What do the Samsung Dishwasher error codes mean?
All Samsung dishwasher error codes explained with step-by-step fixes. Covers all models including 5C, 4C, HE, LC, OC, 7E, tE, and more.
- 1E — Water Level Sensor / Clogged Filter
- 3C — Wash Pump Motor Error
- 4C — Water Supply Error
- 5C — Drain Error
- 7E — WaterWall Reflector Error
- HE — Heater Error
Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes — Quick Reference#
| Code | Meaning | Severity | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1E(IE) | Water Level Sensor / Clogged Filter | medium | DIY OK |
| 3C(3E) | Wash Pump Motor Error | high | Pro Only |
| 4C(4E) | Water Supply Error | medium | DIY OK |
| 5C(5E) | Drain Error | medium | DIY OK |
| 7E | WaterWall Reflector Error | medium | Pro Only |
| HE(HC) | Heater Error | high | Pro Only |
| LC(LE) | Leak / Water in Base | high | Pro Only |
| OC(OE) | Overflow Error | high | Pro Only |
| tE | Temperature Sensor Error | medium | Pro Only |
| PE | Half Load / Drain Position Error | low | DIY OK |
| AE | Internal Communication Error | high | Pro Only |
| bE | Button Stuck / Panel Error | medium | DIY OK |
| oE | Over-level Water Error | high | Pro Only |
| cI | Rinse Aid Empty | low | DIY OK |
| AP | Wi-Fi Access Point Error | low | DIY OK |
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1E — Water Level Sensor / Clogged Filter#
Common Causes
- Clogged dishwasher filter(common) — Food debris accumulates in the fine mesh filter at the bottom of the tub, blocking water flow to the sensor.
- Water level sensor failure(occasional) — The pressure-based water level sensor sends incorrect readings to the control board.
DIY Fix
Warning
Check for broken glass before reaching into the sump area.
- Remove the bottom rack to access the filter assembly at the base of the tub.
- Turn the filter cover counterclockwise and lift out the mesh filter.
- Rinse the filter under running water, using a soft brush to remove stuck debris.
- Inspect the sump area under the filter for glass or hard debris.
- Reinstall the filter and run a test cycle.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$120-200
Repair Time
30-45 minutes
If cleaning the filter does not resolve the code, the water level sensor may need replacement.
3C — Wash Pump Motor Error#
Common Causes
- Wash pump motor failure(common) — The main circulation pump motor burns out or seizes, preventing water circulation.
- Impeller jam(occasional) — A piece of glass, bone, or hard food jams the pump impeller.
- Motor wiring issue(occasional) — The connector at the pump motor loosens from vibration.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$200-350
Repair Time
60-90 minutes
The wash pump is under the dishwasher tub and requires tipping or removing the unit from the cabinet. In our Sacramento service calls, foreign object jam is the cause 30% of the time.
4C — Water Supply Error#
Common Causes
- Water supply valve closed(common) — The hot water supply valve under the sink is not fully open.
- Clogged inlet screen(common) — The mesh screen at the water inlet valve is blocked by sediment.
- Kinked supply line(occasional) — The braided supply line under the sink is kinked or compressed.
- Inlet valve failure(rare) — The solenoid-operated water inlet valve fails to open.
DIY Fix
Warning
Place a towel under the connection point before disconnecting.
- Open the cabinet under the sink and verify the dishwasher supply valve is fully open.
- Turn off the supply valve and disconnect the supply line from the dishwasher inlet.
- Clean the inlet screen with a toothbrush and vinegar.
- Check the supply line for kinks.
- Reconnect and turn on water, checking for leaks.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$130-220
Repair Time
30-45 minutes
If supply line and valve are clear but the dishwasher will not fill, the inlet valve needs replacement.
Samsung Repair Tools Required
DIY tool investment: $0+ just for basics. Our technician arrives with $15,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
5C — Drain Error#
Common Causes
- Clogged filter(common) — Food particles clogging the fine mesh filter restrict water flow to the drain pump.
- Kinked drain hose(common) — The corrugated drain hose behind the dishwasher or under the sink is kinked.
- Garbage disposal knockout plug(occasional) — On new disposals, the knockout plug was not removed before connecting the dishwasher drain.
- Drain pump failure(rare) — The drain pump motor burns out or an object jams the impeller.
DIY Fix
Warning
If water is standing in the bottom, scoop it out before servicing.
- Clean the dishwasher filter (bottom of tub, twist counterclockwise to remove).
- Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks or blockages.
- If connected to a garbage disposal, run the disposal to clear any blockage.
- If the disposal was recently installed, check that the knockout plug was removed.
- Run a rinse cycle to test.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$150-250
Repair Time
30-60 minutes
If filter cleaning and hose checks do not resolve the drain error, the drain pump may need replacement. Based on our Bay Area service data, the garbage disposal knockout plug is the culprit in 20% of new installation drain issues.
