Samsung dishwashers come in two types for the control system: with display and without display.
Samsung dishwashers with display: these dishwashers are equipped with a display on which a code appears in case of problems or malfunctions. From the code, you can determine what the problem is.
Dishwashers without display: these dishwashers have LEDs on the buttons that flash to signal a malfunction. In this article, I will give examples of the codes and tell you what they mean. I will also detail how to troubleshoot these errors.
List of Samsung dishwasher error codes, dishwasher with display
In the table, I will list possible error codes for Samsung dishwashers that have a display and the possible cause of the malfunction.
| Code | Malfunction | Troubleshooting | Note |
| 1E/IE | Clogged filter error. Water is not making it through the filter | Clean the fine filter at the bottom of the dishwasher | only Waterwall Models |
| 3С | The pump has failed | Restart the dishwasher if the error occurs again. The pump must be repaired. | |
| 3E | The water is too hot. Verify the hot water supply is not set above 176°F (80 °C) | Check hot water temperatures | only for dishwashers with hot water supply |
| 4C | water does not flow into the dishwasher | Check the water supply | |
| 4E | Abnormal water temperature | Check the water temperature | High-temperature heater error |
| 5C, SC, 5E, SE | Drain error | The dishwasher can’t drain | |
| 7E | Waterwall reflector error | The reflector is not able to move correctly | |
| 9E | Low water level error | There is not enough water in the Dishwasher. | |
| AP | Access Point mode | The dishwasher is in WiFi hotspot mode. Turn off and on if you are not trying to connect to the dishwasher. | |
| bE, 6E | The panel detects a stuck button | check the buttons | |
| CE/EC | Communication error | Turn the dishwasher off and on again. If the error persists, repair is necessary. | |
| HC, 1E, IE | Half-load function error | The temperature inside the dishwasher is too hot | IE only Rotary Models |
| HE | Heater error | The temperature inside the dishwasher is not detected correctly. Turn the dishwasher off and on again. | |
| LC | Water leakage into the sump | The emergency water drain is automatically activated. It is necessary to find out where the water is coming from in the drip tray. | |
| LE | Water deflector blocked | The emergency water drain is automatically activated. It is necessary to find out where the water is coming from in the drip tray. | Waterwall models only |
| OC, 0C, oE | Over-level water error | There is more water in the dishwasher than there should be. This is often very closely related to a drain issue. | |
| PC | Zone Wash error | The Zone Wash function is not operating correctly | |
| PE | The half-load function is not performing correctly | The half load function is not performing correctly | |
| tE | Temperature sensor error | The temperature inside the dishwasher is being detected incorrectly. | |
| HC2 | Dry heater failure | Turn the dishwasher off and turn it back on | |
| HC4 | Dry heater overheating | Dishwasher needs to be repaired | |
| CA/AC | The communication between the main board and other parts of the dishwasher is broken. | Dishwasher needs to be repaired | |
| bC2, bE2 | Button check | Displayed by pressing any button for more than 30 seconds | |
| Sb | The dishwasher has entered standby mode. | No mode selected, dishwashing complete | |
| Cb/dC | The door is not closed. | ||
| cU/Uc | Unstable mains voltage |
List of Samsung dishwasher error codes, dishwasher with no display
Some washing machine models may not have a display. In this case, the dishwasher status indication and error codes are displayed on the indicators located on the control panel. The indicators (lights) will blink to indicate the error code.
