Samsung Washer Not Spinning, Draining or Unlocking

A Samsung washer that won't spin is usually stuck on water it can't get rid of. A clogged pump filter on a front loader, or a drain hose that is kinked, too deep or set at the wrong height, keeps the tub from draining, and the washer won't spin until it drains. A locked door is often the same problem: front loaders keep the door locked while they sense water in the tub. If the filter, hose and Calibration mode don't fix it, the drain pump, door lock, motor or control needs a technician.

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Codes that show up with spin, drain and door problems

These meanings come from Samsung's U.S. error code page. Our full list of Samsung washer error codes covers the rest.

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 notes that the power button alone does not cut power to a washer. Turn off both the hot and cold supply valves as well. Expect water when you open a front-load filter, so have a shallow pan and towels ready.

Step 1: clean the pump filter (front load)

Samsung's first step for a washer that never spins is the pump filter, which sits behind an access panel at the bottom front of front-load models. Open the panel, pull out the small drain hose, remove its cap and drain the water into a container. Then unscrew the filter counter-clockwise, brush off lint and debris, check that the pump impeller behind it turns freely, and screw the filter back in clockwise. Samsung recommends doing this at least monthly or about every 40 washes, whichever comes first.

Samsung top loaders don't have this filter step. On a top loader, go straight to the drain hose.

Step 2: check the drain hose

Samsung's drain hose checks apply to both front and top loaders:

• Insert the hose 6 to 8 inches into the drain pipe and secure it with a zip tie.
• Don't seal the connection airtight, because that causes siphoning.
• Keep the hose between 18 and 96 inches high, or 24 to 35 inches when it drains into a sink.
• Don't use a drain hose extension kit.
• Straighten any kinks and replace a damaged hose.
• Leave the drain hose holder screw in place. Removing it can cause an LC or 4C error.

If the drain pipe backs up while the washer pumps out, the clog is in the house plumbing, not the washer. Our guide to a washer not draining covers that case.

Step 3: fix the load, level and detergent

For UE or Ub, Samsung says to spread the laundry out, close the door and restart. A single bath mat or comforter can keep the drum from reaching spin speed. Make sure the washer is level: Samsung levels front loaders by rocking the cabinet and adjusting the feet, and checks top loaders by making sure the pulsator sits centered under a shallow fill of water. Use only HE detergent, and as little as gets clothes clean, since extra suds trigger Sud and slow the cycle.

Step 4: run Calibration mode

Calibration resets weight detection and doubles as a spin test. Empty the drum completely, including stray socks. Press and hold Temp. and Delay End for 3 seconds until Cb appears (on some models you hold the buttons and then press Power), then press Start/Pause. The tub turns back and forth for 1 to 3 minutes, then shows En, End or 0 and shuts off. Samsung says to request service if the tub didn't spin during calibration.

When the door won't unlock

Samsung's steps for a locked door, in order:

1. Check child lock. On some models, especially front loaders, child lock keeps the door locked. Turn it off.
2. Make sure the cycle is over. The timer should have run out and the water drained. The lock can take a few moments to release after the door lock light goes off. If you paused the washer after water was added, wait one minute.
3. Top loaders after a power loss: allow up to 5 minutes for the lid to unlock.
4. Power reset. If the washer is off, turn it on and listen for a click as the door unlocks.
5. Front loaders with water inside: the door stays locked while water is in the tub. Drain the tub through the emergency drain hose next to the pump filter, then turn the washer off and back on. Some older front loaders have no emergency hose.

Don't force the door while the lock icon is lit. If it still won't unlock after these steps, the washer needs service: a technician tests the door lock, its wiring and the control that releases it, and checks whether a failed drain pump is leaving water in the tub.

Likely failed parts and what a technician tests

• Drain pump: a hum with no water moving points to a jam; silence points to a failed pump or no power from the control.
• Door lock or lid lock: whether it engages and releases on command, and whether the control reads it.
• Motor and speed sensing: 3C, 3E and bE send a technician to the motor, its sensor and wiring.
• Water level sensing: if the washer thinks water is still in the tub, it won't spin or unlock.
• Suspension: worn parts cause repeated unbalance stops.
• Control board: if nothing commands the drain, spin or unlock.

When to stop DIY

Call a pro if the tub doesn't spin during Calibration mode, if the drain hose holder is missing or the hose is damaged, if a motor code returns after a reset, if the door won't release after the emergency drain, or if water is on the floor. For brand-neutral detail, see our guide to a washer not spinning, and compare front-load vs top-load washer problems.

What a Samsung spin, drain or door repair costs

Fixr puts a typical service call at $50 to $100. Its typical repair prices include a door lock at $110 to $200, a lid switch at $85 to $160, shock absorbers at $150 to $300, a drain pump at $300 to $400, a control board at $250 to $400 and a motor at $300 to $500. Fixr suggests replacing the washer when a repair would cost more than half the price of a comparable new one. 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 Chicago or Samsung washer repair in Atlanta.