Every Samsung dishwasher fault code covered — 4C, 5C, LC, HE, OE, TE and all the rest. Written by repair technician who fix these machines every week. Find your code, understand what happen, fix it yourself or know when to call for help.
📅 Updated Feb 2026⏱ 18 min read🔧 All Samsung Models✅ DIY + Pro Fixes🌍 Worldwide Codes
Honest advice from someone who fix these machines for living: Samsung dishwashers are generally very reliable machines, but when error code appear it look frightening on that display screen. I want to say first — do not panic. In my experience fixing Samsung appliances, probably 65% of all error codes I see are caused by simple things anyone can fix at home in 20 minutes. Blocked drain filter causing 5C, blocked inlet mesh causing 4C, water in base tray causing LC. Start with simplest check first. Only escalate if easy fix not working.
All Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes — Quick Reference Grid
Click any error code below to jump straight to the full explanation, causes, and step-by-step fix. I grouped codes by type so easier to understand pattern. Samsung use both letter-number system (like 4C, 5C) and also some models show slightly different code like 4E or 5E — they same error, different display style depending on model year.
Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes — Full Explanations
4C / 4E
Water Supply Error — Machine Not Filling
No water entering machine or filling too slowly
MEDIUM
4C error — or 4E on older Samsung models, they are exact same problem — is water supply fault. Machine start the cycle, try to fill with water, but either no water come in at all or it come too slowly to reach required level before timeout. Machine then stop and show 4C on display. This is one of top three most common Samsung dishwasher error codes I deal with every week.
Here is something many customer do not know: there is small mesh filter screen inside where your inlet hose connect to machine at back. Over months and years, tiny particles of rust, sand, and mineral deposit from water pipes build up in this mesh and slowly block it. One day — not enough water getting through, 4C error appear. I clean this filter and solve 4C in maybe 40% of cases I see. Very simple 10 minute job.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Water supply tap not fully open or turned off
Inlet mesh filter blocked with sediment — most common
Inlet hose kinked or crushed behind machine
Inlet solenoid valve coil failed — not opening
Mains water pressure too low (need minimum 0.5 bar)
Aquastop safety device in hose has triggered
Frozen inlet pipe in cold weather
Water meter or street supply problem
🔧 Quick Checks First
Is water tap at back or under sink fully open?
Turn on kitchen cold tap — is water pressure normal?
Look at hose at back of machine — any kink or sharp bend?
Any leaking at hose connections — could indicate problem
Check if Aquastop indicator window (if fitted) showing red
Has anything moved or pushed against back of machine recently?
🔧 STEP-BY-STEP FIX — 4C / 4E ERROR
1
Confirm water supply is on. Sounds obvious but I always check this first. Turn water tap fully anticlockwise to open completely. Sometimes someone close it for other work and forget to reopen.
2
Turn off water and disconnect inlet hose from back of machine. Have towel ready — small amount of water will come out. Look inside the inlet valve connection hole on machine — you see a small round mesh filter screen.
3
Remove and clean the mesh filter. Use small flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to pull filter out gently. Rinse under tap, use old toothbrush to clear blocked holes. If filter is very corroded or damaged, replace it — they cost very little.
4
Check hose end washer also. Inside end of inlet hose there is rubber washer. Check it is not cracked or missing — this can also affect water flow.
5
Inspect hose route when reconnecting. Make sure hose is not making sharp bends. Hose should curve gently from tap to machine without any tight kinks.
6
Test the machine. Turn water back on, start a quick cycle. Listen for water entering — you should hear it filling within 30–60 seconds of starting. If fills normally, 4C is gone.
7
If still showing 4C after all this — test inlet solenoid valve. Set multimeter to resistance. Two coils on Samsung inlet valve should each read approximately 900–1500 ohms. Open circuit (OL) reading = coil dead, replace inlet valve (£25–50).
✓ TECHNICIAN TIP When testing water pressure — disconnect inlet hose, point into bucket, turn water on for 10 seconds. A healthy supply should deliver around 2–3 liters in that time. If only drip or thin stream, your water pressure is problem and no amount of cleaning valve will fix 4C. Check with water supplier or fit pressure booster pump.
⚠ AQUASTOP NOTE Some Samsung dishwashers come with Aquastop safety hose that have automatic shutoff if leak detected. This have small indicator window on hose near machine connection — if window showing red dot or red color, Aquastop has activated. This mean machine had internal leak at some point. Find and fix leak first, then the Aquastop can be reset or hose replaced.
5C error — same as 5E on older models — is drain failure. This is without question the most common Samsung dishwasher error code I see. Water standing in bottom of machine when you open door, machine stopped mid-cycle, 5C on display. Very frustrating but I say this with complete confidence from experience — the majority of 5C errors are fixed in under 30 minutes by simple cleaning, no parts needed.
