Samsung washing machines fault codes

Samsung washing machines show a check code in the main display when a cycle cannot continue. Older machines use codes ending in E, newer ones use the same code ending in C — 5E and 5C are one fault, not two. Samsung publish their own code table and are unusually direct about which codes are not faults at all.

Where the code shows on a Samsung

The code replaces the time remaining in the main display. Samsung warn in their own documentation that a seven-segment display makes 5 and S look alike, and 3 and E look alike, so a code you cannot find is often a code you have misread. If nothing matches, try the other reading before assuming your machine is unusual.

How to reset a Samsung

Switch off at the wall, wait a full minute, then switch back on and start a new programme. Samsung give that as the first step for most of their codes. It clears a transient reading; it does not clear a real fault, and a code that returns on the next cycle is telling you something.

Most common Samsung faults

The Samsung codes people look up most.

Every Samsung fault code

10 published codes. Filtering happens in the page — every code is in the HTML.

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Showing 10 of 10 codes

Every published Samsung fault code with its meaning and severity
Code	What it means	Severity
5E	The machine could not empty within the time it allows. On a Samsung this is the single most common code, and the filter behind the front flap is the usual answer.	Get it checked
4E	The machine asked for water and did not get enough in the time allowed. Nine times out of ten the answer is at the tap rather than inside the machine.	Get it checked
UE	The load is on one side of the drum and the machine has refused to spin. Samsung are explicit that this is not a fault — it is the machine protecting itself.	Usually simple to fix
dE	The machine cannot confirm the door is locked, so it will not start. On an AddWash there is a second hatch with its own interlock to check.	Get it checked
Sud	The machine has detected far more foam than it can spin safely. It is usually too much detergent, and it usually clears itself if you let it.	Usually simple to fix
3E	The motor is not turning as commanded. Samsung ask you to power off and retry once, and if it returns it is a repair rather than a glitch.	Get it checked
LE	The machine has lost water it should still have. Samsung label this low water level, and checking for an actual leak is part of their own advice.	Get it checked
6E	The water is not heating. Samsung do not offer a home remedy for this one — their published instruction is to contact the service centre.	Get it checked
4E1	The machine is being fed hot water when it expects cold. Almost always the fill hose is on the wrong tap, and it is a plumbing fix rather than a fault.	Usually simple to fix
8E	The machine has measured a current it did not expect and stopped. Try one power cycle, and if it returns treat it as electrical rather than mechanical.	Get it checked

Samsung models

Codes can differ between generations. Check yours.

Looking for Samsung’s own support? www.samsung.com. We are not affiliated with Samsung.