Samsung Washer Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them
Plain-English meanings for common Samsung washer codes such as 5E (nd), 4C and 1E, with safe checks you can do and when to call a technician.
A Samsung washer shows an error code when it detects a problem it cannot work around. Many codes have a simple cause such as a kinked hose, an unbalanced load or too much detergent, so a quick check can save a service call. The same fault is often displayed in several forms, for example 5E, SE, 5C, SC and nd all mean a drain problem, so the alternates are listed with each code.
To find your model number, look for the label on the washer, usually inside the door opening, on the back or on the rim of the cabinet. Codes can differ between models and model years, and a few, such as lowercase dc, mean different things on different machines, so confirm against your manual if the description does not fit.
Unplug the washer before reaching behind it to check hoses, and never open the cabinet or touch wiring.
Mop up any leak straight away and do not run the washer if water is escaping.
Water supply, drain and leak codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1E (LE, 1C, LC, LC1) | Water level or leak sensor fault | Look for a small leak, make sure the supply and drain hoses behind the washer are not kinked, and run an empty cycle to see if suds appear | If there is no leak and no suds but the code keeps returning |
| 4C (nF, 4E, 1 4C) | Washer is not filling with water | Check hot and cold hoses are on the right inlets and not kinked, open both taps fully, and clean the inlet screens if you can reach them | If water reaches the washer but it still will not fill |
| 4C2 (4E2, CE, 14C2, nF1) | Hot and cold supply hoses swapped | Reconnect the cold hose to the cold inlet and the hot hose to the hot inlet (blue to blue, red to red) | Rarely: only if the hoses are correct and the code stays |
| 5E (nd, SE, 5C, SC, 1 5C) | Washer is not draining | Check the drain hose is not kinked or pushed in too far, and that nothing is blocking it | If water stays in the drum after the checks |
| OE (0E, OC, 0C, 1 OC, 1 0C) | Too much water in the drum | Check for suds from too much detergent, and make sure the drain hose is clear | If it returns after a normal load with the correct detergent |
Samsung washer 1E (LE, 1C, LC, LC1) error
This code means the washer has sensed moisture where it should not be, or the sensor itself is misbehaving. Start by hunting for a slow leak, since tiny ones are easy to miss, and straighten any kinked hoses. Too much detergent, or detergent that is not high-efficiency, can also trigger it, so an empty cycle with no additives shows whether suds are the cause. If none of that explains it, the sensor or its wiring needs a technician.
Samsung washer 4C (nF, 4E, 1 4C) error
The washer is not taking in water properly. Most often a hose is kinked, a tap is not fully open, or the hot and cold hoses are on the wrong inlets. Debris can also block the small filters where the hoses connect, and cleaning them is something the maker describes. If the code returns with clear hoses and open taps, the fill valve or control side needs a technician.
Samsung washer 4C2 (4E2, CE, 14C2, nF1) error
This one is usually an installation mistake rather than a fault. The washer is seeing very hot water on its cold line because the two supply hoses are swapped. Swap them back so cold goes to cold and hot goes to hot. Samsung says this code does not mean the washer needs service.
Samsung washer 5E (nd, SE, 5C, SC, 1 5C) error
The washer cannot pump water out at the right speed, or at all. Check that the drain hose behind the machine is not kinked or crushed and sits properly in the standpipe. If the hose is clear and water still sits in the drum, a clogged pump or a failing drain pump is the usual cause and needs a technician.
Model note: Shown as nd, 5E, SE, 5C or SC depending on the model.
Samsung washer OE (0E, OC, 0C, 1 OC, 1 0C) error
The washer thinks there is more water in the drum than there should be. Over-sudsing and slow draining are common reasons, so use only the recommended high-efficiency detergent in the right amount. If the code keeps coming back, a water level sensor or inlet valve problem is likely and a technician should look at it.
Code keeps coming back? Book a washer repair and tell us the code and your model number.