7E — WaterWall Reflector Error#
Common Causes
- Reflector mechanism jammed(common) — The WaterWall reflector panel at the bottom of the tub is stuck due to food debris or a detached dish rack item.
- Reflector motor failure(occasional) — The motor that drives the reflector panel back and forth fails.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$180-300
Repair Time
45-60 minutes
WaterWall is unique to Samsung dishwashers. The reflector mechanism is under the tub and requires removing the dishwasher from the cabinet.
HE — Heater Error#
Common Causes
- Heating element failure(common) — The sump-mounted heater burns out, preventing water from reaching target wash temperature.
- Thermostat failure(occasional) — The thermostat that monitors water temperature fails open, cutting power to the heater.
- Wiring issue(rare) — A wire connector at the heater loosens from thermal cycling.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$180-300
Repair Time
45-60 minutes
The heater is under the dishwasher tub. Replacement requires removing the unit from the cabinet and disconnecting the sump assembly.
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LC — Leak / Water in Base#
Common Causes
- Door seal failure(common) — The rubber gasket around the door edge deteriorates, allowing water to seep past.
- Hose connection leak(occasional) — A hose clamp on an internal water connection loosens, dripping water into the base pan.
- Pump seal failure(occasional) — The shaft seal on the wash pump wears out, allowing water past the bearing.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$150-300
Repair Time
45-90 minutes
Leak detection requires removing the dishwasher and tipping it to drain the base pan. In our Sacramento service calls, door gasket replacement resolves LC codes 50% of the time.
OC — Overflow Error#
Common Causes
- Water inlet valve stuck open(common) — The solenoid valve fails in the open position, allowing continuous water flow.
- Water level sensor failure(occasional) — The float switch or pressure sensor does not detect rising water levels.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$150-250
Repair Time
30-45 minutes
Turn off the water supply under the sink immediately. The inlet valve must be tested and replaced.
tE — Temperature Sensor Error#
Common Causes
- Thermistor failure(common) — The NTC thermistor monitoring wash water temperature drifts out of specification.
- Wiring connection loose(occasional) — The thermistor connector loosens from vibration during wash cycles.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$120-200
Repair Time
30-45 minutes
The thermistor is in the sump area under the tub. It should read approximately 40k ohms at room temperature. Replacement requires accessing the underside.
DIY Risk: Wrong Diagnosis = Bigger Bill
Replacing the wrong part on your Dishwasher wastes money and time. A wrong diagnosis often turns a $150 repair into a $600+ problem. Our free diagnostic eliminates the guesswork.
PE — Half Load / Drain Position Error#
Common Causes
- Items blocking spray arms(common) — Tall items in the lower rack prevent the spray arm from rotating.
- Spray arm obstruction(occasional) — A utensil or dish extends through the rack and contacts the spinning arm.
DIY Fix
- Open the dishwasher and check that no items block the spray arms from rotating.
- Spin the lower and upper spray arms by hand to verify free rotation.
- Rearrange items so tall dishes do not extend above the rack rails.
- Restart the cycle.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$89-150
Repair Time
20 minutes
If the spray arm does not spin freely even with no obstruction, the center bearing may need replacement.
AE — Internal Communication Error#
Common Causes
- Main board communication failure(common) — The serial link between the main control board and display panel is disrupted.
- Ribbon cable damage(occasional) — The flat cable connecting the door-mounted display to the main board is damaged from repeated door opening.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$200-350
Repair Time
45-60 minutes
Communication errors require testing both boards and the interconnect cable. The ribbon cable through the door hinge is a known failure point.
bE — Button Stuck / Panel Error#
Common Causes
- Moisture on control panel(common) — Steam from the dishwasher during hot cycles condenses on the door panel buttons.
- Button physically stuck(occasional) — Detergent or food residue causes a button to stick.
DIY Fix
- Wipe the control panel dry with a clean cloth.
- Press each button individually to release any that are stuck.
- Power cycle the dishwasher at the circuit breaker.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$150-280
Repair Time
30-45 minutes
Persistent button errors after cleaning indicate a failed membrane overlay or UI board.
Repair vs Replace: The Math
Most Dishwasher issues are fixable at a fraction of replacement cost. Our free diagnostic tells you exactly what is wrong and gives you an honest quote — no obligation.
oE — Over-level Water Error#
Common Causes
- Inlet valve malfunction(common) — The inlet valve does not fully close, slowly filling the tub beyond normal levels.
- Float switch stuck(occasional) — The anti-overflow float at the base of the tub is stuck in the down position.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$150-250
Repair Time
30-45 minutes
Turn off water supply immediately. The inlet valve and float switch must be tested and the faulty component replaced.
cI — Rinse Aid Empty#
Common Causes
- Rinse aid dispenser empty(common) — The rinse aid reservoir is depleted and needs refilling.