Samsung dishwasher drain filter is at bottom of tub and most customer never clean it. Samsung recommend cleaning every month but in reality most people never think about it. After six months to one year of use, filter become completely blocked with food debris, grease, and small particles. Pump cannot pull water through blocked mesh, water stays in machine, 5C code appear. Remove filter, give it proper clean under tap, problem gone.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Drain filter blocked — by far most common cause
Drain hose kinked at back of machine
Drain hose loop not high enough — siphon effect
Drain pump impeller jammed with glass or debris
Drain pump motor failed — winding open circuit
Blockage in sink waste pipe or standpipe
Drain hose connection at sink end blocked
Pump capacitor failed (older style motors)
🔧 What to Check
Is filter cleaned in last 4 weeks? If not — start here
Is there standing water in machine? How deep?
Can you hear pump working during drain attempt?
Is kitchen sink draining normally or slow?
Has anything unusual gone into machine recently — glass broken?
How old is machine — pump wear related to age
🔧 COMPLETE FIX GUIDE — 5C / 5E DRAIN ERROR
1
Remove standing water first. Use cup or small jug to scoop water out of bottom of machine. Put towels down — bottom of machine has enough water to make big mess if you not careful.
2
Clean the drain filter — this is most important step. Samsung dishwasher has three-part filter system at bottom of tub. Twist the cylindrical mesh filter anticlockwise and lift out. Also remove the flat coarse pre-filter beneath it. Take both to sink, rinse under running water, use brush to remove all food, grease, and debris. Check every part of mesh is clear.
3
Clean sump area also. With filter removed, wipe around the sump cavity at bottom of machine. Remove any food particles or debris accumulated in the corners around pump inlet. This area often overlooked but affects drainage.
4
Refit filters properly. Put flat filter back first, then insert cylindrical filter and turn clockwise until it lock. If filter not seated correctly, it will not seal properly and debris will bypass the filter and potentially damage pump.
5
Check drain hose at back of machine. Pull machine out slightly and trace drain hose from machine to sink waste connection. Confirm no sharp kinks. Also confirm hose forms a proper upward loop — minimum 40cm high — before going down into standpipe or sink waste. This loop prevent siphoning.
6
Check drain pump cavity for blockage. With filter removed, look down into pump area. Samsung drain pump has impeller inside — look for glass fragments, toothpick, grape seeds, or other small items wedged in impeller. Remove carefully with long-nose pliers — wear thick glove because glass can cut badly.
7
Run drain test cycle. On most Samsung dishwashers press and hold Start for 3 seconds to start drain-only sequence. If machine now drain successfully — 5C should clear. If pump hums but no water coming out — impeller still blocked or worn. If no pump sound at all — pump not getting power or motor dead.
8
Test pump if drain still failing. Disconnect drain hose from sink waste, put end in bucket. Start drain cycle. If water now come out strongly into bucket — problem is in sink waste pipe, not machine. If only drip or nothing — pump or machine-side hose is problem. Test pump winding resistance — approximately 200–260 ohms for Samsung drain pump. OL = pump dead.
🔧 TECHNICIAN CHECK I have simple field test I use for 5C calls: with drain hose disconnected from sink, start drain cycle. Measure water flow into bucket using stopwatch. Samsung drain pump should clear typical wash load — about 3–4 liters — in 60–90 seconds. If taking 3–4 minutes or coming out as slow drip, pump is dying even if not yet fully failed. Better to replace now than wait for it to stop completely mid-cycle.
Water in base tray — machine completely locked out
HIGH
LC error — or LE on some Samsung models — mean the leak sensor inside base of machine has detected water where it should not be. Inside every Samsung dishwasher at the very bottom there is a plastic base tray with a small float switch sitting in it. When any internal leak happen — door seal dripping, internal hose connection loosening, sump joint weeping, or spray arm fitting leaking — water collect slowly in this tray. When enough water accumulate to raise the float, machine immediately stop everything and show LC. It will not do anything at all until base is completely dry.
Important thing to understand: LC is not the problem itself — it is warning that there is a problem somewhere. The real job is finding where water is coming from. Most common source I find on Samsung machines is door seal that has become compressed and hardened over time and no longer sealing properly at bottom corners of door.
⚠️ Common Leak Sources
Door seal degraded — most common, especially at bottom corners
Door bottom seal/tray seal worn or missing
Internal spray arm water feed pipe joint loose
Sump housing O-ring seal worn out
Internal hose jubilee clip or quick-connect loose
Inlet valve body cracked (rare)
Excessive foam from wrong detergent type
Float switch in base stuck in raised position
🔧 Immediate Actions
Switch machine off — do not try to restart yet
Pull machine out from under counter completely
Tilt machine forward 45 degrees — hold for 30–45 seconds
Water will drain from small drain point in base
Remove base cover panel and mop out remaining water
Allow to dry fully — at least 2–3 hours, ideally overnight
THEN find and fix the leak before using again
🔧 FINDING AND FIXING THE LEAK — LC / LE
1
After drying base — refit machine but leave base cover off. This let you see under machine while it operating. Put plenty of paper towels around and under machine before next step.
