Samsung Washer Error Codes: Complete Reference Guide

Quick Answer

Samsung washers display two-digit and three-digit error codes on the LCD panel. The most common codes are 4C (no water supply), SC/5C (drain failure), UB/UR (unbalanced load), DC (door open), and 3E (motor fault).

In my fifteen years fixing these things, I've found Samsung error codes are usually just the machine asking for a quick maintenance check. Some codes like 3E or 9C8 actually point to board failures, but most get triggered by a clogged coin trap or a kinked drain hose. Knowing the difference can save you a $300 service call.

SamsungWasher

About These Samsung Washer Error Codes

When your Samsung starts chirping and flashing letters, it's actually doing you a favor. These machines are packed with sensors that monitor everything from water frequency to drum balance. I always tell customers to look for the simplest cause first, like a heavy towel bunching up or a closed faucet, before they start worrying about the control board.

Most Common Error Codes

Clogged drain pump filter40%

Kinked or improperly routed drain hose24%

Supply valves partially closed14%

Door not fully latched12%

Unbalanced laundry load during spin10%

Symptoms You May Notice

The LCD panel shows a two or three letter code and the machine just sits there, cycle paused, not moving an inch.
Washer stops mid-cycle, usually somewhere in the spin phase, and won't advance no matter what button you press.
Machine won't start at all, just beeps three times and flashes the code right at you.
There's a grinding or buzzing sound from the bottom front right before the drain code pops up.
Water's still sitting in the drum after the cycle should've finished 20 minutes ago.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverTorx T20 screwdriverDigital multimeterChannel-lock pliersShallow drain pan or old towels for water spillageFlashlight

How to Identify Your Error Code

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clear a Samsung washer error code?

Most codes clear once the sensor detects the problem is gone, but a hard reset is the fastest way to be sure. Unplug it for sixty seconds. If you've got a front loader with a drain filter at the bottom front panel, cleaning that out often clears 5C or ND codes without any further work at all. If the code comes back after the reset, the machine's telling you something actually failed or is out of spec. Don't just keep resetting it hoping it'll disappear. That only delays the real fix and sometimes makes things worse.

Where is the error code displayed on a Samsung washer?

Look at the digital countdown timer area on the control panel. Samsung uses a segmented LED display, so some letters look like numbers if you're not paying attention. A 5 can look like an S, for example. On newer Smart Dial models, the error might show up as a full sentence on the LCD screen, but the shorthand code is what you need for accurate troubleshooting. Check the display the second the cycle pauses, because some codes clear themselves if you open the door.

What does it mean when my Samsung shows letters I don't recognize?

Samsung changed their code language around 2015. Older machines use codes like ND for No Drain, while newer ones show 5C or SC. Same fault, different label. If your display is flashing something you don't see in your manual, it's probably just the modern firmware version of a classic fault. This guide covers both old school and new firmware versions, so search for both the letter version and the number version if you're not finding it right away.

Can I run a diagnostic mode on my Samsung washer?

Yeah, and honestly you should before you touch anything else. You can usually get into the service menu by holding Temp and Delay End while turning the power on. Once the display lights up, you can test individual components like the water valves or the drain pump one at a time. This is literally how I verify a failure before I ever pick up my screwdriver. It's a powerful tool for DIYers who don't want to do a parts cannon repair where you just keep guessing and spending money on stuff that isn't broken.

My Samsung washer keeps showing the same code after I reset it. What does that mean?

That means the sensor's detecting a real mechanical or electrical failure every single time you run the machine. Don't keep resetting it hoping it'll go away. Usually when I see that pattern, it's either a drain pump that's partially seized (you can sometimes hear it humming but not spinning), a bad door latch switch, or on older machines a failing control board. Start with the cheap stuff first. A drain pump runs $35 to $50. A door latch is about $20 to $40. A control board is $150 to $200 and way more work to swap. Test before you buy anything.

Related Samsung Washer Error Codes

Code: 4CSamsung Washer 4C Error Code: No Water Supply Code: SCSamsung Washer SC Error Code: Drain Failure Code: UBSamsung Washer UB Error Code: Unbalanced Load Code: DCSamsung Washer DC Error Code: Door Not Latched Code: 3ESamsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor Fault Code: TESamsung Washer TE Error Code: Thermistor Fault Code: OESamsung Washer OE Error Code: Overflow Fault Code: SUDSamsung Washer SUD Error Code: Excessive Suds Code: 9C8Samsung Washer 9C8 Error Code: Power Frequency Fault Code: AC6Samsung Washer AC6 Error Code: Motor Communication Fault

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Samsung shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3C2 Error Code: Motor Stall Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 4E Error Code: Water Supply Fault (Top Load)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 5C Error Code: Drain Error (Older Display)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8C Error Code: Vibration Sensor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8E Error Code: Motor Frequency Sensor Fault

Models Known to Experience HUB Errors

This repair applies to most Samsung washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WF45R6100AW, WF45T6000AW, WF45R6300AW, WF50R8500AV, WF45H5200AW, WA54R7200AW, WA50R5400AW, WA45T3400AW

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026