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Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes

Expert reference guide covering all Samsung washing machine diagnostic codes with comprehensive troubleshooting procedures and professional repair guidance

Quickly identify problems with your Samsung washer and learn the correct response procedures

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Samsung Washing Machine Models

Samsung is one of the leading appliance brands in the US market, offering a comprehensive range of high-quality washing machines designed for American households. Samsung washing machines are known for their innovative features, energy efficiency, and advanced technology including AddWash door, Super Speed wash cycles, VRT Plus vibration reduction technology, and SmartThings connectivity. The brand offers various washing machine styles including front-loading and top-loading models in various capacities. Popular series include the WF (Front Load), WA (AddWash), and WW (Top Load) lines. These diagnostic codes are applicable to the majority of Samsung washing machine models available in the US market. Error indicators typically manifest as error codes displayed on the washing machine control panel, LED status lights, or digital displays, providing comprehensive diagnostic information for homeowners and service technicians.

How to Read Error Codes

  • β€’ Check washing machine control panel for error code display
  • β€’ Review LED status indicators on washer
  • β€’ Look for error messages on digital displays
  • β€’ Note error code format (e.g., 4E, 5E, 1E, 3E, 6E, 7E, 8E, 9E, UE, OE, dE, HE, CE, SUDS)
  • β€’ Consult Samsung owner's manual for your specific model
  • β€’ Error codes may be alphanumeric or numeric

Samsung Washer Features

  • β€’ AddWash - Add items mid-cycle
  • β€’ Super Speed - Wash in 30 minutes
  • β€’ VRT Plus - Vibration reduction
  • β€’ SmartThings - Smart connectivity
  • β€’ Energy Efficient - ENERGY STAR certified
  • β€’ Self Clean+ - Automatic cleaning
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Understanding Diagnostic Codes

Samsung washing machines incorporate sophisticated diagnostic capabilities that automatically detect operational issues. When a problem is identified, the system communicates through error codes displayed on the washing machine control panel, LED status indicators, and digital displays. This intelligent diagnostic framework enables rapid problem identification and helps determine the appropriate response. All Samsung washing machine series utilize continuous performance monitoring with real-time error detection. Error codes typically follow alphanumeric formats (e.g., 4E, 5E, 1E, 3E, 6E, 7E, 8E, 9E, UE, OE, dE, HE, CE, SUDS), indicating specific system conditions or faults. Error codes may vary slightly depending on model and firmware version. Always reference your specific model's owner's manual for precise code definitions and consult with a certified Samsung service technician for professional diagnosis and repair.

US Market Note: Samsung washing machines are widely available in the US market through authorized dealers, major retailers, and Samsung's direct sales channels. For service and support, contact Samsung customer service or an authorized Samsung service provider. Always verify model compatibility and availability of parts for US models.

Water Supply and Fill Errors

Issues with water intake, water pressure, and fill system.

CodeMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
4E / 4CWater Supply Error - Water is not entering the machine or water supply problem
  • β€’Water supply valve closed
  • β€’Low water pressure
  • β€’Clogged water inlet filter
  • β€’Faulty water inlet valve
  • β€’Kinked water supply hose
  • β€’Water supply hose disconnected
  • β€’Water inlet filter blockage
  1. Check water supply valves are fully open
  2. Verify water pressure is adequate (minimum 20 PSI)
  3. Inspect water supply hoses for kinks or damage
  4. Clean water inlet filter screens
  5. Check water inlet valve connections
  6. Test water inlet valve operation
  7. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
5E / SEWater Level Sensor Error - Error in water level detection or sensor malfunction
  • β€’Faulty water level sensor
  • β€’Sensor wiring issue
  • β€’Sensor contamination
  • β€’Control board error
  • β€’Water level sensor malfunction
  • β€’Sensor calibration error
  1. Check water level sensor connections
  2. Clean sensor if accessible
  3. Test sensor operation
  4. Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
  5. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
  6. Water level sensor may need replacement
  7. Professional diagnosis required
UEUnbalanced Load - Unbalanced load detected during spin cycle
  • β€’Unevenly distributed laundry
  • β€’Heavy items on one side
  • β€’Small load in large capacity washer
  • β€’Washer not level
  • β€’Suspension system issue
  1. Redistribute laundry evenly in drum
  2. Add more items to balance load if load is too small
  3. Check that washer is level (adjust leveling feet)
  4. Restart cycle
  5. If problem persists, check suspension system
  6. Contact Samsung service if problem continues
OEOverflow Error - Water overflow detected or water level too high
  • β€’Faulty water level sensor
  • β€’Water inlet valve stuck open
  • β€’Control board error
  • β€’Water level sensor malfunction
  • β€’Drain pump not working
  1. Stop cycle immediately
  2. Drain water manually if possible
  3. Check water level sensor
  4. Inspect water inlet valve
  5. Check drain pump operation
  6. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
  7. This may indicate a serious problem requiring immediate attention

Drain and Pump Errors

Problems with water drainage and drain pump operation.

CodeMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
1EDrain Error - Water is not draining from the machine
  • β€’Clogged drain hose
  • β€’Drain pump obstruction
  • β€’Kinked drain hose
  • β€’Drain pump failure
  • β€’Drain filter blockage
  • β€’Drain hose height too high
  • β€’Drain pump motor failure
  1. Check drain hose for kinks or clogs
  2. Clean drain filter if accessible
  3. Inspect drain pump for obstructions
  4. Verify drain hose height (maximum 96 inches)
  5. Test drain pump operation
  6. Check drain hose connection
  7. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
3EDrain Pump Error - Error in drain pump operation
  • β€’Faulty drain pump motor
  • β€’Pump wiring issue
  • β€’Pump motor failure
  • β€’Control board error
  • β€’Pump obstruction
  • β€’Pump impeller damage
  1. Check drain pump connections
  2. Inspect pump for obstructions
  3. Test drain pump operation
  4. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
  5. Drain pump may need replacement
  6. Professional diagnosis required

Temperature and Sensor Errors

Issues with temperature sensors, heating elements, and temperature control.

CodeMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
5E / SETemperature Sensor Error - Error in temperature sensor or sensor malfunction
  • β€’Faulty temperature sensor
  • β€’Sensor wiring issue
  • β€’Sensor out of range
  • β€’Open or short circuit in sensor
  • β€’Sensor calibration error
  • β€’Thermistor failure
  1. Check temperature sensor connections
  2. Test sensor resistance with multimeter
  3. Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
  4. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
  5. Temperature sensor may need replacement
  6. Professional diagnosis recommended
HEHeating Error - Error in heating element or temperature control
  • β€’Faulty heating element
  • β€’Heating element wiring issue
  • β€’Temperature sensor error
  • β€’Control board error
  • β€’Heating element failure
  1. Check heating element connections
  2. Test heating element operation
  3. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
  4. Heating element may need replacement
  5. Professional diagnosis required

Motor and Drive System Errors

Problems with motor operation, drive system, and mechanical components.

CodeMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
6EMotor Error - Error in motor or motor control
  • β€’Motor failure
  • β€’Motor control board error
  • β€’Motor wiring issue
  • β€’Motor overload
  • β€’Drive belt problem
  • β€’Motor communication error
  • β€’Direct drive motor failure
  1. Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
  2. Check motor connections
  3. Inspect drive belt for damage or wear (if applicable)
  4. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
  5. Motor or motor control may need replacement
  6. Professional diagnosis required
7EMotor Control Error - Error in motor control system
  • β€’Motor control board malfunction
  • β€’Motor communication error
  • β€’Control board error
  • β€’Motor sensor failure
  • β€’Drive system error
  1. Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
  2. Check motor control connections
  3. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
  4. Motor control board may need replacement
  5. Professional diagnosis required
dE / DEDoor Lock Error - Door cannot be locked or unlocked
  • β€’Faulty door lock mechanism
  • β€’Door lock wiring issue
  • β€’Control board error
  • β€’Lock actuator failure
  • β€’Door not closing properly
  1. Ensure door is fully closed
  2. Check door lock mechanism
  3. Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
  4. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
  5. Door lock may need replacement
  6. Do not force door open

Communication and Control Errors

Problems with electronic communication, control boards, and system errors.

CodeMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
8EControl Board Error - Error in main control board
  • β€’Control board malfunction
  • β€’EEPROM error
  • β€’Memory corruption
  • β€’Internal board failure
  • β€’Power surge damage
  1. Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
  2. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
  3. Control board may need replacement
  4. Professional diagnosis required
9ECommunication Error - Communication error between components
  • β€’Wiring harness issue
  • β€’Control board communication failure
  • β€’Display board error
  • β€’Loose connections
  • β€’Communication protocol error
  1. Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
  2. Check wiring connections between display and control board
  3. Inspect for loose or damaged connections
  4. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
  5. Control board or display may need replacement
  6. Professional diagnosis required
CEControl Error - General control system error
  • β€’Control board malfunction
  • β€’System initialization failure
  • β€’Multiple component failure
  • β€’General system error
  1. Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
  2. If error persists, contact Samsung service technician
  3. Professional diagnosis required
  4. May require multiple component replacement

Door and Safety Errors

Issues with door lock, safety systems, and door operation.

CodeMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
dE / DEDoor Not Closed - Door is not properly closed or door sensor error
  • β€’Door not fully closed
  • β€’Faulty door switch
  • β€’Door switch wiring issue
  • β€’Obstruction preventing door closure
  • β€’Door seal issue
  1. Ensure door is fully closed
  2. Check for obstructions preventing door closure
  3. Test door switch operation
  4. Inspect door seal
  5. If door switch is faulty, contact Samsung service
LELock Error - Door lock is not functioning properly
  • β€’Faulty door lock mechanism
  • β€’Door lock wiring issue
  • β€’Control board error
  • β€’Lock actuator failure
  • β€’Door lock stuck
  1. Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
  2. Check door lock mechanism
  3. If door remains locked, contact Samsung service immediately
  4. Do not force door open
  5. Door lock may need replacement

Foam and Detergent Errors

Problems with excessive foam, detergent dispensing, and cleaning agent issues.

