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ErrBase

Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

All Samsung dishwasher error codes with step-by-step troubleshooting, multimeter specs, and OEM part numbers.

36 error codes

CodeMeaning
3CThe control board lost communication with the wash motor controller. The motor did not respond to commands from the main board.
highadvanced
4CThe dishwasher started a fill cycle but did not detect sufficient water flow within the expected time window.
moderatebeginner
5CDrain cycle failed. The dishwasher could not clear water from the tub within the timeout period. 5C is the older display variant of the SC drain fault.
moderatebeginner
9EThe water level sensor circuit reported an out-of-range value. The control board cannot confirm correct water level during the fill cycle.
moderateintermediate
BEEPINGSamsung dishwashers beep to communicate cycle status, error conditions, and door alerts. Unlike older dishwashers with single-tone buzzers, Samsung models use a specific number of beeps combined with a display code to signal different fault conditions. The beep count and pattern on Samsung DW80R and DW80K series is part of the fault communication system.
mediumbeginner
DIAG-MODESamsung dishwasher diagnostic mode is a built-in service test that cycles through each major component - water fill, wash pump, drain pump, heater, and dispenser - in sequence to isolate which system is causing a fault. On Samsung DW80R series and most post-2016 Samsung dishwashers, diagnostic mode is accessed by holding the Start button for 5 seconds with the door closed.
lowbeginner
DRAIN-ISSUESWater remains in the tub after the cycle completes, or the dishwasher drains slowly. May or may not be accompanied by a SC, 5C, or SE error code.
moderatebeginner
ERROR-CODESComplete reference table of every Samsung dishwasher error code with brief meanings and repair priorities.
moderatebeginner
HOW-TO-STARTStep-by-step guide to starting a Samsung dishwasher correctly, including delay start, child lock check, and troubleshooting when the machine does not begin a cycle.
lowbeginner
HUBHub page covering all Samsung dishwasher error codes with causes, fixes, and diagnostic steps.
moderatebeginner
LCWater or moisture detected in the base pan beneath the dishwasher tub. The leak sensor DD81-01399A has been activated.
criticalbeginner
LEThe wash motor has locked up, stalled, or lost communication. The control board detected the motor did not reach operating speed.
highadvanced
LEAKINGA Samsung dishwasher leaking has specific causes related to Samsung's design and component choices.
mediumintermediate
LIGHTS-FLASHIndicator lights on the control panel are flashing. The pattern and which lights flash indicate whether this is an error state, a pause state, or a control board reset condition.
moderatebeginner
NO-WATERWhen a Samsung dishwasher starts a cycle but no water enters the tub, the machine is receiving power and the control board is operating, but the water inlet valve is not opening. Samsung dishwashers display a 4C or 4E error code for water supply failures - 4C is the current code on DW80R series, while 4E was used on older Samsung models. Both codes mean the same thing: the flow sensor or tub level sensor did not register a fill within the expected time.
highintermediate
NOISECauses and Fixes
mediumintermediate
NOT-CLEANINGA Samsung dishwasher not cleaning dishes has specific causes related to Samsung's design and component choices.
mediumintermediate
NOT-DRAININGA Samsung dishwasher not draining has specific causes related to Samsung's design and component choices.
mediumintermediate
NOT-DRYINGA Samsung dishwasher not drying dishes has specific causes related to Samsung's design and component choices.
mediumintermediate
NOT-FILLING4C Error and Inlet Valve Fix
mediumintermediate
NOT-WASHINGA Samsung dishwasher that fills with water but does not wash has a circulation pump failure, a blocked WaterWall reflector arm (on Samsung WaterWall models), or a control board that is not activating the wash pump. Samsung DW80R series models use the WaterWall technology where a linear reflector moves back and forth instead of spinning spray arms - this reflector can jam on tall items or the drive mechanism can fail.
highintermediate
OCThe water level inside the tub has risen above the safe maximum. The float switch or overflow sensor triggered a shutdown.
criticalintermediate
OEWater level reached the overflow threshold. The overflow float or level sensor triggered an emergency shutdown.
criticalintermediate
PCThe pressure switch or water level pressure sensor circuit is reporting an abnormal reading. The control board cannot determine water level accurately.
moderateintermediate
RESETSoft reset, hard reset, and control board reset procedures for Samsung dishwashers.
lowbeginner
SCThe dishwasher failed to drain within the expected time. The drain pump did not clear water from the tub.
moderatebeginner
SEDrain cycle failed. SE is the older firmware equivalent of SC and 5C - all three codes indicate the same drain pump or blockage fault.
moderatebeginner
SMELLSA Samsung dishwasher smells bad has specific causes related to Samsung's design and component choices.
mediumintermediate
SOAP-DISPENSERThe detergent dispenser on Samsung dishwashers uses a bi-metal strip or wax motor actuator to spring open the dispenser door at a specific point in the wash cycle. When the dispenser fails to open, dishes come out dirty and coated in undissolved detergent residue. Samsung dispensers on the DW80R and DW80K series use a solenoid-actuated spring latch - unlike some brands that use heat alone to trip the dispenser.
mediumbeginner
STOPS-1MINA Samsung dishwasher that stops within the first 1-2 minutes of starting a cycle has failed a startup safety check. Samsung dishwashers run a series of pre-cycle checks immediately after start: door latch verification, anti-flood sensor check, and initial water fill confirmation. If any of these checks fail within the first 90 seconds, the control board stops the cycle immediately to prevent unsafe operation.
highintermediate
TROUBLESHOOTComprehensive troubleshooting guide covering the most common Samsung dishwasher problems, symptoms, and repair paths.
moderatebeginner
TURNS-ON-ITSELFA Samsung dishwasher that powers on or starts a cycle without user input has a control board relay stuck in the closed position, a touchpad membrane sending phantom key presses, or a Delay Start cycle that was inadvertently activated. On Samsung DW80R models with smart home connectivity, a scheduled cycle or app-triggered command from the SmartThings app is also a possible cause.
mediumbeginner
UNLOCKHow to deactivate Samsung dishwasher child lock (CL), which disables all buttons including Power and Start.
lowbeginner
WONT-STARTThe dishwasher powers on but will not begin a wash cycle when Start is pressed.
moderatebeginner
WONT-TURN-OFFThe dishwasher continues running, filling with water, or will not respond to the Power button to shut down.
moderatebeginner
WONT-TURN-ONThe dishwasher does not respond when the Power button is pressed. No display, no lights, no sounds.
moderatebeginner