| Code | Malfunction | Troubleshooting |
| Auto and Express 60 | Panel detects a stuck button | Turn off the dishwasher. Touch every button on the panel. |
| Auto and Heavy | There is too much water in the dishwasher | Inspect the dishwasher’s drain connection at the sink. Check the drain hose. Run water in the sink that the dishwasher is connected to. Clean the drain, filter, and sump in the tub. |
| Auto, Normal, and Express 60 | The panel found a stuck button. | Turn off the dishwasher. Touch every button on the panel. |
| Auto and Normal | Dishwasher is too hot | Empty the dishwasher Add detergent, and then run a normal cycle. |
| Auto | Water pressure or temperature is not correct | Verify the water pressure and temperature meet the water supply requirements. Floodsafe hoses are not compatible with Samsung dishwashers and should not be used. Verify the water supply is turned on. |
| Delicate and Quick | Unlocked door | |
| Delicate | Dishwasher can’t drain. | Inspect the dishwasher’s drain connection at the sink. Check the drain hose. Run water in the sink that the dishwasher is connected to. Clean the drain, filter, and sump in the tub. |
| Express 60 | Water pressure or temperature is not correct. | The dishwasher leak sensor detects moisture. When this code appears, the dishwasher will turn on and will not turn off. During this time, it will attempt to drain the water. |
| Heavy, Delicate, Quick | Temperature sensor is failing. | Empty the dishwasher. Add detergent, and then run a normal cycle. |
| Heavy, Delicate, and Smart Auto | Temperature sensor is failing | Empty the dishwasher. Add detergent, and then run a normal cycle. |
| Heavy and Delicate | Heater is failing | Empty the dishwasher. Add detergent, and then run a normal cycle. |
| Heavy and Express 60 | Dishwasher is unable to heat. | |
| Heavy and Quick | There is too much water in the dishwasher. | Inspect the dishwasher’s drain connection at the sink. Check the drain hose. Run water in the sink that the dishwasher is connected to. Clean the drain, filter, and sump in the tub. |
| Heavy, Quick+, and Smart Auto | Temperature sensor is failing. | Empty the dishwasher. Add detergent, and then run a normal cycle. |
| Heavy and Quick+ | Dishwasher is unable to heat | |
| Heavy and Smart Auto | Too much water in the dishwasher | Inspect the dishwasher’s drain connection at the sink. Check the drain hose. Run water in the sink that the dishwasher is connected to. Clean the drain, filter, and sump in the tub. |
| Heavy (models without Express 60) | Verify the water pressure and temperature meet the water supply requirements. Floodsafe hoses are not compatible with Samsung dishwashers and should not be used. Verify the water supply is turned on. | |
| Heavy (models with Express 60) | Too much water in the dishwasher. This is often related to a drain issue. | Inspect the dishwasher’s drain connection at the sink. Check the drain hose. Run water in the sink that the dishwasher is connected to. Clean the drain, filter, and sump in the tub. |
| Normal, Delicate, and Quick | The water’s too hot. | |
| Normal, Delicate, and Smart Auto | The water’s too hot. | |
| Normal and Delicate | Panel detects a stuck button | Turn off the dishwasher Touch every button on the panel. |
| Normal, Heavy, and Express 60 | Thermistor has short-circuited | |
| Normal, Heavy, and Quick | There is not enough water in the dishwasher | Empty the dishwasher. Add detergent, and then run a normal cycle. |
| Normal, Heavy, and Smart Auto | Insufficient water in the dishwasher | Empty the dishwasher. Add detergent, and then run a normal cycle. |
| Normal and Heavy | Thermistor is not operating correctly | |
| Normal and Quick | Dishwasher is too hot | Empty the dishwasher Add detergent, and then run a normal cycle. |
| Normal, Quick+, and Smart Auto | Water is too hot | |
| Normal and Quick+ | Panel detects a stuck button | Turn off the dishwasher Touch every button on the panel. |
| Normal and Smart Auto | Dishwasher is too hot | Empty the dishwasher Add detergent, and then run a normal cycle. |
| Normal | The dishwasher leak sensor detects moisture. | |
| Quick | Water pressure or temperature is not correct. | Verify the water pressure and temperature meet the water supply requirements. Floodsafe hoses are not compatible with Samsung dishwashers and should not be used. Verify the water supply is turned on. |
| Quick+ | Dishwasher can’t drain | Inspect the dishwasher’s drain connection at the sink. Check the drain hose. Run water in the sink that the dishwasher is connected to. Clean the drain, filter, and sump in the tub. |
| Smart Auto, Heavy, and Delicate | Temperature sensor is failing | Empty the dishwasher. Add detergent, and then run a normal cycle. |
| Smart Auto and Heavy | Too much water in the dishwasher. | Inspect the dishwasher’s drain connection at the sink. Check the drain hose. Run water in the sink that the dishwasher is connected to. Clean the drain, filter, and sump in the tub. |
| Smart Auto, Normal, and Delicate | Water is too hot | |
| Smart Auto and Normal | Dishwasher is too hot | Empty the dishwasher Add detergent, and then run a normal cycle. |
| Smart Auto | Water pressure or temperature is not correct | Verify the water pressure and temperature meets the water supply requirements. Floodsafe hoses are not compatible with Samsung dishwashers and should not be used. Verify the water supply is turned on. |
| All four (or more) lights are blinking | Control panel is unable to communicate with the rest of the dishwasher. | |
| Any other combination of lights are blinking | Flashing indicators do not always indicate an error code. In some models, the current cycle status indicator flashes. Before assuming that flashing indicators mean the dishwasher is malfunctioning, check for any other problems or symptoms. |
Error code 1E/IE, Samsung dishwasher
This error code appears when there is a problem with the water circulation in the dishwasher. A metal mesh filter is installed in front of the pump that pressurizes the dishwashing water. The purpose of this filter is to trap food residue. Occasionally, this filter becomes clogged and needs to be cleaned. This usually happens if you use little detergent or if the detergent is terrible; the grease does not dissolve and clogs the filter. Remove the filter, rinse with hot water, and reinstall; the error should go away.
