Samsung Washer Error Codes Explained: 4C and More

The most common Samsung washer code, 4C (also shown as 4E or nF), means the washer isn't filling with water properly, and it is usually fixed by opening the supply valves fully, straightening the hoses or cleaning the inlet filters. Other frequent codes cover draining (5C, 5E, nd), the door (dC, dE, dS, dL, FL) and an unbalanced load (UE, Ub). Samsung's general rule for codes it doesn't give specific steps for is to power the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes, turn it back on and restart; if the code comes back, the washer needs service.

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Samsung washer error codes at a glance

Samsung uses several spellings for the same fault depending on the model and display, such as 4C and 4E. The meanings below come from Samsung's U.S. error code page. Check your owner's manual too, because a few codes mean different things on different models.

If your Samsung has no display, it shows faults as combinations of blinking lights instead. Samsung's error code page lists those patterns.

Before you check anything yourself

Unplug the washer before you reach into the pump filter, pull the washer out or open any panel. GE's washer manual points out that pressing the power button does not disconnect a washer from power. Also turn off both the hot and cold supply valves before you touch the hoses.

4C: not filling with water

Samsung's checks for 4C, 4E and nF are mostly about the hoses:

• Open the hot and cold supply valves all the way.
• Make sure hot goes to the hot inlet and cold to the cold inlet. Swapped hoses trigger 4C2 or 4E2.
• Straighten any kinks or tight bends behind the washer.
• Check that the drain hose goes only 6 to 8 inches into the drain pipe. Too deep and the washer can siphon water out as it fills.
• Clean the small inlet filters where the hoses attach.
• Power the washer off for one minute, then try again.

Samsung also says not to use Flood Safe hoses, and that removing the drain hose holder screw can trigger an LC or 4C error. If water pressure is normal and 4C keeps coming back, a technician checks the water inlet valve and the water level sensor. Our guide to a washer not filling with water covers the brand-neutral steps.

5C and nd: not draining

Front loaders have a pump filter behind an access panel at the bottom front. With the washer unplugged and the valves off, drain the water through the small hose into a shallow pan, unscrew the filter, clear the debris and screw it back in. Samsung recommends cleaning it at least monthly or about every 40 washes. Top loaders don't have that filter step, so check the drain hose for kinks and correct height, and leave the pump to a technician. Our Samsung washer not spinning, draining or unlocking guide has the full drain and spin checklist.

Door codes and unbalance codes

Samsung washers won't run until the door is detected as closed and locked. For any door code, check that no clothing is caught, the latch isn't damaged and the door shuts fully. On FlexWash models, 1dC4 means the small rubber button beside the latch is missing. Be careful with dC: on some models it flags an unbalanced load instead of the door.

For UE or Ub, spread the laundry evenly and restart. If it keeps happening with normal loads, Samsung points to its won't-spin steps, which end with running Calibration mode on an empty drum. Repeated unbalance can also mean worn suspension parts.

LE on Samsung is not LE on LG

Codes overlap between brands but don't mean the same thing. On a Samsung, LE or LC means water is where it shouldn't be or the level sensor is faulty, and OE means overflow. On an LG, LE is a locked motor and OE means it isn't draining. Compare with our LG washer error codes guide. For a Samsung LE, look under and around the washer for leaks, then run an empty cycle with no detergent to rule out suds. If it repeats with no suds, request service. Our guide to a washer leaking from the bottom may help.

Power, sensor and communication codes

9C1 and 9C2 point to a voltage problem. Samsung wants the washer on its own circuit with no extension cord, and installation instructions from washer makers such as Whirlpool call for a grounded three-prong outlet with no adapter. Samsung groups AC and AE under communication errors. 8C and 8E are MEMS sensor errors, and on some models 8E is a vibration sensor error. For these, and for 3C, bE, HC, tE and PE, Samsung's steps are the same: power off for 2 to 3 minutes, power on and restart. If the code returns, a technician needs to test the board, sensor, motor or wiring involved. Samsung's Smart Care feature can read a diagnostic code through its app before the visit.

When to stop DIY

Call a pro if a code returns after a power reset and the basic checks, if you see a motor, heater or communication code more than once, if water is on the floor, or if you smell burning.

What a Samsung repair might cost

Fixr puts a typical service call at $50 to $100. Its typical repair prices include a water inlet valve at $95 to $190, a door lock at $110 to $200, a water level switch at $100 to $225, a control board at $250 to $400, a drain pump at $300 to $400 and a motor at $300 to $500. See our washing machine repair cost guide and whether to repair or replace a washer.

Find a Samsung washer technician

Browse our Samsung washer repair directory, or start in a city such as Samsung washer repair in Houston or Samsung washer repair in Miami.