CodeMeaningPossible CausesSolutions
SUDSExcessive Foam - Too much foam detected in machine
  • β€’Excessive detergent use
  • β€’Wrong type of detergent
  • β€’Detergent buildup
  • β€’Hard water conditions
  • β€’Too much fabric softener
  1. Run rinse cycle to remove excess foam
  2. Use less detergent (follow manufacturer guidelines)
  3. Use HE (High Efficiency) detergent for HE washers
  4. Run cleaning cycle with washer cleaner
  5. Reduce detergent amount for future loads
  6. Check detergent dispenser for clogs
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Critical Safety Notice

Do not attempt DIY repairs on your Samsung washing machine without proper knowledge and safety precautions. Many diagnostic codes relate to electrical systems, water systems, or critical safety features. Specific codes requiring immediate professional intervention include: OE (Overflow Error), 8E (Control Board Error), and HE (Heating Error). Upon encountering these codes, especially OE which indicates water overflow, immediately stop the cycle, unplug the machine, and contact a certified Samsung service technician without delay.

Professional service is recommended for most repairsβ€”contact a licensed appliance repair technician or reach out to Samsung customer service for expert assistance.

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Maintenance Guidelines

Scheduled Service Requirements

  • βœ“Professional inspection and service annually by certified technician
  • βœ“Monthly visual inspection of washer for damage or wear
  • βœ“Clean detergent dispenser monthly
  • βœ“Run Self Clean+ cycle monthly or as recommended
  • βœ“Check for error codes and status messages regularly
  • βœ“Follow manufacturer's maintenance schedule

Proactive Maintenance Strategies

  • βœ“Keep washer clean to maximize efficiency and lifespan
  • βœ“Use proper detergents (HE detergent for HE washers)
  • βœ“Inspect hoses and connections for damage or leaks
  • βœ“Clean door seal and gasket regularly
  • βœ“Ensure adequate ventilation around washer
  • βœ“Review system alerts and error codes promptly
  • βœ“Leave door slightly open between cycles to prevent odors
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code 4E / 4C mean on my Samsung washer?

4E indicates a water supply error. The machine is not receiving water or there is a water supply problem. Check that water supply valves are fully open, verify water pressure is adequate (minimum 20 PSI), inspect water supply hoses for kinks or damage, and clean water inlet filter screens. If the error persists, contact a Samsung service technician.

What should I do if I see error code 1E (Drain Error)?

1E indicates water is not draining from the machine. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, clean the drain filter if accessible, inspect the drain pump for obstructions, verify drain hose height (maximum 96 inches), and test drain pump operation. If the error persists, contact a Samsung service technician.

What does error code UE (Unbalanced Load) mean?

UE indicates an unbalanced load detected during the spin cycle. Redistribute laundry evenly in the drum, add more items to balance the load if the load is too small, check that the washer is level (adjust leveling feet), and restart the cycle. If the problem persists, check the suspension system or contact Samsung service.

What should I do if my washer shows error code OE (Overflow Error)?

OE indicates water overflow or water level too high. This is a critical error. Stop the cycle immediately, drain water manually if possible, check the water level sensor, inspect the water inlet valve, and check drain pump operation. If the error persists, contact a Samsung service technician immediately as this may indicate a serious problem.

What does error code 8E (Control Board Error) mean?

8E indicates an error in the main control board. Unplug the washer for 5 minutes and restart. If the error persists, contact a Samsung service technician as the control board may need replacement. Professional diagnosis is required.

How do I check error codes on my Samsung washing machine?

Error codes can be viewed on the washing machine control panel, through LED status indicators, or on digital displays. Check the control panel for error messages (typically alphanumeric codes like 4E, 5E, 1E, 3E, 6E, 7E, 8E, 9E, UE, OE, dE, HE, CE, SUDS), observe LED status lights, and consult your owner's manual for your specific model's error code format.

Can I reset error codes by unplugging my washer?

Some error codes (like 8E, 9E, CE, communication errors) may be resolved by unplugging the washer for 5 minutes and restarting, but many codes indicate conditions that require professional diagnosis. Safety-related codes (OE, HE, dE) should never be reset without professional inspection. Always follow the recommended solutions for each specific error code and contact a certified technician if the error persists.

What should I do if I see error code SUDS (Excessive Foam)?

SUDS indicates too much foam in the machine. Run a rinse cycle to remove excess foam, use less detergent (follow manufacturer guidelines), use HE (High Efficiency) detergent for HE washers, run a cleaning cycle with washer cleaner, and reduce detergent amount for future loads. Check the detergent dispenser for clogs.