Error code 3C, Samsung dishwasher
This error indicates a malfunction of the dishwasher water pump. Check if there is food residue in the pump; I had this happen once. I did not install the filter properly; an apricot seed got into the pump and jammed it. If there is nothing wrong with the pump visually, but it does not work, it is most likely broken and should be replaced.
Error code 3E, Samsung dishwasher
The dishwasher can be connected to both cold and hot water. If hot water is used, the washing cycle is shortened. The dishwasher is designed to operate with water temperatures up to 176°F (80 °C). If the hot water temperature in your home is higher than the above temperature, the dishwasher will generate error 3E.
Error code 4С/4E Samsung dishwasher
Error 4C appears in Samsung dishwashers if there is a problem with the water supply, such as low water pressure. Check if the water supply tap is not closed. The error appears if the tank does not fill with water 4-5 minutes after the start of the cycle. Error 4E indicates that the temperature of the water supplied to the dishwasher is not correct. The water temperature may be very low. You will see a particular error 3E if the water is very hot.
Error code 5C, SC, 5E, SE Samsung dishwasher
Error codes 5C, SC, 5E, and SE mean that the dishwasher cannot drain when the pump and filter are in good working order. This fault usually occurs when the drain pipe is clogged. To check, this is simple:
Disconnect the drain from the sewer.
Put the drain hose in a bucket.
Turn on the dishwasher.
You will see if the water drains out; if not, there is a clog in the drain pipe. I’ve had this problem with my sewer line. Sometimes, this problem occurs if you last used your dishwasher long ago. Depending on the model of the dishwasher, there may be different codes. You can identify the problem visually: the dishwasher tries to drain for 2-3 minutes, then the error appears; when you open the door, you will see water inside the dishwasher. Fix error codes 5C, SC, 5E, and SE; if it is the drain hose, you can stretch it and thus clear the clog. It is corrugated and can stretch and bend. If the problem is in the drain, clean the drain. Then, run a wash cycle with maximum temperature and detergent to flush the drain pipe.
Error code 7E Samsung dishwasher
Code 7E appears when the water wall mechanism cannot move. If the dishwasher is new, remember to remove the adhesive tape securing the mechanism during transportation. If the dishwasher has already been used, check if something has fallen to the bottom of the dishwasher. This error often occurs when the water jets cause something to fall and block the mechanism. Open the door, pull out the dish tray, and see if anything is lying on the bottom of the dishwasher.
Error code 9E Samsung dishwasher
Error 9E indicates that there is not enough water in the dishwasher to wash the dishes. This situation usually occurs if the water level sensor needs to be fixed or if the water is drained arbitrarily. Remove the dishes and start the wash cycle without loading. If this error occurs, check the following: the drain is located more than 30 cm above the floor. If the drain is low and the outlet valve in the dishwasher is broken, the water may leak into the sewer. If the error occurs again, the dishwasher must be repaired.
Error code AP Samsung dishwasher
AP error is not an error; it’s a status indication. If you set the dishwasher to WiFi connection mode to connect to the dishwasher via an app or to connect it to a smart home system, the display will show AP. If you cannot connect the dishwasher, turn the power off and on again to reset the dishwasher.
Error code bE, 6E Samsung dishwasher
This error occurs when a button is stuck. It appears when a button is pressed for more than one minute. To reset the error, disconnect the dishwasher and press all buttons individually. Unfortunately, there is no indication of which button is stuck. Pay attention to how the buttons are pressed; perhaps some button is broken. If so, you must repair the control panel and replace the entire panel or the button.
Error code CE/EC Samsung dishwasher
This error code CE/EC occurs when a button is stuck. It appears when a button is pressed for more than one minute. To reset the error, disconnect the dishwasher and press all buttons individually. Unfortunately, there is no indication of which button is stuck. Pay attention to how the buttons are pressed; perhaps some button is broken. If so, you must repair the control panel and replace the entire panel or the button.
As a rule, this error cannot be reset; turning the dishwasher off and on does not help.
Error code HC, 1E, IE Samsung dishwasher
HC (1E, IE in machines with a rotating sprayer): The temperature inside the dishwasher exceeds the normal 176 degrees Fahrenheit or 80 degrees Celsius. This error occurs if the heating element overheats the dishwasher’s water. Suppose it is not a failure that can be attempted to reset by starting the wash cycle over again. If the error appears again, the temperature sensor is faulty, which should send information to the main board that regulates the water heating according to the selected program. The dishwasher has an emergency sensor that is set to activate when the temperature is exceeded; in this case, it triggers signal overheating. It may be defective; in any case, if the error HC, 1E, IE appears constantly, it is necessary to contact a specialist to diagnose and repair the dishwasher.
