Samsung Washer Error Codes: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Your Samsung washing machine displays an error code — now what? This comprehensive guide covers every Samsung washer error code, what it means, and whether you can fix it yourself or need professional help.
Most Common Samsung Washer Error Codes
UE / E4 / Ub — Unbalanced Load
What it means: The washer detected an unbalanced load during the spin cycle. Severity: Low — DIY fixable How to fix: Open the door, redistribute clothes evenly around the drum. Avoid washing a single heavy item (like a comforter) alone. Add a few towels to balance the load. Also check that the washer itself is level on the floor.
OE / E3 / OF / OC — Water Overflow
What it means: The washer detected too much water in the drum. Severity: High — may need professional repair Common causes: Faulty pressure sensor, water inlet valve stuck open, or control board issue. What to do: Unplug the washer immediately. If there's standing water, check the drain. This code usually requires professional diagnosis.
dE / Ed / dE1 / dE2 — Door Error
What it means: The door isn't properly closed or the latch has failed. Severity: Medium — try DIY first How to fix: Check for items caught in the door gasket. Push the door firmly until you hear a click. If the latch appears damaged, it will need professional replacement.
4C / 4E / nF — Water Supply Error
What it means: The washer isn't receiving water. Severity: Medium — DIY fixable How to fix: Check that both hot and cold water supply valves behind the washer are fully open. Inspect inlet hoses for kinks. Clean the inlet screens (small mesh filters where hoses connect to the washer). If water pressure is low, check if other faucets in your home also have low pressure.
5C / 5E / E2 — Drain Error
What it means: The washer can't drain water from the drum. Severity: Medium — DIY fixable How to fix: Clean the drain pump filter (located behind the small panel at the bottom front of the washer). Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs. Ensure the drain hose end is 6-8 inches into the drain pipe.
HE / H1 / HC — Water Temperature Error
What it means: Water temperature is abnormal. Severity: Medium — try DIY How to fix: Check that hot and cold water supply hoses are connected to the correct inlets (hot to hot, cold to cold). Ensure both supply valves are fully open.
3C / 3E — Motor Error
What it means: The drive motor has failed or is receiving incorrect signals. Severity: High — needs professional repair Common causes: Motor failure, drive board malfunction, wiring issue. Do not attempt to repair this yourself.
Sud / 5Ud / Sd — Excessive Suds
What it means: Too many suds detected in the drum. Severity: Low — DIY fixable How to fix: Wait for suds to dissipate (the washer may pause for up to an hour). Switch to HE (High Efficiency) detergent and use less — typically 2 tablespoons per load is enough.
tE / EC — Temperature Sensor Error
What it means: The temperature sensor (thermistor) has failed. Severity: High — needs professional repair Common causes: Thermistor failure, wiring issue between sensor and control board.
1C / 1E / LC — Water Level Sensor Error
What it means: The pressure switch that measures water level has failed. Severity: High — needs professional repair Common causes: Pressure switch failure, disconnected hose.
When to Call a Professional
Call EasyBear for same-day Samsung washer repair if:
- The error code returns after you've tried the basic fix
- You see codes 3C, LE, AE, or any code marked "high severity"
- There's water leaking from the washer
- The drum won't spin at all
- You smell burning or see sparks
For a complete reference of all Samsung error codes across all appliance types, visit our Samsung Error Codes Library.
Samsung Washer Error Code Quick Reference Table
| Code | Also Shows As | Issue | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|
| UE | E4, Ub | Unbalanced load | Yes |
| OE | E3, OF, OC | Water overflow | No |
| dE | Ed, dE1, dE2 | Door not closed | Try |
| 4C | 4E, nF | No water supply | Yes |
| 5C | 5E, E2 | Won't drain | Yes |
| HE | H1, HC | Temperature error | Try |
| 3C | 3E | Motor error | No |
| Sud | 5Ud, Sd | Too many suds | Yes |
| tE | EC | Temp sensor | No |
| 1C | 1E, LC | Water level sensor | No |
| bE | bE1, bE2 | Stuck button | Try |
| DC | dC | Door opened mid-cycle | Yes |
| AE | — | Communication error | No |
| 9C1 | 9C2 | Voltage error | Check power |
This guide covers Samsung front-load and top-load washers including popular models WF45R6100AW, WF45T6000AW, WA50R5400AW, and WF50R8500AV.
