Samsung dishwasher error codes: the complete guide
An error code on a Samsung dishwasher identifies the system that struggled: water, drain, heating, leaks or electronics. This guide explains each code simply, with safe checks and when you need a technician.
Samsung dishwashers usually show codes ending in C, such as 4C, 5C and LC; some models or displays show E instead (4E, 5E, LE). The meaning is similar either way.
Search for your code or pick it from the list. Remember a code points to a system, not necessarily a broken part — 5C, for example, is usually a clogged filter.
This is a first guide based on code families common to Samsung dishwashers. Some meanings vary by model — send us your model to confirm.
We couldn’t find that code. Send us a photo of the display and the model on WhatsApp.
4C
Samsung dishwasher code 4C: Water supply problem
May also appear as: 4E · 4C1 · 4E1
Meaning
The dishwasher didn’t receive the required amount of water within the set time, or water is entering very slowly.
Likely causes
Tap closed or low water pressure
Blocked inlet filter or kinked hose
Failed water inlet valve
Leak-sensor float raised, blocking filling
Safe checks for users
Make sure the dishwasher tap is fully open and the house has water
Unplug and check the inlet hose behind the dishwasher
Close the tap and clean the mesh filter at the hose connection
Related parts:Water inlet valveInlet mesh filterLeak sensor (float)
When do you need a technician?
Pressure is good, the hose is fine, and the code keeps returning
You hear the valve hum but no water enters
It appears together with LC or after a leak
Model-specific note: Some models show 4E instead of 4C, and sub-codes may identify the exact issue.
Does a dishwasher need strong water pressure?
It needs a minimum pressure to fill in time. In tank-fed homes pressure can be low on upper floors or when the tank level drops.
5C
Samsung dishwasher code 5C: Drain problem
May also appear as: 5E · 5C1
Meaning
The dishwasher couldn’t drain in the expected time, so water remains in the bottom.
Likely causes
Bottom filter clogged with food debris
Kinked drain hose or blocked sink connection
Object stuck in the drain pump (glass, bone, cap)
Failed drain pump
Safe checks for users
Unplug, remove the filter from the tub floor and rinse it
Check the drain hose behind the dishwasher and under the sink
Make sure the sink drain itself isn’t backing up
Related parts:Dishwasher filterDrain pumpDrain hose
When do you need a technician?
The filter is clean, the hose is fine, and water remains
You hear the pump hum without draining, or hear nothing
You found broken glass in the sump
Model-specific note: Some models show 5E instead of 5C.
Is a little water in the bottom normal?
Yes — a very small amount around the filter is normal to keep seals moist. Water clearly covering the floor indicates a drain problem.
HE
Samsung dishwasher code HE: Heating error
May also appear as: HC · HE1 · HC1
Meaning
Water doesn’t reach the required temperature in time, or the temperature rises abnormally.
Likely causes
Failed heating element
Temperature sensor fault
Heating circuit issue on the board
Poor water circulation around the heater due to a clogged filter
Safe checks for users
Clean the bottom filter
Run a normal programme and carefully open the door near the end — warm steam should come out
Notice whether the breaker trips during heating
Related parts:Heating elementTemperature sensorMain control board
When do you need a technician?
Dishes come out cold and wet on every programme
The breaker trips when heating starts
The code returns after a restart
Model-specific note: The meaning of HC can vary by model (overheating or a temperature-control fault).
Can I use the dishwasher with a heating error?
Some programmes may run but cleaning and drying will suffer; if the breaker trips, stop using it until checked.
tE
Samsung dishwasher code tE: Temperature sensor error
May also appear as: tC · tE1 · tC1
Meaning
The temperature sensor reading is implausible, so the dishwasher can’t control heating.
Likely causes
Failed temperature sensor
Loose or oxidised connector
Moisture or a leak reaching the wiring
Safe checks for users
Unplug the dishwasher for 10 minutes, then restart
Related parts:Temperature sensorWiring & connectorsMain control board
When do you need a technician?
The code returns after a restart
It comes with heating or drying problems
Model-specific note: Sub-codes vary by model.
What’s the difference between tE and HE on a dishwasher?
tE concerns the sensor reading itself; HE concerns the heating result. They are often checked together because each affects the other.
LC
Samsung dishwasher code LC: Leak detected
May also appear as: LE · LC1 · LE1
Meaning
The leak sensor in the base detected water, so the dishwasher stopped filling and may run the drain pump continuously.
Likely causes
Hand dish-washing liquid used instead of dishwasher detergent (heavy foam)
Leak from the door seal or edges
Leak from the inlet-valve connection or an internal hose
Leak from the pump seal
Safe checks for users
Unplug and close the tap
Check whether someone used hand dish-washing liquid
Dry the floor around the dishwasher and watch for the source
Related parts:Leak sensor (float)Door gasketCirculation (wash) pumpWater inlet valve
When do you need a technician?