Error code HE Samsung dishwasher
The code HE appears on the display when the dishwasher determines that the temperature is not correctly detected. Suppose the temperature changes abruptly or varies widely during the program run. The dishwasher detects this condition as a faulty temperature sensor (thermistor). In 90% of cases, it is defective and needs to be replaced. The possible cause is scale build-up on the sensor, preventing it from correctly detecting the temperature. Try removing the dishes, add detergent, and start the wash cycle at the maximum temperature. If this does not help, the dishwasher must be repaired.
Error code LC Samsung dishwasher
The LC code on the dishwasher display indicates the activation of the moisture sensor, which is installed in a special recess in the drip tray. If the leakage sensor is activated, the dishwasher will stop the wash cycle in emergency mode and start draining the water. It can take quite a while to drain the water, so if the dishwasher continues to drain for a long time, turn it off if it takes more than 10 minutes.
Sometimes, this error does not mean the dishwasher has a water leak. The following are the possible causes of the LC error.
- LC error may appear if you use the machine in a cold house. After turning on the heat and warming up the room, the dishwasher may remain cold; dew may appear on its internal parts, dripping into the drip tray. Allow the dishwasher to warm up; this may take up to 12 hours, depending on where it is installed.
- If the dishwasher is filled with ice water, this can also cause dew to form on the internal parts of the dishwasher and drip down into the drip tray.
- And, of course, it could be a water leak from the dishwasher tank.
Unplug the dishwasher and let it stand for some time, such as 24 hours. Then, turn the dishwasher back on and see if the error disappears. If the error persists, disassemble the dishwasher and check for leaks.
Error code LE Samsung dishwasher
Error LE appears in dishwashers with a water wall. The water wall deflector has become blocked during operation. Usually, the moving water deflector is blocked by an object, such as a knife or a long panhandle. The remedy is quite simple: check that the cookware is positioned correctly.
Error code OC, 0C, oE Samsung dishwasher
The error OC, 0C, oE appears when more water is in the dishwasher than usual. There can be many reasons for this, such as:
- A faulty sensor that monitors the tank overfilling with water.
- The pump has a broken drain mechanism; the pump itself works.
- A problem with the water drain.
- A problem with the dishwasher’s filter.
In any case, the dishwasher needs diagnosis and repair. Diagnostics can be done by yourself:
- Check and clean the filter.
- Check whether the water drains out of the dishwasher.
- Check whether the sewage system is clogged.
Error code PC Samsung dishwasher
The PC error appears in Samsung dishwashers when the wash zones are not working correctly, such as the lower or upper sprayer not working. Typically, the problem occurs in the upper spray arm, which is located on the upper dish tray. After the dishes are loaded, the tray is pushed inside the dishwasher, and the spray arm goes into the socket and is connected to the high-water pressure bar. Ensure that nothing has fallen on the spray arm, and check that the plastic at the connection between the spray arm and the high-pressure water supply is not broken.
Error code PE Samsung dishwasher
Some dishwashers have a half-load function. This is to save water and energy. When the half-load mode is selected, the upper spray arm is switched off in such dishwashers. Dishes can only be placed in the lower tray. The error occurs when the upper spray arm is switched on and only when washing half-load dishes. The possible cause is a faulty valve that cuts off the water supply to the upper spray arm. Try several wash cycles without dishes, necessarily with detergent. If the error persists, there are two options: repair the dishwasher or use complete load cycles.
Error code tE Samsung dishwasher
Temperature sensor errors: dishwashers have a built-in circuitry to check if the temperature sensor works properly. The temperature sensor check circuit performed a test and detected a mismatch in the sensor parameters. Samsung recommends running the dishwasher several times without dishes. If the error persists, the temperature sensor must be replaced.
Error code HC2, HC4 Samsung dishwasher
HC2, HC4 – heating element malfunction or overheating. Fault – the heating element has failed and is not working. Overheating is usually caused by limescale. You probably have tough water with a lot of minerals. It can also happen if you use your dishwasher without salt. The dishwasher has an ion exchange plate that softens the water, and impurities settle on it. Salt binds these impurities and cleans the plate, preventing them from forming scale.
The other errors are clear, and so and need no explanation. In dishwashers without a display, the errors are similar to those described above, e.g. blinking of the “Normal” button is an LC error, water leakage detection.
