | If the water level is still too high |
| 9E | Not enough water | Empty the dishwasher, add detergent and run a normal cycle | If it recurs; switch off power at the breaker |
| 7E | Waterwall reflector problem | Check the reflector for leftover packing tape or blockages | If it cannot move freely |
| LC (LE) | Leak sensor detected moisture | Look for and fix any leak, and check the garbage disposal cap and detergent amount | If it persists after the leak is dealt with |
Samsung dishwasher 1E (IE) error
On Waterwall models this means water is not getting through the filter, so clean the fine filter at the bottom of the tub. On rotary models the same display refers to a high temperature heater fault, which Samsung treats like HC: a breaker power cycle, then a normal cycle. If it comes back either way, book a technician.
Model note: Samsung's Canadian page lists 1E or IE as the clogged filter code on Waterwall models and as a high temperature heater error on rotary models.
Samsung dishwasher 4C (4E) error
The dishwasher is not receiving water at the pressure or temperature it needs. Check the tap is fully open, the supply hose is clear, and that the supply meets Samsung's requirements. If it persists, the inlet valve may be at fault.
Samsung dishwasher 5C (SC, 5E, SE, SR) error
The dishwasher cannot drain properly. Clean the filter and check that the drain hose has no kinks or blockages. Standing water that remains after that points to a drain pump or blockage a technician should clear.
Model note: SR appears in the Canadian list only.
Samsung dishwasher OC (0C, oE) error
There is more water in the tub than there should be, often because it is not draining. Clean the filter and check the drain hose. If water keeps building up, a technician should look at the drain system and level sensing.
Samsung dishwasher 9E error
The dishwasher is detecting too little water. Empty it, add detergent and run a normal cycle. If the code returns, switch off power at the breaker and book a technician.
Samsung dishwasher 7E error
This applies to Waterwall models. The reflector cannot move as it should. Check for leftover packing tape or a blockage. If it is clear and the code returns, book a technician.
Samsung dishwasher LC (LE) error
The leak sensor found moisture, and the dishwasher will run to try to drain the water away. Find the source of the leak, and on Waterwall models also check the reflector. If the code recurs, a technician should check the seals and pump.
Code keeps coming back? Book a dishwasher repair and tell us the code and your model number.
Heating, temperature and control codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| HC | High temperature heater error | Power off at the circuit breaker for 30 seconds, empty the dishwasher, add detergent and run a Normal cycle | If it happens again |
| HE | Heater error | Empty the dishwasher, add detergent and run a normal cycle | If it still occurs |
| tE | Temperature sensor error | Empty the dishwasher and run a normal cycle with detergent | If it still occurs |
| 3E | Hot water supply too hot | Confirm the hot water supply is not set above 176°F (about 80°C) | If the supply temperature is fine |
| 3C | Pump operation error | Turn the dishwasher off and restart the cycle | If it returns |
| bE (6E) | Stuck button | Turn off the dishwasher and touch every button on the panel | If a button does not respond or the code returns |
| CE | Communication error | Turn the dishwasher off and start it again | If the error continues |
Samsung dishwasher HC error
The temperature inside is too hot. Cut power at the breaker for 30 seconds, empty the dishwasher, fill the detergent dispenser and run a Normal cycle. A repeat means the heater or sensor needs a technician.
Samsung dishwasher HE error
The dishwasher is reading its internal temperature incorrectly. Try a normal cycle with an empty tub. If it returns, switch off power at the breaker and book a technician.
Samsung dishwasher tE error
The dishwasher is not reading temperature correctly. Run a normal cycle with the tub empty. If it persists, switch off power at the breaker and book a technician to check the sensor.
Samsung dishwasher 3E error
The incoming water is hotter than the dishwasher accepts. Confirm the hot water supply is not set higher than the limit. If it is not and the code continues, a technician should check the sensor.
Samsung dishwasher 3C error
The pump has failed to operate correctly. Turn the dishwasher off and restart the cycle. If the code returns, the pump needs a technician.
Samsung dishwasher bE (6E) error
The panel thinks a button is held down. Switch the dishwasher off and press each button. If the code returns, the control panel needs repair.
Samsung dishwasher CE error
The control panel cannot communicate with the rest of the dishwasher. Switch it off and restart. If it persists, the control board or wiring needs a technician.
Frequently asked questions
What does 5C mean on my Samsung dishwasher?
It means the dishwasher cannot drain. Samsung also displays this as 5E, SC or SE. Clean the filter and check the drain hose for kinks, and book a technician if water remains.
What does 1E mean on my Samsung dishwasher?
It depends on the model. On Waterwall models it means a clogged filter, so clean the fine filter. On rotary models it refers to a high temperature heater error.
What does LC mean on my Samsung dishwasher?
The leak sensor has detected moisture. The dishwasher will try to drain the water away. Find and fix the source of the leak, and call a technician if it keeps coming back.
What does HE mean on my Samsung dishwasher?
The dishwasher is reading its temperature incorrectly. Run a normal cycle with an empty tub. If it returns, switch off power at the breaker and book a technician.
Related
Codes and their meanings vary by model and model year, so keep your model number handy. If a code keeps returning after the safe checks above, book a repair and a technician will test your dishwasher in your home.
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