2
Start a short hot wash cycle and observe with torch. Watch all around bottom of machine while cycle running. You looking for drips, wet spots forming, or water tracks. The leak often very small and slow — be patient and look carefully.
3
Check door seal first. During fill phase, run your hand carefully around entire door seal while door closed — if you feel any dampness at hinge areas or bottom corners, door seal is problem. Open door and inspect seal — look for hard, compressed sections, cracks, tears, or areas where seal no longer protrudes enough to make proper contact.
4
Check door bottom tray seal. Samsung dishwashers have separate rubber seal along bottom of door opening on machine side. This one get damaged often from item falling against it when loading. If torn or misaligned — replace it.
5
Check sump and internal connections. During wash cycle with pump running, look at sump area and all hose connections underneath machine. Any drip here during pressurized wash phase indicate loose connection or worn seal.
6
Fix the leak source then test. Door seal replacement cost £20–45 for Samsung models. After fitting new seal, run full cycle with base panel off and watch again to confirm dry. Only refit base cover when confident leak is fixed.
✓ DETERGENT CHECK Before assuming leak — check what detergent used in machine. Regular washing-up liquid put in dishwasher make enormous amount of foam that expand out of sump area into base tray and trigger LC even without any actual leak. Always use proper dishwasher tablets, powder, or liquid only. Never washing-up liquid, never laundry detergent.
⚠ IF LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER IN BASE If tilting machine produce more than 500ml of water — that mean leak has been happening for some time before float switch activated. Check if water has reached kitchen floor or run under adjacent units. Prolonged moisture under dishwasher can damage flooring and cabinet bases. Let everything dry thoroughly before restarting machine.
Heater running but temperature not achieved in allowed time
MEDIUM
HE error mean Samsung dishwasher is heating element or heating system has problem — water not reaching target wash temperature within allowed time. You will notice dishes coming out with food residue still on them because proper hot wash not happening. The element is trying to heat but either it is too weak from scale buildup, or element has completely failed, or thermistor giving wrong temperature information to board.
In hard water areas — UK, much of Europe, many parts of US — limescale is real enemy of heating element. Thick scale coating act like insulation and reduce heat transfer dramatically. I have seen elements completely coated in 5mm thick shell of limescale that barely heat at all. Before replacing any parts, always try proper descale treatment first.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Heavy limescale on element — poor heat transfer
Heating element winding failed — open circuit
Thermistor giving falsely high reading — board thinks already hot
Triac/relay on control board that switch element not working
Cold water inlet making element work harder in winter
Very low water level during heating — element exposed
🔧 Diagnosis Steps
Run intensive descale cycle with citric acid powder first
If HE persists — test element resistance (see below)
Check thermistor also giving correct reading
Confirm water level reaching element before heating starts
If element and thermistor both fine — suspect board
🔧 DIAGNOSING AND FIXING — HE ERROR
1
Run a proper descale cycle first. Put Samsung dishwasher descaler (or generic citric acid powder) in detergent compartment. Run hottest programme with empty machine. After cycle, check if HE gone. If yes — scale was problem and descaling sorted it.
2
If HE still showing — test heating element. Unplug machine. Access element from underneath by removing base panel, or from inside tub by removing sump cover depending on Samsung model. Disconnect both element wires. Set multimeter to resistance (Ω) and touch probes to element terminals.
3
Read element resistance. Samsung dishwasher heating elements typically show 20–45 ohms when working correctly. If reading OL (open circuit) — element is dead and needs replacing. Element cost £35–65 for Samsung models.
4
Also test element to earth. Touch one probe to element terminal and one to machine chassis (bare metal). Should show no continuity (OL). Any reading here mean element is shorted to earth — safety hazard, element must be replaced.
5
If element tests fine — check thermistor. Locate thermistor sensor near element. Test its resistance — at room temperature should be approximately 10,000–14,000 ohms (10–14kΩ). If reading very different from this — sensor is giving wrong information and needs replacing (cheap part, £10–20).
🔧 TECHNICIAN TIP Quick field test for HE: start a hot cycle and after 10 minutes open door very slightly just for 2 seconds and feel steam. On working machine you should feel quite hot steam. If only slightly warm or cool air coming out — heating is definitely not working. This confirm HE is real fault not just a sensor blip before spending time on diagnostics.
