Quick Reference
- 4E — No water fill (check tap, hose, inlet valve)
- 5E — Drain error (clean filter and check drain hose)
- 3C / 3E — Wash motor / circulation pump fault
- LC / LE — Leak detected (check door seal and hoses)
- HE — Heating element error
- Repair cost: $150–$350 | $89 diagnostic — waived with repair
Samsung dishwashers are known for their sleek design and quiet operation, but like all appliances they use error codes to communicate faults. Samsung dishwashers primarily use a numeric-letter system (1E through 9E plus letter codes like LC, HE, OC, PC, CE). This guide covers every Samsung dishwasher error code, what causes it, and exactly what to do.
Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes — Complete Table
The table below covers all Samsung dishwasher error codes for built-in models (DW series) including standard tub, tall tub, and the Samsung StormWash and WaterWall series.
| Error Code | Meaning | Common Cause | Fix | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1E / IE | Water level error (high water level sensor) | Turbidity or water level sensor fault; blocked filter | Clean filter; power-cycle reset; professional sensor service if persistent | Inspect First |
| 3C / 3E | Wash motor / circulation pump fault | Pump motor failure; foreign object blocking impeller | Power-cycle reset; professional pump motor replacement if persistent | Pro |
| 4E | Water supply error — not filling | Supply tap closed, kinked hose, clogged inlet filter, low pressure | Open tap fully; straighten hose; clean inlet mesh filter | DIY |
| 5E | Drain error — not draining | Blocked filter assembly, kinked drain hose, pump failure | Clean filter; check drain hose; verify drain height and air gap | DIY |
| 7E | WaterWall reflector error (WaterWall models only) | Debris blocking the WaterWall reflector movement | Clean the lower reflector track; remove food debris; reset dishwasher | DIY |
| 9E | Low water level detected | Insufficient water entering the tub; inlet valve partially blocked | Check water supply; clean inlet filter; professional inlet valve testing if persistent | Inspect First |
| bE / bE1 / bE2 | Button (control panel) error | Control panel button stuck or shorted | Clean control panel; press all buttons to free stuck key; professional board service if persistent | Inspect First |
| CE | Communication error | Main board to display board communication failure | Power-cycle reset; professional board or harness service if persistent | Pro |
| HE | Heating element / temperature error | Heater failure, thermistor fault, thermal fuse blown | Professional heating element or thermistor replacement required | Pro |
| LC / LE | Leak detected | Door seal damage, hose leak, sump gasket failure | Inspect door gasket and all hose connections; stop use until leak found | Inspect First |
| OC / 0C | Overflow / overfill | Float switch stuck, water inlet valve stuck open | Check float switch for debris; turn off water supply; professional valve service | Pro |
| PC | Panel communication error (some models) | Control panel wiring harness fault | Power-cycle reset; professional panel or board service if persistent | Pro |
| AP | Access Point mode (smart models) | Wi-Fi module in pairing mode | Complete SmartThings setup or turn off network connection feature | DIY |
How to Fix the Most Common Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes
5E — Drain Error
The 5E code is the most common Samsung dishwasher service call. It means the dishwasher tried to drain but water remained in the tub. In most cases, a blocked filter assembly is the cause — and cleaning it is a simple DIY fix.
- Remove the bottom dish rack to access the dishwasher floor.
- Turn the cylindrical filter counter-clockwise and lift it out. Remove the flat mesh filter beneath it.
- Rinse both filter components under running water, using a soft brush to remove grease and food particles. Do not use abrasive scrubbers.
- Reinsert the flat filter, then lock the cylindrical filter by pressing down and turning clockwise.
- Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks or blockages. The drain hose should connect to the sink drain or garbage disposal with the high loop or air gap intact.
- Run a short cycle to test if 5E clears.
If the filter is clean and the hose is unobstructed but 5E persists, the drain pump motor may have failed or a foreign object (broken glass, bone chip) is blocking the pump impeller — a professional repair.
4E — Water Supply Error
The dishwasher did not receive enough water during the fill phase.
- Open the cabinet below the sink and confirm the dishwasher supply tap (usually a small valve on the hot water supply line) is fully open.
- Check the supply hose from the tap to the dishwasher inlet for kinks.
