Samsung Washer Error Codes – Complete Guide

Samsung washing machines are among the most reliable home appliances available, but like any complex device, they use a system of error codes to communicate when something is wrong. When your Samsung Washer displays an error code on its screen, the machine has detected a specific fault condition and stopped the cycle to protect itself and your laundry.

This guide covers every major Samsung Washer error code, explains what each one means, and links to detailed fix guides for each error. Whether your Samsung Washer is showing a drain problem, a water supply fault, an unbalanced load warning, or a sensor error, you will find the right information and step-by-step solutions here.

How Samsung Washer Error Codes Work

Samsung Washer error codes appear on the digital display panel on the front of the machine. On older models, some codes may appear as abbreviated two-character codes (like 5E or 3E), while newer Samsung Washer models show the same errors as slightly different codes (5C or 3C). In most cases, the first character or digit indicates the system or component involved, and the second character specifies the nature of the fault.

When a Samsung Washer error code appears, the machine will stop mid-cycle or refuse to start. In many cases, the first step is always the same: power the machine off, unplug it for 5 minutes to reset the control board, and try again. If the code returns after a reset, the underlying fault needs to be addressed.

Samsung Washer error codes fall into several main categories: water supply errors, drain errors, motor and spin errors, temperature and heating errors, load balance errors, and control or sensor errors. The sections below list all codes with direct links to full repair guides.

Samsung Washer Error Codes: Full List

Water Supply Errors

These Samsung Washer error codes appear when the machine cannot fill with water properly. Common causes include closed supply valves, kinked inlet hoses, clogged inlet filters, and low water pressure.

Samsung Washer Error 4C — Water supply error. Check supply valves, inlet hoses, and mesh filters.
Samsung Washer Error 4E — Water supply error (older models). Open valves fully, straighten hoses, clean filters.
Samsung Washer Error 4C2 — Hot water supply fault. Check hot water valve and inlet filter.
Samsung Washer Error nF — No Fill. Identical causes and fixes to 4C and 4E.
Samsung Washer Error nF1 — No Fill on hot water inlet. Check hot water supply and inlet filter.
Samsung Washer Error nF2 — No Fill on cold water inlet. Check cold water supply and inlet filter.
Samsung Washer Error nC — No fill fault (certain models). Check both supply valves, hoses, and inlet filters.

Drain Errors

These Samsung Washer error codes indicate that water is not draining from the drum correctly. A clogged drain pump filter is the most common cause.

Samsung Washer Error 5C — Drain failure (newer models). Clean the pump filter, check drain hose, confirm standpipe height.
Samsung Washer Error 5E — Drain failure (older models). Identical causes and fixes to 5C.
Samsung Washer Error 5C2 — Post-spin drain fault. Clean drain pump filter and check hose.
Samsung Washer Error nd — No Drain confirmed. Clean the filter, check the pump, and inspect the drain hose.

Load Balance Errors

Samsung Washer unbalanced load errors stop the spin cycle to prevent damage from an uneven drum. Redistributing laundry resolves most of these errors immediately.

Samsung Washer Error UE — Unbalanced load. Redistribute laundry evenly and restart the spin cycle.
Samsung Washer Error DC — Unbalanced load (certain models). Redistribute or reduce the load.
Samsung Washer Error Ub — Severe unbalance. Redistribute laundry manually and ensure the machine is level.
Samsung Washer Error 8C — MEMS sensor fault. Check sensor wiring; replace if needed.

Motor Errors

Motor error codes on Samsung Washer models indicate that the drive motor is not running normally. Overloading, a jammed drum, or a faulty hall sensor are common causes.

Samsung Washer Error 3C — Motor fault (newer models). Reduce load and check for drum jams.
Samsung Washer Error 3C1 — Motor startup fault. Check load, drum obstruction, and motor control board.
Samsung Washer Error 3C2 — Motor stall during cycle. Reduce load and check drum bearings.
Samsung Washer Error 3C3 — Motor overspeed fault. Check the hall sensor and motor control board.
Samsung Washer Error 3C4 — Hall sensor fault. Inspect sensor wiring and replace the sensor.
Samsung Washer Error 3E — Motor fault (older models). Reduce load, inspect motor and hall sensor.
Samsung Washer Error E3 — Drum rotation or load balance fault during spin.
Samsung Washer Error CE — Motor overcurrent fault. Reduce load; check motor and motor control board.
Samsung Washer Error SE — Motor speed sensor error. Replace the hall sensor.

Temperature and Heating Errors

These Samsung Washer error codes appear when the water temperature is not reaching the correct level or the thermistor sensor is reporting an abnormal reading.

