Quick Reference
- 4E / 4C — Not filling with water (inlet valve or supply issue)
- 5E / SE — Not draining (clogged filter or failed pump)
- UE / DC — Unbalanced load (redistribute clothes)
- OE / OC — Overfilling (inlet valve stuck open)
- LE / LC — Leak detected (inspect hoses and door seal immediately)
- Repair cost: $150–$350 | $89 diagnostic — waived with repair
Samsung washing machines are among the most popular appliances in Canadian homes, but like all modern washers they use error codes to communicate problems. Whether you have a front-load or top-load Samsung washer, this complete guide explains every error code, its likely cause, and the steps you can take to fix it — or when to call a certified technician.
Samsung Washer Error Codes — Full Table
The table below covers all Samsung front-load and top-load washer error codes. Some codes appear differently depending on your display (older models may show "E" codes while newer models use letter-number combinations).
| Error Code | Meaning | Common Cause | Fix | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4E / 4C | No water supply | Taps closed, kinked hose, clogged inlet filter | Open taps fully, straighten hose, clean inlet mesh filters | DIY |
| 5E / SE / 5C | Drain error | Clogged debris filter, kinked drain hose, failed pump | Clean debris filter, straighten drain hose, check standpipe height | DIY |
| UE / Ub | Unbalanced load | Clothes bunched on one side of drum | Redistribute load evenly; if persistent, check suspension rods | DIY |
| DC | Unbalanced (top-load) | Tangled or heavy item on one side | Open lid, rearrange items, restart spin | DIY |
| OE / OC / 0C | Overfill error | Water inlet valve stuck open, faulty pressure switch | Turn off water; if water keeps entering, inlet valve needs replacement | Pro |
| LE / LC | Leak detected | Loose hose connection, torn door seal, damaged tub | Check all hose connections and door gasket; stop use until resolved | Inspect First |
| HE / HE1 / H1 | Heating error | Failed heating element or thermistor | Run hot cycle; if water stays cold, heating element or thermistor needs replacement | Pro |
| HE2 | Steam heater error (front-load) | Steam generator or thermistor fault | Reset washer; if code returns, steam heating component needs professional service | Pro |
| bE / bC | Button stuck | Control panel button jammed or faulty | Press all buttons to free stuck key; clean panel; may need control board replacement | Inspect First |
| dE / dC / dL | Door not closed / locked | Door latch broken, door seal obstructing closure | Check for items caught in door seal; test door latch; replace latch if faulty | Inspect First |
| tE / tC | Temperature sensor error | Faulty thermistor (NTC sensor) | Reset washer; thermistor replacement required if code persists | Pro |
| CE / CC | Overcurrent error | Motor overload, foreign object in drum, motor failure | Check drum for foreign objects; if clear, motor or control board service needed | Pro |
| E2 | Drain error (older models) | Same as 5E — clogged filter or pump failure | Clean debris filter and drain hose | DIY |
| E3 | Door error (older models) | Same as dE — door not latching | Check door seal and latch | Inspect First |
| nF / nd | No fill / no drain (top-load) | Water supply or drain issue | Check supply taps and drain hose; clean filters | DIY |
| Sud / 5ud | Excess suds | Too much detergent or non-HE detergent used | Use HE detergent only; reduce amount; run Rinse+Spin with no detergent | DIY |
| Ur | Spin speed reduced (top-load) | Unbalanced load or laundry type sensor adjustment | Redistribute load; code clears automatically after auto-balance attempt | DIY |
How to Fix the Most Common Samsung Washer Error Codes
4E / 4C — Water Supply Error
This is one of the most frequent Samsung washer codes. It means the machine did not receive enough water within the fill time limit.
- Check that both the hot and cold water taps behind the washer are fully open.
- Straighten the inlet hoses — kinks will restrict flow.
- Unscrew the inlet hoses from the back of the washer and remove the small mesh filters. Rinse them under running water to remove sediment.
- Check your home's water pressure — Samsung washers require at least 50 kPa (7 psi) to fill properly.
If cleaning the filters and checking the taps does not resolve the 4E code, the water inlet valve solenoid has likely failed and needs professional replacement.
5E / SE — Drain Error
The washer started a drain cycle but could not empty the tub within the expected time.
- On front-loaders: locate the debris filter access door at the bottom front of the machine. Place a towel and shallow tray underneath, open the door, and drain the small hose. Unscrew the debris filter cap and remove any lint, coins, or foreign objects.