The code returns after the base has dried
You see water under the dishwasher
It drains continuously and won’t start
Model-specific note: After a leak the base must dry completely before the code clears, which can take a while.
Why does the dishwasher keep draining with LC?
It is protective: on detecting a leak it runs the drain pump to prevent flooding and blocks filling until the cause is gone.
OC
Samsung dishwasher code OC: Overfill
May also appear as: OE · OF · 0C
Meaning
The water level inside the dishwasher is above the allowed limit.
Likely causes
Inlet valve not closing fully
Excess foam causing a false reading
Level sensor or board fault
Safe checks for users
Close the tap and unplug if water keeps entering
Make sure only dishwasher detergent is used
Related parts:Water inlet valveMain control board
When do you need a technician?
Water enters while the dishwasher is off
The code repeats every cycle
Model-specific note: Water entering while off usually points to the inlet valve.
Can a dishwasher overflow?
Dishwashers normally have overflow protection, but a faulty valve can still cause leaks — keep the tap closed until checked.
3C
Samsung dishwasher code 3C: Wash pump error
May also appear as: 3E · 3C1 · 3E1
Meaning
The circulation (wash) pump isn’t working properly, so water isn’t sprayed with enough force.
Likely causes
Foreign object blocking the pump impeller
Clogged filter starving the pump
Failed pump or connectors
Pump control-circuit fault
Safe checks for users
Unplug, clean the filter and look for small objects in the sump
Restart after 10 minutes
Related parts:Circulation (wash) pumpWiring & connectorsMain control board
When do you need a technician?
You hear humming but no spraying
Dishes come out completely dirty
The code repeats
Model-specific note: Sub-numbers vary by model.
How do I know the wash pump isn’t working?
In a normal cycle you clearly hear water spraying the dishes. If it fills and you hear only a hum without spraying, the pump or something blocking it is the problem.
PC
Samsung dishwasher code PC: Water distributor error
May also appear as: PE · PC1
Meaning
On some models, indicates a fault in the distributor that routes water between spray arms or wash zones.
Likely causes
Mechanical obstruction in the distributor
Failed distributor motor or position sensor
Wiring issue
Safe checks for users
Make sure large items aren’t blocking spray arms or floor spray parts
Restart after unplugging
Related parts:Water distributorSpray armsMain control board
When do you need a technician?
The code returns after restarting
One part of the load is always dirty
Model-specific note: Not present on every model; linked to models with directed spray systems.
Why doesn’t one side of my dishwasher clean?
It may be items blocking the spray, a clogged spray arm, or a distributor fault on models that have one.
bE
Samsung dishwasher code bE: Stuck button
May also appear as: bC · bE1 · bC1
Meaning
The dishwasher detects a button held down continuously.
Likely causes
Button stuck by dirt or moisture
Steam reaching the panel after opening the door mid-cycle
Faulty button board
Safe checks for users
Press the buttons gently and make sure they spring back
Dry the panel and restart after unplugging
Related parts:Display & button boardWiring & connectors
When do you need a technician?
The code returns after drying and restarting
Buttons don’t respond
Model-specific note: On built-in models the buttons are on the door’s top edge and see more steam.
Does steam harm the dishwasher’s button panel?
Opening the door often mid-cycle exposes the panel to steam. It is usually designed for this, but repetition can contribute to button faults.
AE
Samsung dishwasher code AE: Communication error between boards
May also appear as: AC · AE1
Meaning
Communication between the display board and the main board is interrupted.
Likely causes
Loose connector or damaged wire
Supply fluctuations
Moisture reaching a board
Fault on one of the boards
Safe checks for users
Unplug for 10 minutes, then restart
Plug directly into an earthed socket without extensions
Related parts:Main control boardDisplay & button boardWiring & connectors
When do you need a technician?
The code returns after a restart
The display flickers or goes off
Model-specific note: Needs electronic diagnosis if it persists.
Can a power cut cause AE?
It can make it appear temporarily. If it clears after a restart there is usually no problem; if it repeats, it needs checking.
Frequently asked questions
Samsung dishwasher error code FAQ
How do I reset a Samsung dishwasher after a code?
After fixing the cause, unplug for 10 minutes and restart. Some models also let you cancel the programme by holding Start.
What’s the difference between 5C and 5E?
Essentially the same (a drain problem); the difference is how the model displays it.
Why does LC appear when there’s no water on the floor?
Water first collects in the base pan inside the dishwasher, where the leak sensor is, before it reaches the floor.
My code isn’t listed — what should I do?
Photograph the display and model label and send them on WhatsApp to 0782540147; we’ll help interpret it.
Need a Samsung repair technician?
Send us the model, the error code and a description of the fault — or book a technician visit in Amman, Zarqa, Salt, Madaba or Sahab.