Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes Explained

Quick answer: Samsung dishwasher codes usually come in pairs, such as 4C/4E for a water supply problem, 5C/5E for a drain problem and LC/LE for a leak. Many are cleared by opening a valve, cleaning the filter or straightening a hose; heater, pump and communication codes usually need a technician.

Samsung shows codes in the display on the door edge or front panel. Models without a display signal faults with blinking lights instead, and the pattern is listed in the owner's manual. Many codes exist in two forms, a C version on newer models and an E version on older ones, and the exact list depends on the model and where it was sold. Samsung recommends troubleshooting the cause first, then resetting by switching the breaker off for 30 seconds and back on.

Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes list

1E / IE

On Waterwall models, a clogged filter. On Rotary models, a high-temperature heater error.

Common causes: Food soil in the fine filter; on Rotary models, an overheating interior.

What you can try: Remove and clean the fine filter at the bottom of the tub. On Rotary models, reset at the breaker for 30 seconds and run a Normal cycle.

Call a technician if: The code returns after cleaning and a reset.

Pump operation error.

Common causes: Wash pump failure or debris.

What you can try: Turn the dishwasher off and restart the cycle.

Call a technician if: It shows again on the next cycle.

Incoming water is too hot.

Common causes: Water heater set very high.

What you can try: Make sure the hot water supply is below 176°F.

Call a technician if: Water temperature is normal and the code persists.

4C / 4E

Water supply error: pressure or temperature is not adequate.

Common causes: Closed or partly closed valve, kinked inlet hose, low pressure.

What you can try: Open the shutoff valve under the sink fully and check the hose for kinks.

Call a technician if: Supply is good and the tub still does not fill.

5C / 5E (SC / SE)

Drain error: the dishwasher cannot drain.

Common causes: Clogged filter, kinked drain hose, blocked disposer or air gap.

What you can try: Clean the filter, straighten the drain hose and run the disposer.

Call a technician if: Water still stands in the tub after those checks.

Waterwall reflector cannot move correctly (Waterwall models).

Common causes: Dishes or utensils blocking the reflector track.

What you can try: Rearrange the load so nothing blocks the reflector at the back of the tub.

Call a technician if: The track is clear and the code remains.

Low water level.

Common causes: Poor fill from the supply side.

What you can try: Empty the dishwasher, add detergent and run a Normal cycle.

Call a technician if: The code persists. Switch off the breaker and get it checked.

bE / 6E

A button on the panel is detected as stuck.

Common causes: Moisture or a worn keypad.

What you can try: Turn the dishwasher off and press each button once.

Call a technician if: A button does not respond or the code returns after a restart.

The control panel cannot communicate with the rest of the dishwasher.

Common causes: Wiring or control board fault.

What you can try: Turn off and restart.

Call a technician if: It continues after a restart.

HC / HE

Heater error: the interior is too hot, or temperature is being read incorrectly.

Common causes: Heater, sensor or control fault.

What you can try: Reset at the breaker, empty the tub, add detergent and run a Normal cycle.

Call a technician if: The code returns.

LC / LE

Leak error: the leak sensor has detected moisture and the dishwasher will try to drain.

Common causes: A leak inside the base, oversudsing, a blocked reflector on Waterwall models.

What you can try: Turn off the water and breaker and look for water on the floor. Use only dishwasher detergent.

Call a technician if: Any time water is found under the unit or the code repeats.

OC / oE

Over-level: more water than expected is in the tub.

Common causes: Fill valve not closing, float issue, heavy sudsing.

What you can try: Stop the cycle and check for suds from the wrong detergent.

Call a technician if: The tub overfills again.

Temperature sensor error.

Common causes: Failed thermistor or wiring.

What you can try: Run a Normal cycle after a reset.

Call a technician if: The code persists.

How to clear the code

Samsung's guidance is to fix the cause first, because clearing the code alone means it will come back. Once you have cleaned the filter or opened the valve, turn the dishwasher off at the circuit breaker for 30 seconds, then switch it back on and run a Normal cycle. If the display shows AP, the unit is in Wi-Fi pairing mode, not in a fault; turning it off and on exits that mode.

Waterwall vs Rotary: why the same code differs

Samsung builds two main wash systems. Waterwall models use a moving reflector at the back of the tub, so they have codes like 7E that Rotary models never show. The 1E code even changes meaning between the two. Check the model number on the side of the door before you start troubleshooting, or have it handy when you call.

Getting a Samsung dishwasher repaired in Atlanta

Leak, heater, pump and communication codes involve parts behind the panels and are best left to a technician. Mr. Fixer repairs Samsung dishwashers across Metro Atlanta, and the $80 diagnostic is credited toward the repair if you go ahead. Book through our dishwasher repair page or call (678) 866-3669. Other Samsung appliances are covered on our Samsung page.

Code still showing?

Our technicians repair Samsung dishwashers across Metro Atlanta, usually the same day. Diagnostic from $80, credited toward your repair.

Call (678) 866-3669

FAQs

What does 5C mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

5C, along with 5E, SC and SE, is the drain error. The dishwasher could not pump water out. Clean the filter, check the drain hose for kinks and make sure the disposer is clear.

Why does my Samsung dishwasher say LC?

LC or LE means the leak sensor in the base got wet. The unit stops and tries to drain. Look for water on the floor and for suds from the wrong detergent, and call for service if the code repeats.

My Samsung dishwasher shows AP. Is it broken?

No. AP means Access Point mode for connecting the dishwasher to your phone. If you are not setting up the app, turn it off and back on.

Codes and meanings vary by model and model year. Check your owner's manual for your exact model.

Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them