- Check the main drain hose at the back of the washer for kinks or blockages.
- Make sure the drain hose is inserted no more than 15 cm (6 inches) into the standpipe — too deep creates a siphon effect.
UE / Ub / DC — Unbalanced Load
These codes are triggered by the washer's balance sensor when the load is too heavy on one side to safely spin.
- Open the washer door and physically redistribute the clothes evenly around the drum.
- If washing a single heavy item (like a duvet or blanket), add a few towels to balance the load.
- Restart the spin cycle.
If the UE error appears with a visually balanced load, the suspension rods (front-load) or shock absorbers (top-load) may be worn and need replacement — a job for a certified technician.
LE / LC — Leak Detected
Check the door gasket (rubber seal) for tears or debris preventing a good seal. Check all hose connections at the back of the washer. If you can find and fix the source of the leak, dry the area thoroughly before restarting. If you cannot identify the leak, do not use the washer until a technician inspects it.
Sud / 5ud — Excess Suds
Samsung washers use sensors to detect foam levels. Too much foam prevents proper rinsing and can damage the motor bearings over time.
- Always use HE (High Efficiency) detergent — regular detergent produces far too many suds.
- Use the correct amount — typically 1 to 2 tablespoons for a normal load, less for soft water.
- Run a Rinse+Spin cycle with no added detergent to flush the drum.
HE / HE1 — Heating Error
The washer's heating element or thermistor (temperature sensor) is not functioning correctly. This is not a DIY repair on most models. The technician will test the element and NTC thermistor with a multimeter and replace whichever component has failed.
Samsung Front-Load vs Top-Load Error Codes
Most Samsung error codes apply to both front-load and top-load models, but a few are specific to one type:
- Front-load only: LE/LC (aqua-stop sensor), HE2 (steam heater), dE (door lock)
- Top-load only: DC (unbalance on top-load), nF (no fill), nd (no drain), Ur (reduced spin speed)
- Both types: 4E, 5E, UE, OE, HE, bE, tE, CE, Sud
When to Call a Certified Technician
Many Samsung washer error codes can be resolved with simple DIY steps. However, you should call a certified appliance technician when:
- The error code returns immediately after a reset
- You see the LE/LC leak error and cannot find the source
- The CE (overcurrent) or HE (heating) error appears — motor and heating element faults require proper diagnosis
- The tE thermistor error persists after a reset — incorrect temperature readings can damage clothes and the appliance
- Water is not entering or leaving the drum after checking all the DIY steps above
Frequently Asked Questions — Samsung Washer Error Codes
The 4E (or 4C) error means the washer is not receiving enough water. Check that both water supply taps are fully open, inspect the inlet hoses for kinks, and clean the mesh filters on the inlet valve. If water pressure is normal and the filters are clear, the inlet valve itself may need replacing.
UE and DC both indicate an unbalanced load. Open the washer, redistribute the clothes evenly around the drum, and restart the spin cycle. If the error persists with a balanced load, the suspension rods, shock absorbers, or hall sensor may be faulty and require professional service.
The 5E error means the washer is not draining properly. Check that the drain hose is not kinked or clogged, clean the debris filter (on front-loaders, behind the small door at the bottom front), and ensure the drain hose is not inserted too far into the standpipe. If none of these fix it, the drain pump may be faulty.
Sud means excess suds have been detected. Use only HE (High Efficiency) detergent and use less of it — typically 1 to 2 tablespoons per load. Run a Rinse+Spin cycle with no detergent to clear the suds. Do not add more detergent or fabric softener until the cycle completes.
The LE (or LC) error indicates a water leak has been detected by the aqua-stop sensor under the drum. Turn off the washer and shut off the water supply immediately. Check hose connections and the door seal for damage. If you cannot find an obvious leak, call a certified technician — water near electrical components is a safety hazard.
Yes. Turn the washer off, unplug it from the power outlet, wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. This soft reset clears many temporary error codes. If the code returns after a reset, there is an underlying fault that needs to be diagnosed and repaired.
Samsung washer repairs in the Greater Toronto Area typically cost $150–$350 depending on the fault and parts required. Nick's Appliance Repair charges an $89 diagnostic fee that is waived when you proceed with the repair, plus a $40 OFF limited-time promo on any repair.