OE error is serious — machine is telling you water level has reached dangerous height inside tub and overflow sensor has triggered. Machine stop all operation to prevent water from coming out through door gap or from other places. If you see OE, turn off water supply tap immediately as precaution while you investigate.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Inlet solenoid valve stuck in open position — water keep entering
Water level pressure switch stuck reading "empty"
Control board sending continuous fill command
Pressure switch air tube completely blocked
Float sensor in tub faulty or stuck
🔧 How to Fix
Turn off water supply tap first
Power off machine
Drain excess water from tub manually if needed
Test inlet valve — stays open without power = replace valve
Check pressure switch air tube for blockage
Test water level sensor / pressure switch operation
⚠ URGENT ACTION NEEDED Do not ignore OE error and do not restart machine without finding cause. If inlet valve is stuck open and you restart — machine will fill again until water come over door seal and flood kitchen floor. Turn water tap off before any investigation. OE is one of few Samsung dishwasher errors where you should turn off water supply as very first action.
🔧 TECHNICIAN CHECK To test if inlet valve is sticking: turn off water supply, unplug machine, disconnect valve connector. Now turn water back on slowly. If water still come out from machine inlet valve fitting — valve is mechanically stuck open and definitely needs replacing. If no water when power disconnected — valve closes without power, problem is control board sending wrong command or pressure switch giving bad reading.
Water temperature sensor giving wrong or no reading
MEDIUM
TE error specifically points to thermistor — the temperature sensing component — not the heater itself (that is HE). Thermistor is small component that constantly measure water temperature during cycle and send data back to control board. When it fail or give reading outside expected range, board show TE because it cannot trust temperature control. Machine stop wash cycle as safety measure.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Thermistor sensor failed — open or short circuit
Scale coating on thermistor body affecting reading
Thermistor connector corroded or loose
Wiring to thermistor damaged or chafed
🔧 How to Fix
Locate thermistor — near heating element at bottom of tub/sump
Unplug connector and check for corrosion on pins
Clean any scale from sensor body with descaler
Test resistance with multimeter (see below)
Replace if reading outside specification
🔧 TESTING SAMSUNG THERMISTOR — TE ERROR
1
Unplug machine. Safety first — never test components with power connected.
2
Locate thermistor inside machine. Remove bottom rack, look near base of tub near heating element area. Samsung thermistor usually small cylinder shape with two wire leads, screwed or clipped into sump area.
3
Disconnect thermistor connector. Note which connector it is (photograph it with phone before disconnecting). Check connector pins for green corrosion or water damage. Clean if needed with contact cleaner.
4
Test resistance directly at sensor body. Set multimeter to resistance (Ω). Touch probes directly to two terminals of thermistor. At room temperature (around 20–25°C) a working Samsung thermistor should read approximately 10,000–14,000 ohms (10–14kΩ). This value change with temperature — higher temperature = lower resistance on NTC type sensor.
5
If reading is OL (open) or 0 ohms — thermistor is definitely faulty and need replacing. Samsung thermistor sensors are inexpensive part — typically £8–18. Check your exact model number (inside door frame sticker) when ordering.
✓ DIY FRIENDLY TE is one of simplest Samsung dishwasher errors to fix yourself. Thermistor is cheap, accessible, and straightforward to replace — usually just one screw or clip and connector plug. Even if you never done appliance repair before, replacing thermistor sensor is manageable job for careful person with basic tools.
One or more buttons on panel detected as continuously pressed
MEDIUM
BE or bE error (Samsung display this in lowercase on some models) means the control board is detecting that one or more buttons on the control panel are being continuously pressed when they should not be. Could be actual stuck button, could be moisture under control panel causing false detection, or in worst case a failed control board that misreading button state.
This one I see most often in kitchens where someone been cleaning and spray cleaner get behind control panel. Liquid dry in under-panel area and leave residue that can bridge button contacts. Also seen in houses with young children where buttons pressed repeatedly and hard until one get physically stuck.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Liquid entered control panel area — cleaning spray, condensation
Button physically stuck from food residue build-up
Button membrane damaged or torn
Control panel flex ribbon cable damage
Control board misreading button input
Intense heat from oven above warping panel and trapping buttons
🔧 How to Fix
Unplug machine — remove all power for 10 minutes
Press each button firmly several times — sometimes unstick
Clean around each button carefully with cotton bud — no liquid
If liquid entry suspected — allow to dry fully 24–48 hours unplugged
If panel damaged — replacement panel needed
On some models control panel assembly easily replaceable at home
⚠ CLEANING PRODUCTS WARNING Never spray kitchen cleaner directly at dishwasher control panel. Even products claimed waterproof can creep through gaps around buttons. Always spray cleaner onto cloth first, then wipe panel gently. This simple habit prevent many BE errors from ever happening.