- Turn off the supply tap, disconnect the hose from the dishwasher's inlet port (have a towel ready), and inspect the small mesh filter inside the inlet port for sediment. Clean with a fine brush or needle-nose pliers.
- Reconnect, turn the tap back on, and run a cycle.
If water flow from the tap is good but 4E persists, the water inlet valve solenoid has failed and needs professional replacement.
LC / LE — Leak Detected
Common sources of dishwasher leaks:
- Door seal (gasket): Inspect the rubber seal around the inside edge of the door for tears, cracks, or food debris preventing a good seal. Wipe clean — sometimes a food particle is all that is causing the leak.
- Door latch: If the door does not close firmly, water sprays out. Test latch engagement and alignment.
- Inlet or drain hose connections: Check all hose connections under the sink and at the dishwasher for drips.
- Sump gasket: If none of the above are leaking, the internal sump or pump gasket may have failed — a professional repair.
After fixing the leak, you may need to tilt the dishwasher slightly forward to drain any water that collected in the base pan before LC/LE will clear.
3C / 3E — Wash Motor Fault
The wash motor (circulation pump) pushes water through the spray arms to clean dishes. When 3C appears, the motor is either blocked or has failed.
- Power-cycle reset: turn off the circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then restore power and try a new cycle.
- Check the filter area for any large debris (broken glass, plastic pieces) that could be blocking the pump inlet.
- If 3C returns after a clean filter check and reset, the circulation pump motor has failed and needs professional replacement.
7E — WaterWall Reflector Error
The 7E code is specific to Samsung WaterWall dishwashers, which use a moving reflector bar at the bottom of the tub instead of a rotating spray arm. When the reflector cannot move freely along its track, 7E appears.
- Remove the bottom rack and check the track at the base of the tub for food debris, broken glass, or a utensil that has fallen from the rack.
- Clean the track with a damp cloth and ensure the reflector bar slides freely from side to side.
- Run a rinse cycle to test.
When to Call a Certified Technician
- 5E that does not clear after cleaning the filter — drain pump failure
- 3C or 3E — wash motor faults require professional pump motor replacement
- HE — heating element or thermistor failure needs professional testing
- LC or LE — if you cannot find the source of the leak, stop using the dishwasher and call immediately
- OC or 0C — overfill condition; turn off the water supply and call a technician
- CE or PC — control board communication faults require professional diagnosis
Frequently Asked Questions — Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes
5E on a Samsung dishwasher means a drain error — the dishwasher could not drain within the expected time. Clean the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub (remove the bottom rack, unscrew the cylindrical filter, and rinse clean), check the drain hose for kinks, and ensure the drain hose is not submerged too deep in the standpipe. If the drain pump is humming but not draining, a foreign object may be blocking the pump impeller.
4E means the dishwasher is not receiving enough water. Check that the water supply tap under the sink is fully open, inspect the inlet hose for kinks, and clean the mesh filter inside the inlet valve connection at the back of the dishwasher. Low water pressure or a faulty water inlet valve can also cause this code.
LC (or LE) means a leak has been detected by the moisture sensor in the dishwasher's base. Stop the dishwasher and check under and around it for visible water. Check the door seal (gasket) for damage and the drain hose and inlet hose connections for leaks. If you cannot find an obvious leak source, do not operate the dishwasher until a technician inspects it.
3C (or 3E) indicates a wash motor (circulation pump) fault — the pump that circulates water through the spray arms has failed or is not functioning correctly. This means dishes will not be sprayed with water during the wash cycle. A power-cycle reset may temporarily clear the code; if it returns, the circulation pump needs professional replacement.
HE indicates a heating error — the heating element or its thermistor (temperature sensor) has failed. The dishwasher may still run cycles, but water will not reach the correct temperature for effective washing and sanitizing. Professional heating element or thermistor replacement is required.
Press and hold the Start button for 3–5 seconds to cancel the current cycle. Then open the door, wait 30 seconds, close the door, and start a new cycle. For a full power reset, turn off the circuit breaker for the dishwasher for 60 seconds, then turn it back on. If the code returns after a reset, a component has failed and needs professional service.
Samsung dishwasher repairs in the GTA typically cost $150–$350 depending on the fault and parts. Nick's Appliance Repair charges an $89 diagnostic fee waived when you proceed with the repair, plus $40 OFF any repair with our current promotion.