Door, load and control codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| dS (d5, FL, LO, L0, dE, dE1, dE2, dC, dC1, dL) | Door not detected as closed and locked | Check nothing is caught in the door, and close it firmly until it latches | If the door or latch looks damaged or the code stays |
| Ub (U6, Ur, UE, dc, 1 Ub) | Unbalanced load | Untangle and spread the laundry evenly, close the door and restart | If it happens again with small, even loads |
| SUd (5UD, Sd, 5d, SUdS, 5Ud5) | Too many suds | Let the washer finish its pause, then use less high-efficiency detergent next time | If it appears with correct detergent amounts |
| E2 (bE2, 6E2, BE2, 8E2) | Stuck button on the panel | Switch the washer off and press every button, working each one back and forth | If a button is damaged or the code returns |
| 9C1 (9C2, PF, 9E1, 9E2, UC, 2E, 3E) | Power supply voltage problem | Plug the washer into its own circuit, with no extension cord | If the code continues on its own circuit |
Samsung washer dS (d5, FL, LO, L0, dE, dE1, dE2, dC, dC1, dL) error
The washer cannot confirm the door is shut and locked. Make sure no clothing is trapped in the door and that it closes fully. If the latch or door looks damaged, or the code repeats on a clear door, the lock needs a technician. On Samsung's lists dC can mean a door fault on some models and an unbalanced load on others.
Model note: Samsung warns that dC is a door error on some models and an unbalanced load error on others, so check your user manual.
Samsung washer Ub (U6, Ur, UE, dc, 1 Ub) error
The load has bunched up on one side of the drum. Open the door, spread the laundry out and restart the cycle. A Ur code is only a notice that the washer is adding water to rebalance and will take longer. Repeated failures with even loads can point to levelling or suspension problems worth a technician visit.
Model note: Samsung warns that lowercase dc is an unbalanced load on some models but a door error on others. Check the manual for your model.
Samsung washer SUd (5UD, Sd, 5d, SUdS, 5Ud5) error
The washer detected excess suds and pauses to let them settle, then carries on by itself. It is a detergent problem, not a breakdown, and the code may flash again at the end as a reminder. Measure detergent carefully and use a high-efficiency product.
Samsung washer E2 (bE2, 6E2, BE2, 8E2) error
The control panel thinks a button is stuck down. Turn the washer off and press each button in turn, moving it back and forth to free the edges. If the code returns after powering on, the panel needs repair. On some models BE2 (8E2) is a motion sensor fault instead.
Model note: On some models BE2 (8E2) is a motion (MEMS) sensor error rather than a jammed button, so check your manual.
Samsung washer 9C1 (9C2, PF, 9E1, 9E2, UC, 2E, 3E) error
The washer sees an irregular electrical supply. PF specifically means power was lost before the washer shut itself off, such as an outage or a tripped breaker. Make sure the washer is not on an extension cord or shared circuit. If the code continues, an electrician or technician should check the supply and the control board.
Model note: On some models 3E is a voltage error and on others a motor error. Check your manual.
Informational codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| dn | Software update downloading | Leave the washer powered on until it finishes | If it is still showing after 30 minutes with a steady connection |
| CL | Child Lock has drained the tub | Turn Child Lock off, or switch the washer off and on again | Not normally needed |
Samsung washer dn error
This is not a fault. The washer is installing an update, the controls will not respond for roughly 15 minutes, and the message clears when it finishes. Keep it powered on. A technician is only needed if it stays on screen far longer with a working Wi-Fi connection.
Samsung washer CL error
On newer models this appears when Child Lock is on, there is water in the tub and the door has been opened, so the washer drains for safety. Turn Child Lock off, or power the washer off and back on, to clear it.
How to reset your Samsung washer
For codes with no specific steps, Samsung suggests a simple power cycle. Switch the washer off, wait a couple of minutes, switch it on and start the cycle again.
- Switch the washer off.
- Wait 2 to 3 minutes.
- Switch it back on and restart the cycle.
Frequently asked questions
What does 5E mean on my Samsung washer?
It means the washer is not draining properly. Samsung shows the same fault as nd, 5C, SC or SE depending on the model. Check the drain hose for kinks, and book a technician if water remains in the drum.
What does 4C mean on my Samsung washer?
The washer is not filling with water. Check the taps are fully open, the hoses are not kinked and hot and cold are on the correct inlets. If it still will not fill, the inlet valve may need attention.
What does Ub mean on my Samsung washer?
It is an unbalanced load, also shown as U6, UE or Ur. Be aware that lowercase dc is an unbalanced load on some Samsung washers an unbalanced load, on others a door error. Redistribute the laundry and check the door, and consult your manual for which applies.
What does 1E mean on my Samsung washer?
It points to a water level or leak sensor problem. Look for a leak, straighten the hoses and run an empty cycle with no detergent to see whether suds are the cause. If it continues, 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 washer in your home.
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