🔧 TECHNICIAN CHECK To identify which button triggering BE: with machine powered on and showing BE, carefully press each button one by one with light pressure. On some Samsung models display briefly show which button number is fault when you touch area around it. If you find one button that feel different — spongy or sticky compared to others — that is likely the stuck one.
Optical sensor measuring water clarity has problem
MEDIUM
PE error on Samsung dishwasher relate to the sensor that manage half-load or auto-sensing programmes. Higher-end Samsung dishwashers have turbidity sensor — an optical sensor that shine beam of light through water and measure how dirty it is. This tell machine how long to wash and how much water to use. When this sensor fail or get dirty, machine show PE and often cannot complete auto-programme cycles.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Turbidity sensor (optical sensor) dirty or coated with film
Limescale on sensor lens reducing light transmission
Sensor failed — damaged LED or photodetector inside
Wiring to sensor loose or corroded
🔧 How to Fix
Locate turbidity sensor — usually on sump area, small black optical unit
Clean lens carefully with soft cloth and white vinegar
Do not use abrasive — scratch will permanently damage optical surface
Test if cleaning resolves PE
If PE persists — check sensor connector and wiring
Replace sensor if cleaning and connection check fail to resolve
✓ EASY HOME FIX Cleaning turbidity sensor lens is quick job and fix PE in majority of cases I see. Sensor window is about 10mm diameter — clean with cotton bud dipped in white vinegar to dissolve limescale film on optical surface. Try auto-sense programme after cleaning. If PE gone — brilliant. If still showing after cleaning, suspect sensor failure or wiring issue.
Main board not communicating with secondary module
HIGH
CE error mean main control board has lost communication with another module in machine — could be sub-board, display board, or inverter motor control depending on model. This more serious type of error and usually need proper diagnosis before spending money on parts. However — always try full power reset first because sometimes power surge or startup glitch cause CE and reset clear it completely.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Communication harness connector between boards loose
Main PCB component failure from power surge
Sub-board or display module failed
Moisture on board causing signal interference
Ribbon cable between boards cracked or damaged
🔧 What to Try
Full power reset first — off at mains for 15 minutes minimum
Check if CE clears after full reset
If repeating — inspect all board-to-board connectors for security
Look for visible damage on boards — burn marks, corrosion
Professional diagnosis usually needed for confirmed CE
⚠ BEFORE REPLACING BOARD CE on Samsung can sometimes be caused by component (like motor or pump) failing and sending wrong signal back to board, which board then interpret as communication failure. Before replacing expensive PCB, have technician verify that all connected components are testing correctly. Replacing board when fault is actually in motor or pump will waste money and not fix the machine.
Samsung WaterWall system reflector cannot move correctly
MEDIUM
7E error is specific to Samsung WaterWall dishwasher models — machines that use a moving reflector bar along bottom of tub instead of traditional rotating spray arms. The reflector bar move back and forth during wash cycle and if it cannot complete full travel in both directions, 7E error appear. Also seen on models with separate zone wash motors where actuator has problem.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Large dish, pan or utensil fallen and blocking reflector path
Position sensor for reflector giving wrong feedback
Guide rail for reflector damaged or warped
🔧 How to Fix
Open machine and check nothing has fallen into bottom
Remove all racks and inspect reflector guide path
Manually slide reflector along its full path — should move freely
Clean guide rails from food and scale buildup
If reflector moves freely and 7E persist — motor or sensor fault
Technical disassembly needed to access drive mechanism
✓ EASY CHECK FIRST Majority of 7E errors I have dealt with are caused by a tall pot, pan lid, or long utensil that fallen through the rack and blocking the reflector track. Before any technical investigation — remove all racks, look along the bottom of machine, check reflector bar slides freely from one end to other by hand. Very often the fix is just removing whatever obstruction has fallen in.
Machine detecting insufficient water during operation
MEDIUM
9E error mean machine has started cycle with water in tub but water level drop below minimum required level during operation. This different from 4C which is fill problem at start — 9E happen during cycle when water present but then become too low. Most common cause is internal water leak that drain water away during cycle, or water level sensor giving incorrect reading.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Internal hose connection leaking during wash — water escaping from system
Sump seal weeping under pump pressure
Water level pressure switch stuck or tube blocked
Siphon effect through incorrectly routed drain hose
Pressure switch calibration drifted
🔧 How to Fix
Run cycle with base panel removed — watch for internal leak during wash
Check drain hose route — confirm proper high loop to prevent siphoning
Check pressure switch air tube is clear and connected at both ends
Test pressure switch operation
If leak found — trace source and fix (seal, O-ring, or clip)
🔧 TECHNICIAN CHECK For 9E diagnosis I fill machine to normal level, then pause cycle and carefully watch water level in sump area through filter opening over 5 minutes without pump running. If level drop noticeably — there is passive leak somewhere (gravity draining). If level stays constant when pump off but drops when pump running — leak only under pressure, usually at hose connection or sump seal junction.
