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Samsung washing machine codes explained

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  • 9 min read

You might encounter three types of Samsung washing machine error codes: error codes displayed as numbers and letters, blinking lights, and icons.

This article details the meaning behind error codes and how to fix them. If your code isn’t listed in the table, check the user manual for your washing machine. If the issue persists, contact a Samsung Service Centre closest to you or book a repair from a technician.


Error code displayed as numbers and letters

There are over 80 error codes with various combinations of numbers and letters, each indicating a different issue with the washing machine. View the table below to locate the error you could have encountered:

Error Code starting with a number

Error CodeWhat it IndicatesQuick Fix
0Reminder for Drum Clean cycleThis is not an error code but rather a reminder to run a cleaning cycle. Samsung recommends running the Drum Clean cycle regularly for hygiene purposes.
1C, 1E
Alternative: LE, LC, LC1, 1 1C, 1 LC, E7
Water level sensor error or LeakageLook for any leaks, especially in the supply hoses behind the washer.
If there are no visible leaks, the sensor itself could be damaged.
3C, 3E, 3E1, 3E2, 3E3, 3E4
Alternative: EA, EB
Motor errorSwitch off appliance, switch back on and start a new programme.
3CPElectronic control error  Try switching off appliance, restarting it and starting a new cycle. Or restart the current cycle.
4C, 4E
Alternative: nF, 1 4C, E1
Water supply errorEnsure that the water tap is fully open.
The water pressure should be a minimum 0.5 bar.
Make sure the water supply hose is not bent.
Clean the mesh filters if they are clogged.
4C2, 4E1, 4E2, 4Ed
Alternative: nF1, CE, 14C2, E8
, CE, H1, HC, HE
Water temperature errorCheck if the hot and cold-water outlets are attached correctly.
The temperature error code could shows if the hot water outlet/tap is attached to the cold-water supply hose.
5C, 5E
Alternative: nd, SE, SC, 1 5C,
Water Drainage errorMake sure the outlet drain hose is attached correctly.
Check if it is clogged or bent.
It should be attached at least at a height of 60cm for it to drain correctly.
6E
Alternative: E5, E6, HE1
Water heater errorIf your water heater isn’t working correctly, you will have to contact the Samsung service centre.
8C, 8E1, 8E2
Alternative: BE, BE1, BE2, BC, 8C1, 8C2, BC1, BC2, 1 8C, 1 BC, 18C1, 1BC1, 18C2, 1BC2
MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) sensor errorThis error code indicates an issue with the load-balance.
Try removing some of the washing load and ensure it is distributed evenly.
Turn off the washing machine and restart the cycle.
9E1, 9E2, 9H1
Alternative: 9C1, 9C2, PF, 3E*, 2E, UC, 19C1, 19C2, UC


 3E* – On some models it can also mean Motor error.
Power/Voltage errorThis error could occur when there is an irregular voltage supply.
It could also occur if there is an abrupt lack of power due to a power outage, unplugging of the machine or tripping of the circuit breaker.
Switch off the appliance and wait for a minute before switching back on.
If this doesn’t fix the error, the fuse in the washing machine plug may need to be replaced.
11E
Alternative: E9
Low water levelCheck if the drain hose has any leaks or if it is clogged.
The drain hose should not be placed lower than the base of the machine.
12E
Alternative: 14E, E2, bE2, 6E2, BE2*, 8E2*


BE2*, 8E2* – On some models, these can indicate an error with the Mems sensor.
Button errorCheck if any of the buttons are jammed or have other issues.
If dust has collected around the buttons, unplug the machine and clean the buttons gently with a damp cloth.
13ESignal communication errorSwitch off the machine, switch on and restart the cycle.

Also read: How to fix Samsung washer error code 4c?


Error Code starting with a letter

Error CodeWhat it IndicatesQuick Fix
AC6, AC, AE Alternative: AE6, AEb, ACb, AC4, AC3, AC5, AE8, AEB, AE4, AE3, AE5, 1AC6, 1 AC, AC7Signal communication errorSwitch off the machine, switch on and restart the cycle.
For bE1, bE2, bE3 refer to error code 4C2, 4E1, 4E2, 4Ed (Water temperature error) in the error code table starting with a number.
For CE refer to error code 12E (Button error) in the error code table starting with a number.
Cb, C6Calibration mode  This is not an error code.
The calibration mode can be used to recalibrate the weight sensors in the washer.
Run the calibration cycle for 1 to 3 minutes on an empty drum. Once it reaches 0 you can resume using the washing machine.
CLChild lockTurn off Child Lock if not needed.
In newer models, If Child Lock is turned on and if the water level is high while the door is opened, the water will be automatically drained from the tub. In this case, turn the washer off and back on again.
dC, DC, DC1, dE, dE1 Alternative: dS, d5, FL, LO, L0, dE2, dL, 1 dC, 1dC4, 1dC1Door errorCheck if the door is closed properly.
If the door is unable to close because of damage, contact Samsung customer support.
DC3Add door lock errorCheck if the hot and cold-water outlets are attached correctly.
The temperature error code could show if the hot water outlet/tap is attached to the cold-water supply hose.
DDC, ddC, dC3  Add Door opened mid-cycleShut the Add Door and press Start/Pause to restart the cycle.
dE2On / Off switch errorCheck if the hot and cold water outlets are attached correctly.
The temperature error code could show if the hot water outlet/tap is attached to the cold-water supply hose.
dnDownloading updateThe washer is in the process of downloading an update.
The buttons and dials will not be functional during the download.
Wait for around 15 minutes for the washer to update.
For E1, E5, E6, E7, E8, EA, EB, EC, refer to the error code table starting with a number.
E2Water drainage error / Jammed buttonTurn off the washing machine and disconnect from the power source. Wait for 5 minutes before restarting it.
E3
Alternative: OC, OE, OF OE, 0E, OC, 0C, 1 OC, 1 0C
Overflow errorExcessive washing powder/liquid may cause this error.
Switch off the power supply for a minute. Turn it back on to drain the washing machine.
E4
Alternative:  dc*, Ub, U6, Ur, UE, 1 Ub, 1U6