Samsung Washer Error HE — Heating element or heater circuit fault. Test the heating element and thermistor.
Samsung Washer Error HE1 — Heater element fault. Test the element and thermistor.
Samsung Washer Error HE2 — Heater relay fault or overtemperature. Check heater relay and thermostat.
Samsung Washer Error HE3 — Steam generator fault. Check steam generator components.
Samsung Washer Error H1 — Temperature/heater fault (certain models). Test the heating element and thermistor.
Samsung Washer Error tE — Thermistor (temperature sensor) fault. Replace the thermistor or check its wiring.
Samsung Washer Error tC — Temperature control fault. Check thermistor and inlet water temperature.
Samsung Washer Error tC4 — Thermistor open circuit. Replace the thermistor.

Water Level Errors

Water level sensor errors affect the Samsung Washer’s ability to fill correctly and detect the amount of water in the drum.

Samsung Washer Error 1E — Water level sensor fault. Clean the hose and test the pressure switch sensor.
Samsung Washer Error OE — Over-water-level error. Check the inlet valve, pressure hose, and drain hose positioning.

Suds and Detergent Errors

Excessive suds cause the Samsung Washer to pause and add extra rinse time. Switching to HE detergent and reducing dose prevents recurrence.

Samsung Washer Error Sud — Excess suds detected. Allow auto-correction to complete, then reduce detergent and switch to HE.

Leak Errors

Leak detection errors require immediate attention to prevent water damage.

Samsung Washer Error LE — Leak detected. Inspect the door seal, hose connections, and internal components.

Door and Latch Errors

Door lock errors prevent the Samsung Washer from starting or completing cycles when the door is not confirmed as secure.

Samsung Washer Error dC — Door check fault. The machine cannot confirm the door is properly closed. Check alignment, latch, and door seal.
Samsung Washer Error dC1 — Door lock confirmation failure during fill phase. Usually a faulty door lock assembly or wiring issue.
Samsung Washer Error dC2 — Door opened during active cycle. Firmly close the door or check for a worn latch hook.
Samsung Washer Error dC3 — Door lock timeout. Check for obstructions and the lock actuator.
Samsung Washer Error dL — Door lock failure. The door lock assembly has failed and must be replaced.
Samsung Washer Error FL — Door or lid lock fault (older models). Close the door firmly and check the door latch assembly.

Control, Communication, and Other Errors

These Samsung Washer error codes cover control board faults, communication errors, key/button faults, and smart connectivity issues.

Samsung Washer Error bE — Button or key error (older models). Check for a stuck button and dry the control panel.
Samsung Washer Error 6E — Button or key error (newer models). Check for moisture or a stuck button.
Samsung Washer Error AC — Communication fault between main board and sub-module. Check wiring harness.
Samsung Washer Error AE — EEPROM or communication fault. Power reset; may need control board replacement.
Samsung Washer Error E2 — Control board fault. Power reset; may require professional service.
Samsung Washer Error PF — Power failure. Press Start/Pause to resume or restart the cycle.
Samsung Washer Error AP — WiFi/SmartThings connectivity fault. Reconnect via SmartThings app or check router.

Samsung Washer Error Codes – Complete Guide

How Samsung Washer Error Codes Work

Samsung Washer Error Codes: Full List

Water Supply Errors

Samsung Washer Error 4C — Water supply error. The machine cannot fill within the expected time. Check supply valves, inlet hoses, and mesh filters.
Samsung Washer Error 4E — Water supply error (same fault as 4C on older models). Open valves fully, straighten inlet hoses, and clean inlet filters.
Samsung Washer Error nF — No Fill. Water did not fill the drum to the required level. Identical causes and fixes to 4C and 4E.

Drain Errors

These Samsung Washer error codes indicate that water is not draining from the drum correctly. A clogged drain pump filter is the most common cause.

Samsung Washer Error 5C — Drain failure. Clean the pump filter, check the drain hose, and confirm correct standpipe height.
Samsung Washer Error 5E — Drain failure (same as 5C on older models). Identical causes and fixes.
Samsung Washer Error nd — No Drain confirmed. Drain was attempted but water level did not drop. Clean the filter, check the pump, and inspect the drain hose.

Load Balance Errors

Samsung Washer unbalanced load errors stop the spin cycle to prevent damage from an uneven drum. Redistributing laundry resolves most of these errors immediately.

Samsung Washer Error UE — Unbalanced load. Open the door, redistribute laundry evenly, and restart the spin cycle.
Samsung Washer Error DC — Unbalanced load (similar to UE). Redistribute or reduce the load to allow the spin cycle to complete.

Motor Errors

Motor error codes on Samsung Washer models indicate that the drive motor is not running normally. Overloading, a jammed drum, or a faulty hall sensor are common causes.