AE error on Samsung dishwasher indicate serious control system fault — more severe than CE in most cases. This usually point to main PCB having internal failure, or a very significant communication breakdown between major system components. This error almost always need professional diagnosis. However the mandatory first step is still full power reset — I have had AE clear permanently on power reset more than once from surge-damaged board memory.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Main PCB component failure — power surge damage common cause
Water ingress directly onto PCB
Severe communication breakdown between control modules
Inverter board failure on inverter motor models
Complete power supply section of board failing
🔧 What to Try
Full mains power off for minimum 20 minutes — board needs full discharge
Reconnect and test — if AE clears, try full cycle
If AE returns — open machine carefully and check PCB visually
Look for burnt components, corroded tracks, swollen capacitors
Specialist diagnosis or Samsung authorized service needed
⚠ COST CONSIDERATION Samsung dishwasher main PCB replacement can cost £100–220. Before authorizing this expense, get confirmed diagnosis that board is actually faulty and not a symptom of different problem. Consider machine age — if over 8 years old and board needed, sometimes more economical to replace machine rather than repair expensive PCB fault.
Machine filling with water continuously without stopping
HIGH
FE error mean Samsung dishwasher is overfilling — water entering machine and not stopping. This is related to OE but specifically points to the inlet control side of the problem. Most common cause is inlet solenoid valve getting stuck mechanically in open position. When valve stuck open, water continue entering even when board tell it to close. This can cause flooding if not dealt with quickly.
⚠ IMMEDIATE ACTION If FE showing and you can hear water still entering machine — turn off water supply tap to dishwasher immediately. Do not attempt to restart machine until inlet valve is tested and replaced if found faulty. FE is one of two Samsung errors (along with OE) where physical water supply isolation should be your very first action.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Inlet solenoid valve stuck mechanically open
Foreign particle lodged in valve seat preventing closure
Valve diaphragm damaged or perished
Water level sensor not signaling "full" to board
Control board commanding fill continuously
🔧 How to Fix
Turn off water first
Unplug machine power
Reconnect water — if still flows = valve stuck, must replace
If water stops without power — valve closes OK, check board/sensor
Test water level sensor/pressure switch for correct operation
Samsung inlet valves: £25–55, reasonably easy to replace
Problem in circuit that control and switch the heating element
HIGH
HC error point specifically to heater control circuit — the relay or solid state switch (triac) on control board that turn heater element on and off. Different from HE which is about element or temperature not being achieved, HC means the switching control itself has problem. This more specific board-level fault and usually need technician to properly diagnose.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Relay on control board failed — heater relay open circuit
Triac component shorted or open on board
Overtemperature protection on board triggered
Heater element short circuit causing board protection to activate
🔧 What to Do
Test heating element first — confirm it is not shorted to earth
If element faulty — replace element before board
If element tests fine — suspect heater relay on PCB
Component repair or board replacement needed
Do not attempt board repair unless you have electronics experience
🔧 TECHNICIAN NOTE HC is one code where sequence of diagnosis really matter. A shorted heating element can cause the heater control circuit on board to fail. If you replace board first without testing element — new board can get damaged by same shorted element. Always test element earth leakage first. Element to chassis should read OL on multimeter. Any reading here mean element must be replaced before board is fitted.
Wash zone selection system not functioning correctly
MEDIUM
PC error appear on Samsung models that have zone washing or compartment selection feature — where you can choose to wash only upper or lower basket separately. The actuator or motor that direct water to different zones has detected a problem. Similar in some ways to diverter valve errors on other brands.
⚠️ Possible Causes
Zone selector actuator motor jammed
Scale buildup in zone valve mechanism
Position feedback sensor for zone actuator failed
Wiring to actuator damaged
🔧 How to Fix
Try running full wash (not zone wash) to see if normal cycle work
Run descale cycle — scale in actuator common cause
If descale not resolve — actuator mechanism inspection needed
Test actuator motor and position sensor
Replace actuator assembly if mechanically or electrically failed
✓ PRACTICAL TIP If you getting PC error but machine otherwise working fine on full wash cycles — you can continue using machine on standard programmes while you arrange repair. PC specifically affect zone wash function. Standard full wash still work on most Samsung models even when PC code present. Machine fully usable for normal washing.
After you repair the fault — or as first troubleshooting step before investigating — you need to reset machine to clear error code from memory. Samsung dishwasher reset procedure is simple but slightly different depending on your model.
