The short answer
On a Samsung dishwasher, a panel that will accept nothing usually comes down to water in the base pan tripping the leak float rather than anything deeper in the machine: once the float lifts, the machine latches into a protective state and runs its drain pump instead of starting a cycle. That keeps it an owner check first, not a service call. Start here: look for water in the base pan, because a Samsung latches its leak state and will keep the drain pump running until the pan is dry.
What you are seeing
- A panel that lights but will not accept a cycle
- A cycle that starts and then stops at the same point every time
- A code or a blink pattern shown as soon as the door is closed
- Not this fault: A machine that runs a full cycle but leaves the load dirty, which is a wash fault
- Not this fault: Water on the floor, which takes priority over any panel behaviour
- Body: Samsung builds this dishwasher as a stainless tub with the leak sensor in the sump and a float in the base pan, and a door sealed by side gaskets plus a separate sump-lip gasket rather than one continuous loop. That architecture decides which of these you see first.
- Also check note: If these fit better, the fault is a different one.
Likely causes, in order
- Water in the base pan tripping the leak float — Why this rank: A Samsung latches on its base-pan float and runs the drain pump continuously, which is why owners describe it as running forever rather than as a leak.
- No power at the machine — Why this rank: A Samsung is normally integrated on a switched spur under the sink, which is proven before the control.
- The user-interface board — Why this rank: An interface that has lost pads leaves a healthy machine that will accept no instruction.
- A worn door latch — Why this rank: The latch has to report closed before anything happens.
- The fault the panel is already reporting — Why this rank: Samsung shows a leak or door code before it refuses a cycle.
- Body: Ranked for a Samsung dishwasher specifically.
What to check, in order
- Body: The order follows the ranking, and the ranking follows the platform. First: listen for a drain pump running with nothing selected. It goes first because a Samsung latches on its base-pan float and runs the drain pump continuously, which is why owners describe it as running forever rather than as a leak. Second: check the breaker and any wall switch serving the cabinet. With the first check clean, this is what the Samsung platform makes next most likely. Third: press every pad and note which produce a tone or a light. Only after those three is it worth reaching for a worn door latch: it costs more to get at, and it does not explain the first three coming back clean.
Checks you can make
- Tip the machine gently back onto its rear feet and look into the base pan with a flashlight. Standing water there means the float has been tripped and explains a machine that will not start a cycle. — Tools: flashlight, towel — Time: about ten minutes
- Check the breaker for the machine and any wall switch or switched outlet that serves it, then plug a lamp into the same outlet where one is accessible. — Tools: lamp — Time: about ten minutes
- Wipe the sump lip and the lower door gasket dry, run a short cycle and stop it at the wash stage. A wet lower corner with dry sides isolates the fault to one gasket section. — Tools: paper towel — Time: about twenty minutes
- Close the door firmly and listen for a definite click, then look along the door edge to see whether the strike lines up with its catch without lifting the door. — Tools: flashlight — Time: about five minutes
- Body: Stop at the first step that would need a meter on live terminals or a sealed assembly opened.
Before you open anything
Safety
Switch the machine off at its breaker, or unplug it, before removing any panel. Unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker before removing any panel. A capacitor can hold a charge after the power is off. Work with the floor dry and stand on something dry. Water on the floor is part of the electrical hazard, not separate from it.
When to call
The line is not difficulty, it is what the next step costs and risks. Call when: the panel is confirmed dead with power proven at the outlet or the junction box
Nearest pages
What this page omits
This is generalized information: it ranks causes for the Samsung dishwasher range as one platform, not for a single model. Where a page exists for your specific model it is the more specific one and takes precedence over this. The narrower pages below cover the other presentations of this symptom.
Entries: - [Samsung Dishwasher: Door, Latch or Seal Fault](/blog/samsung-dishwasher-door-seal) - [Samsung Dishwasher: Abnormal Noise or Vibration](/blog/samsung-dishwasher-abnormal-noise) - [Samsung Dishwasher: Electrical, Fire or Gas Hazard](/blog/samsung-dishwasher-electrical-safety)
Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 12 years experience
Experienced technician with 12 years specializing in washing machine and dryer repairs across all major brands.