Samsung Washer Error 3E — Motor error. The drive motor is stalled, overloaded, or the hall sensor is not providing normal feedback. Reduce the load and inspect the motor and sensor.
Samsung Washer Error E3 — Drum rotation or load balance fault during spin. Related to overloading, suspension wear, or hall sensor issues.

Temperature and Heating Errors

These Samsung Washer error codes appear when the water temperature is not reaching the correct level or the thermistor sensor is reporting an abnormal reading.

Samsung Washer Error HE — Heating element or heater circuit fault. The water is not reaching the target temperature. Test the heating element and thermistor.
Samsung Washer Error tE — Thermistor (temperature sensor) fault. The temperature sensor is providing an out-of-range reading. Replace the thermistor or check its wiring connection.

Water Level Errors

Water level sensor errors affect the Samsung Washer’s ability to fill correctly and detect the amount of water in the drum.

Samsung Washer Error 1E — Water level sensor fault. The pressure switch or its hose is not working correctly. Clean the hose and test the sensor.
Samsung Washer Error OE — Over-water-level error. The drum has filled beyond the maximum level. Check the inlet valve, pressure hose, and drain hose positioning.

Suds and Detergent Errors

Excessive suds cause the Samsung Washer to pause and add extra rinse time. Switching to HE detergent and reducing dose prevents recurrence.

Samsung Washer Error Sud — Excess suds detected. Too much or the wrong type of detergent is being used. Allow the machine to complete its auto-correction, then reduce detergent and switch to HE.

Door and Latch Errors

Door lock errors prevent the Samsung Washer from starting or completing cycles when the door is not confirmed as secure.

Samsung Washer Error FL — Door or lid lock fault. The machine cannot confirm the door is locked. Close the door firmly and check the door latch assembly.

Leak Errors

Leak detection errors require immediate attention to prevent water damage to the floor and machine components.

Samsung Washer Error LE — Leak detected. Water has entered the base pan. Inspect the door seal, hose connections, and internal components for the source of the leak.

Control Panel Errors

Control panel errors on Samsung Washer models occur when a button appears to be stuck or continuously pressed.

Samsung Washer Error bE — Button or key error. A button is registering as permanently pressed. Check for a stuck button and dry the control panel.

Power and Interruption Errors

Power failure codes appear after the Samsung Washer loses and regains electrical power during a cycle.

Samsung Washer Error PF — Power failure. The machine lost power mid-cycle. Press Start/Pause to resume or restart the cycle. If PF repeats, check the outlet and power cord.

Samsung Washer Error Code Quick Reference Table

Error Code	Meaning	Most Common Fix
4C / 4E / nF	Water supply fault	Open supply valves, clean inlet filters
5C / 5E / nd	Drain fault	Clean drain pump filter, check hose
UE / DC	Unbalanced load	Redistribute or reduce laundry
3E	Motor fault	Reduce load, check hall sensor
E3	Spin/rotation fault	Rebalance load, check suspension
HE	Heater fault	Test heating element and thermistor
tE	Thermistor fault	Test and replace thermistor
1E	Water level sensor fault	Check pressure hose, test sensor
OE	Over-fill fault	Check inlet valve, pressure hose
Sud	Excess suds	Use HE detergent, reduce dose
FL	Door lock fault	Close door firmly, check latch
LE	Leak detected	Inspect door seal, hose connections
bE / 6E	Button stuck	Check panel, dry, reset
PF	Power failure	Resume or restart cycle

How to Reset a Samsung Washer

Before attempting any repair, a power reset should always be the first step when any Samsung Washer error code appears. To reset a Samsung Washer:

Press the Power button to turn off the Samsung Washer.
Unplug the machine from the wall outlet.
Wait at least 5 minutes to allow the control board to fully discharge.
Plug the Samsung Washer back in and select a cycle.
If the error code does not return, the fault was a temporary control glitch.

If the Samsung Washer error code returns after a reset, the underlying cause needs to be addressed using the relevant fix guide linked above.

When to Call a Professional

Many Samsung Washer error codes can be resolved with basic troubleshooting steps — cleaning a filter, straightening a hose, or redistributing laundry. However, some errors require professional diagnosis and repair:

The error persists after power reset and all basic checks have been completed.
The Samsung Washer displays a heating error (HE or tE) and parts need electrical testing.
A leak error (LE) cannot be traced to an external hose or seal.
A motor error (3E) persists with an empty drum.
Multiple error codes appear together or in rapid succession.

For appliance service in your area, use Samsung’s official service locator or contact a qualified appliance technician. Always provide your full Samsung Washer model number (found inside the door frame) when requesting service.