*dc – on some models, this error can indicate a door error.
Unbalanced drum loadIf it is a water drainage error, check if the supply hose is bent or clogged.
If it is a jammed button error you can get the button replaced by calling customer support.
E9Low water levelFor safety purposes, if your appliance detects an unbalanced load, the spin cycle is automatically stopped.
Add or remove items from your load to balance it better. Stick to the maximum and minimum load weight for your washing machine.
EC
Alternative: tE, tE1, tE2, tE3, tC1, tC2, tC3
Temperature sensor errorSwitch off appliance and switch back on to run a new cycle.
If the issue persists, contact Samsung customer care.
FEFan errorMake sure there is no water leakage in the supply and drain hoses.
Remove any blockages if the hoses are clogged.
For an effective water supply, ensure that the drain hose’s level is lower than the base of the washing machine.
For H1, HC, HE, HE1, refer to error code 4C2, 4E1, 4E2, 4Ed (Water temperature error) in the error code table starting with a number.
HE2Dryer heater errorContact customer care when you encounter this error code.
HE3Steam errorContact customer care upon encountering this error code.
HOTTemperature errorThis error code appears when the appliance temperature is too high. The machine will cool down on its own by running the fan. The door will unlock once the machine has cooled down.
For OC, OE, OF OE, 0E, OC, 0C, 1 OC, and 1 0C, refer to error code E3 (Overflow error).
For OC, OE, OF OE, 0E, OC, 0C, 1 OC, and 1 0C, refer to error code E3 (Overflow error).
PloPower errorSwitch off appliance and unplug it from the power source. Wait a few minutes before plugging it back in and switching it on.
Plug the washing machine in another socket to rule out a faulty socket.
If the error persists, the washing machine plug fuse might need to be repaired.
SDC
Alternative: 5DC
Detergent drawer errorClose the detergent drawer completely until you hear a click. If the error persists, contact Samsung customer care.
Sud
Alternative: SUd, 5UD, Sd, 5d, SUdS, 5Ud5
Excessive foam/suds errorThis error can be cause due to the use of excessive detergent liquid/powder. The machine should take care of the error by itself.
If the error persists try running an Eco Drum Clean cycle or a 90°C cotton cycle without using detergent or adding a washing load.
Follow Samsun’s guide to know how much detergent your washing machine needs.
t1, t2, tStTest modeThis code means that the washing machine is in test mode.
Switch off appliance, switch on again and run a new cycle.
tE, tE1, tE2, tE3, tC1, tC2, tC3 Temperature sensor errorThis error occurs when there is an issue with water temperature sensor for the washing machine do determine level of heating.
Switch off appliance, switch on again and run a new cycle.
For Ub, UE refer to the error code E4 (Unbalanced drum load).
For UC refer to the error code 9E1, 9E2, 9H1 in the error code table starting with a number.

Also read: Whirlpool Duet washer error codes


Other errors

If you find certain symbols on your washing machine lit up or blinking, it could indicate a water temperature error, overflow error or a drainage error.

However, the appearance of certain icons on your washing machine’s display may indicate certain modes or instructions like Child Lock, Delay Start, Steam, and so on. The type and colour of the icons may vary depending on the model of your washing machine. Refer to your appliance’s user manual for the exact details.

Neon blue icons on 11 plain black boxes against a white background indicating various display icons on a samsung washing machine.
Samsung washing machine display icons.

If any error codes or the blinking persists after trying out the quick fixes mentioned, contact Samsung customer support for further assistance.

Also read: Maytag washer error codes

Vanashree Chowdhury

Vanashree Chowdhury

Being a tech enthusiast, Vanashree enjoys writing about technology and cybersecurity. She is a designer and marketer by profession and is deeply passionate about working on campaigns for social issues. You can contact her here: vanashreec@protonmail.com

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