🔄 Samsung Dishwasher Reset — Complete Guide
1
Method 1 — Button Reset: Press and hold the Start/Pause button for 3–5 seconds. On some models this is combined with another button. Display should go blank or show dashes, then machine reboot. Wait 1–2 minutes before closing door and selecting new programme.
2
Method 2 — Cancel Drain Reset: Press the Cancel/Drain button (on models that have it) — machine will run drain cycle to clear any water then reset itself. This is actually preferable reset method because it also ensure any standing water is removed.
3
Method 3 — Full Power Reset: Switch off at mains socket (or circuit breaker if socket not accessible). Wait minimum 10–15 minutes — not just 30 seconds. Longer wait allow all capacitors on control board to fully discharge. Reconnect power and test.
4
After reset: Close door, select a standard wash programme, press Start. Watch first 2–3 minutes carefully. If error code return quickly — fault is still physically present and needs proper repair. Reset only clear memory, it does not fix hardware problems.
Samsung SmartThings App users: if machine connected to app, sometimes remote restart through app can also achieve reset on certain newer Samsung dishwasher models. Go to SmartThings → select your dishwasher → Device settings → Reset. This send command to machine remotely. This not work for all errors but worth trying before physically resetting at mains.
I always tell customer at end of repair: most of what I fixed today could have been prevented with regular 15-minute maintenance every month. Samsung dishwashers are good machines — they last long time when taken care of properly. Here is maintenance routine I recommend based on what I see causing failures most often:
Monthly: Clean the Filter System
Samsung drain filter is three-part system. Twist and remove cylindrical fine mesh filter, lift out the flat coarse filter beneath it. Take both to sink, rinse under running water, use soft brush to clean every part of mesh. Check filter housing at bottom of tub also — wipe clean. Refit both filters properly and make sure they click into locked position. This single action prevent majority of 5C drain errors. Takes 8 minutes.
Monthly: Run Hot Empty Cycle With Dishwasher Cleaner
Put dishwasher cleaning tablet or descaler powder in detergent compartment. Run hottest programme with completely empty machine. This clean inside of tub, dissolve grease buildup from interior surfaces, descale heating element, and flush spray arms. Massively extend the life of machine and prevent HE heating errors from scale accumulation. In hard water area do this every 3–4 weeks. Soft water area — every 6–8 weeks sufficient.
Every 3 Months: Check Door Seal Condition
Run finger along entire door seal all way around. Seal should feel flexible, slightly soft, and spring back when pressed. If any section feel hard, brittle, or compressed flat — that section is starting to fail. If you see cracks or tears in seal material — replace seal before it start leaking and causing LC errors. Door seal replacement is straightforward job, cost £20–45 for Samsung. Much better to replace seal preventively than deal with water damage from leak.
Every 3 Months: Clean Spray Arms
Remove upper and lower spray arms — Samsung models usually just twist off or unclip. Check every hole along each arm is clear. Use toothpick to poke out any blocked hole. Blocked spray arm holes reduce wash performance gradually — you notice dishes getting less clean slowly over time. Soak arms in warm white vinegar solution for 30 minutes if heavily scaled, then rinse and check holes again.
Keep Salt Topped Up (Hard Water Areas)
Dishwasher salt is not cleaning salt — it regenerate the ion exchange resin in water softener inside machine. When salt empty, hard water passes through machine without softening and scale build up everywhere. Check salt indicator before every cycle if possible. When indicator light on — refill same day not next week. Use proper coarse grain dishwasher salt only — not table salt, not sea salt, not cooking salt.
Check Rinse Aid Level
Rinse aid help water sheet off dishes during final rinse so they dry better and without spots. When rinse aid empty, dishes dry spotted and sometimes machine work harder to compensate. Most Samsung models have indicator on display when rinse aid low. Keep refilled regularly.
Use Correct Loading Technique
Overloading machine or incorrect loading cause more problems than customer realize. Items blocking spray arms — particularly tall items in lower rack — cause poor wash results and put extra strain on circulation pump. Pots and pans face down for proper drainage. Nothing sticking above rack level that would block arm rotation. Cutlery basket not overcrowded. Good loading habit extend machine life significantly.
What is 4C error on Samsung dishwasher and how to fix it?
+
4C error mean machine is not receiving water or getting water too slowly. First check water supply tap behind or under machine is fully open. Then turn off water, disconnect inlet hose from back of machine, and clean the small mesh filter screen inside the valve connection — this get clogged with sediment over time and is most common cause of 4C. Reconnect, turn water on, start cycle. If 4C still showing, check hose for kinks, verify water pressure is adequate, then test inlet valve solenoid resistance — should read approximately 900–1500 ohms. Open circuit means valve has failed and needs replacing (£25–50).
How do I fix 5C error on my Samsung dishwasher?