DIY Fix
Warning
Do not overfill. Excess rinse aid causes excessive foaming.
- Open the rinse aid dispenser cap on the inside of the door.
- Fill with liquid rinse aid until the indicator shows full.
- Close the cap firmly.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$89
Repair Time
5 minutes
This is user maintenance, not a repair.
AP — Wi-Fi Access Point Error#
Common Causes
- Wi-Fi connection lost(common) — The dishwasher lost connection to the home Wi-Fi network.
- 5GHz network selected(occasional) — Samsung dishwashers only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
DIY Fix
- Verify the home router broadcasts on 2.4GHz.
- Move the router closer or add a Wi-Fi extender.
- Re-pair through the SmartThings app.
Professional Repair
Estimated Cost
$100-150
Repair Time
30 minutes
Wi-Fi module failure is extremely rare. This is almost always a network setup issue.
How to Enter Samsung Dishwasher Diagnostic Mode#
- Ensure the dishwasher is powered on and the door is closed.
- Press and hold Hi-Temp Wash + Delicate simultaneously for 3 seconds.
- The display shows "tSt" indicating diagnostic mode.
- The dishwasher cycles through fill, wash, drain, and heater tests.
- Press Power to exit diagnostic mode.
Samsung Smart Care: open the SmartThings app, select your dishwasher, tap Support > Smart Care.
Samsung Dishwasher Broken? Same-Day Diagnostic Available
Our certified technicians serve the Bay Area and Sacramento. Free diagnostic visit — we identify the problem, quote the repair, and fix it on the spot in most cases. No hidden fees.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Samsung Dishwasher Repair Cost Guide#
| Repair | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drain pump replacement | $30-55 | $100-150 | $130-205 |
| Wash pump motor replacement | $80-150 | $120-180 | $200-330 |
| Door gasket replacement | $25-50 | $80-120 | $105-170 |
| Control board replacement | $120-200 | $100-150 | $220-350 |
| Heater assembly replacement | $40-80 | $120-160 | $160-240 |
| Water inlet valve replacement | $25-50 | $80-120 | $105-170 |
Frequently Asked Questions#
What does Samsung dishwasher error code 5C mean?
The 5C (or 5E) code means the dishwasher cannot drain water. The most common cause is a clogged filter at the bottom of the tub. Remove the bottom rack, twist the filter cover counterclockwise, and rinse it under running water. Also check the drain hose under the sink for kinks. In our Sacramento service calls, filter cleaning resolves 5C codes about 70% of the time.
Why is my Samsung dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly?
Poor cleaning is usually caused by a clogged filter, blocked spray arms, or using too little detergent. Clean the filter weekly, check that spray arms rotate freely, and use a quality detergent tablet. Also ensure water temperature at the sink is at least 120F before starting. Based on our Bay Area repair data, hot water temperature is the overlooked factor in 40% of poor cleaning complaints.
How do I reset my Samsung dishwasher?
Press the Power button to turn off the dishwasher. Turn off the circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then turn it back on. The dishwasher should reset and clear temporary error codes. Some models have a dedicated reset by pressing and holding Start for 3 seconds.
Why does my Samsung dishwasher leak from the bottom?
The LC code indicates water in the base pan. The most common causes are a worn door gasket, a loose hose clamp inside the unit, or a cracked sump. Turn off water supply under the sink and call for service. Door gasket replacement resolves Samsung dishwasher leaks about 50% of the time.
How do I clean the Samsung dishwasher filter?
Remove the bottom dish rack. Locate the cylindrical filter at the center-bottom of the tub. Turn the filter cover counterclockwise and lift out. Separate the fine mesh filter from the coarse filter. Rinse both under running water using a soft brush. Reinstall by reversing the steps. Clean monthly for best performance.
What does Samsung dishwasher 7E error code mean?
7E is specific to Samsung WaterWall dishwashers. It means the flat reflector panel at the bottom of the tub is jammed. Check for fallen utensils or dish rack clips blocking the reflector. If the path is clear, the reflector motor may need professional replacement.
Is it worth repairing a Samsung dishwasher?
Samsung dishwashers typically last 7-10 years. If your unit is under 5 years old, most repairs are cost-effective. Drain pumps ($130-205), inlet valves ($105-170), and door gaskets ($105-170) are reasonable. Control boards ($220-350) or wash pump motors ($200-330) on units over 7 years old may not be economical.
How do I enter Samsung dishwasher diagnostic mode?
Press and hold Hi-Temp Wash + Delicate simultaneously for 3 seconds. The display shows "tSt" indicating diagnostic entry. The dishwasher cycles through fill, wash, drain, and heater tests. You can also use the SmartThings app Smart Care feature.
Samsung Repair Tools Required
DIY tool investment: $0+ just for basics. Our technician arrives with $15,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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