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Samsung dishwasher error codes: what common ones mean

This table covers common Samsung dishwasher display codes and the cycle light patterns used on some models without a display. Match the code on the panel, do only the safe homeowner check listed, and stop if the code points to a hidden leak, heater, pump, sensor, or control fault.

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Reading the code

Samsung dishwasher codes appear on the front display or, on some no display models, as blinking cycle lights. Before any check, turn the dishwasher off and unplug it or switch off its breaker; after the listed check, clear a code by leaving power off for 1 to 5 minutes, then restoring power. AP is a pairing status rather than a fault; for a Wi-Fi network reset, hold Smart Control until AP appears, hold Hi-Temp Wash until it chimes, then power off.

Have the model number ready

The company will ask for it first. It's on a sticker or metal plate, usually in one of these spots:

Where the model tag usually is on a dishwasher12
  1. Open the door: on the left or right edge of the tub or door
  2. Some models: on the top edge of the door

Samsung dishwasher error codes

This list covers common digital display codes plus blinking cycle light patterns; your model manual may list other codes, and 1E or IE has different meanings on WaterWall and rotary models.

18 codes

CodeWhat it meansCheck firstUsually
4C / 4EThe control is not seeing the water pressure or water temperature it needs, and no display models may show Auto, Express 60, Normal plus Express 60, Quick, or Smart Auto blinking. Full guide →Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker, then confirm the water supply valve is open, the visible supply line is not kinked, and the hot water is not set above 149°F.Often a home check
LC / LEThe leak sensor detects moisture, so the dishwasher may run the drain pump; on WaterWall models this can also point to a blocked reflector, and no display models may show Normal blinking or Heavy blinking on models without Express 60. Full guide →Needs a technician because moisture in the leak pan or a hidden leak can require leak tracing inside the cabinet.Usually a technician
5C / 5E / SCThe dishwasher is not draining, with SE also listed on some displays; no display models may show Delicate or Quick+ blinking. Full guide →Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker, then check the sink drain or disposal for blockage and make sure the visible drain hose is not kinked.Often a home check
OC / 0C / oEThe control detects more water than expected, and no display models may show Auto plus Heavy, Heavy plus Quick, Heavy plus Smart Auto, or Heavy alone on models with Express 60. Full guide →Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker, then check the sink drain and visible drain hose for a blockage, kink, or missing high loop.Often a home check
7E / 7COn WaterWall models, the reflector cannot move because it is blocked, taped, or not seated correctly.Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker, remove the lower rack, and check for a pot handle, utensil, or packing tape blocking the WaterWall reflector.Often a home check
bE / 6EThe panel detects a stuck button, and no display models may show Auto plus Express 60, Auto plus Normal plus Express 60, Normal plus Delicate, or Normal plus Quick+ blinking.Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker, wipe moisture from the control area, then restore power and press each key once.Often a home check
HEThe dishwasher detects an incorrect temperature reading during heating, and no display models may show Heavy plus Delicate, Heavy plus Express 60, or Heavy plus Quick+ blinking for heater faults.Needs a technician because heater, temperature sensor, wiring, or control diagnosis is normally inside the machine.Usually a technician
1E / IEOn WaterWall models, water is not getting through the filter; on rotary models, the temperature inside is too hot.Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker, remove the bottom rack, and clean the fine filter; if your model is rotary or the code returns, have a technician diagnose it.Often a home check
3CThe control detected a pump operation fault.Needs a technician because pump operation diagnosis usually requires internal pump, wiring, or control checks.Usually a technician
PCThe Zone Wash function is not operating correctly.Needs a technician because the Zone Wash drive or its position detection usually needs internal diagnosis.Usually a technician
PEThe half load function is not performing correctly.Needs a technician because the half load drive or its position detection usually needs internal diagnosis.Usually a technician
tEThe temperature sensor reading is wrong; no display sensor or thermistor patterns include Normal plus Heavy, Normal plus Heavy plus Express 60, Heavy plus Delicate plus Quick, Heavy plus Delicate plus Smart Auto, Heavy plus Quick+ plus Smart Auto, and Smart Auto plus Heavy plus Delicate blinking.Needs a technician because temperature sensor and thermistor diagnosis requires internal electrical checks.Usually a technician
CEThe control panel is not communicating with the rest of the dishwasher, and no display models may show all four or more cycle lights blinking.Needs a technician because the user interface, main control, or wiring path is not communicating correctly.Usually a technician
HCThe temperature inside the dishwasher is too hot during the heater check, and no display models may show Auto plus Normal, Normal plus Quick, Normal plus Smart Auto, or Smart Auto plus Normal blinking for dishwasher too hot.Needs a technician because repeated high temperature heater errors require heater, sensor, wiring, or control diagnosis.Usually a technician
9EThe dishwasher does not have enough water, and no display models may show Normal plus Heavy plus Quick or Normal plus Heavy plus Smart Auto blinking.Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker, confirm the water supply valve is open, then run an empty Normal cycle with detergent.Often a home check
3EThe incoming water is too hot, and no display models may show Normal plus Delicate plus Quick, Normal plus Delicate plus Smart Auto, Normal plus Quick+ plus Smart Auto, or Smart Auto plus Normal plus Delicate blinking.Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker, then check that the hot water is not set above 176°F before trying another cycle.Often a home check
APThe dishwasher is in Access Point mode for mobile pairing, not a fault.Turn the dishwasher off and back on if you are not trying to pair it with a mobile device.Often a home check
No display onlyOn models without a display, Delicate plus Quick blinking means the door sensor does not detect the door as closed.Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker, then make sure the door closes squarely and nothing blocks the latch area or racks.Often a home check

Don't see your symptom?

Describe it on the phone. The company on the other end works on these every day and will know what to ask.

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Common questions about appliance repair

Should I reset a Samsung dishwasher error code first?

Do the safe check for that code first. Then turn off power for 1 to 5 minutes and restore power to clear the display.

Why does the same code keep coming back?

The control is still seeing the same problem. If it points to a leak, heater, pump, sensor, or communication fault, a technician should diagnose it.

Do older and newer Samsung dishwashers use the same codes?

Not always. Some models use blinking cycle lights instead of a display, and 1E or IE changes meaning between WaterWall and rotary models.

Is AP an error code?

No. AP means the dishwasher is waiting for mobile pairing, so turn the dishwasher off and back on if you are not pairing it.

Still showing the problem after the checks?

Call and describe what you tried. You'll be connected with an independent repair company near you.

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