+
5C is drain error — most common Samsung dishwasher fault. Step one: clean the filter at bottom of machine. Remove cylindrical filter (anticlockwise), remove flat filter below it, scrub both under tap until completely clear. Step two: check drain hose at back is not kinked and forms proper upward loop before going into standpipe. Step three: with filter removed, look into pump cavity and remove any glass, bones, or debris jammed in impeller — wear gloves. Step four: run drain cycle to test. If pump makes noise but no drain — impeller may still be jammed. If pump silent — test winding resistance (should be 200–260 ohms), replace pump if open circuit.
What does LC error mean on Samsung dishwasher?
+
LC (or LE on some models) means the leak detection sensor inside base of machine has been triggered by water in the base tray. Machine lock out completely. Fix process: pull machine out from under counter, tilt it forward at 45 degrees for 30–45 seconds to drain base tray, remove base cover and mop out remaining water, let dry for 2–3 hours. Then find the leak source — start short cycle with base panel off and watch with torch where water escaping from. Most common sources are door seal degraded, internal hose connection loose, or sump seal worn. Fix leak, refit base panel, run test cycle to confirm dry.
Samsung dishwasher 4C same as 4E?
+
Yes, 4C and 4E are exactly same error code on Samsung dishwasher. Samsung changed the display notation between different model generations and different regional markets. 4E appear on older Samsung dishwasher models and some international versions. 4C is used on newer models. Both mean identical problem — water supply fault, machine not filling with water correctly. All diagnosis steps and repair procedures are exactly same for both codes.
How to reset Samsung dishwasher after error code appears?
+
Three methods to reset Samsung dishwasher. Method 1: press and hold Start/Pause button for 3–5 seconds until display resets. Method 2: press Cancel or Drain button — machine runs drain cycle then resets. Method 3: turn off at mains socket and wait 10–15 minutes before reconnecting. Important to understand: reset only clears error code from memory display. If same code returns after reset, the physical problem still exists. You need to repair the actual fault — resetting is only useful after you already fixed the problem, or to clear one-time glitch errors.
My Samsung dishwasher shows HE error — what should I check first?
+
HE error means heating problem. First thing — run intensive descale cycle using citric acid descaler powder. Heavy limescale on element reduces heating efficiency and cause HE on many machines, especially in hard water areas. If descaling does not fix HE — test heating element resistance. Disconnect element wires (access from under machine after removing base panel), set multimeter to Ω, test between two element terminals. Should read 20–45 ohms. Open circuit (OL) means element is dead and needs replacement. Also test element to machine chassis — any reading here means element shorted to earth, safety hazard, must replace immediately. Element cost £35–65 for Samsung models.
What cause Samsung dishwasher to keep showing 5C error even after cleaning filter?
+
If 5C come back after filter cleaning, check these things in order: one — confirm filter is properly cleaned and correctly refitted (must click locked, not just dropped in place). Two — check drain hose loop height at back — hose must form a loop at least 40cm from floor before going into standpipe, otherwise siphoning pull water back from sink into machine causing false low water then drain error. Three — disconnect drain hose from sink and put end in bucket, run drain cycle — if water come out strongly into bucket then problem is in sink waste pipe not in machine. Four — if pump humming but no water moving — impeller jammed, clear debris from pump cavity wearing gloves. Five — test pump winding resistance and replace if open circuit reading.
Is Samsung dishwasher worth repairing when showing error codes?
+
In my experience — yes, almost always if machine is under 10 years old. Samsung dishwashers are well-built and most error codes point to individual component failure not whole machine breakdown. 5C drain error — filter cleaning or pump replacement £40–70. 4C fill error — mesh filter clean or valve replacement £30–55. LC leak error — door seal replacement £20–45. TE thermistor error — sensor replacement £10–20. HE heating error — element replacement £40–70. All these repairs are fraction of cost of new machine which start at £400–500. Only AE, CE, or HC type errors pointing to PCB failure might make repair less economical on older machine — even then get proper quote first before deciding.
What is 7E error on Samsung dishwasher?
+
7E error is specific to Samsung WaterWall dishwasher models — machines that use a sliding reflector bar instead of rotating spray arms. The reflector bar travels back and forth along bottom of machine during wash, and 7E means it cannot complete its full path of travel. Most common cause — and this fix majority of 7E errors very simply — is a plate, pot lid, or long utensil that has fallen from rack onto the reflector guide track and blocking it. Remove all racks, look along bottom of machine, check reflector slides freely end to end. If blocked — remove obstruction, restart machine. If reflector moves freely but 7E continues — drive motor or position sensor has failed and technical repair needed.
Still Getting Samsung Error Codes?
If you worked through this guide and machine is still showing error — it might need hands-on professional diagnosis. Our technicians specialize in Samsung dishwasher repair and carry most common Samsung parts in stock.
Post a Comment