A Samsung washing machine shows an error code when it can’t finish a cycle safely. The most common are 4C or 4E (not filling with water), 5C or 5E (not draining), UE or Ub (unbalanced load), dC or dE (door not closed) and LC or LE (a leak). Sydney Appliance Service repairs Samsung front loaders, top loaders and washer dryers across Sydney and stocks genuine Samsung parts.
Samsung uses C and E versions of most codes (for example 4C and 4E), and older models may show a different letter like nF. They mean the same fault. Below is what each code means, what you can safely check yourself, and when to book a technician.
Samsung washing machine error codes and what they mean
Codes can vary by model and year. If yours isn’t listed, check Samsung Australia’s error code list or call us on (02) 9546 4444 with your model number.
| Code | What it means | What you can check | Call a technician if |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4C, 4E, nF, E1 | Not filling with water | Both taps fully on, inlet hoses not kinked, the small filter where the hose connects to the machine not blocked | Water is reaching the machine and the code stays (often the inlet valve) |
| 5C, 5E, nD, E2 | Not draining | Clean the pump filter behind the small flap at the bottom front (front loaders), check the drain hose isn’t kinked or blocked | The filter is clean and it still won’t drain (often the drain pump) |
| OC, OE, E3 | Overfilled with water | Turn off at the wall, check the drain hose isn’t sitting too low and the machine is level | It comes back after a restart (often the water level sensor or inlet valve) |
| LC, LE, LE1, 1C, E9 | Water leak or water level sensor fault | Turn off at the wall and look for water under the machine and around the door seal | There’s any water under the machine, or the code keeps returning |
| dC, dE, DC1 | Door open or door switch fault | Close the door firmly and check no clothing is caught in the seal | The door is shut properly and the code stays |
| LO, dE1, FL | Door won’t lock | Turn off at the wall for a couple of minutes, then restart | The code returns (often the door lock) |
| ddC, DC3 | Add Door open (models with an AddWash door) | Close the small add door firmly, pause before opening it next time | It won’t clear when the add door is shut |
| UE, Ub, dc, E4, Ur | Unbalanced load | Spread the load out, don’t wash one heavy item like a bath mat on its own, check the machine is level | It happens with every load (worn shock absorbers or suspension) |
| bE, 6E | Not spinning at the right speed | Check the load is balanced and the machine is on a firm, level floor | The load is fine and the code returns |
| SUd, 5Ud | Too much foam | Use less detergent, and only front loader (low suds) detergent in a front loader | It happens with the right detergent |
| 3C, 3E, 3E1 to 3E4 | Motor or motor control fault | Turn off at the wall for a few minutes, then restart | The code returns. This is an electrical fault |
| HC, HE, tE, tC2 | Heating or temperature sensor fault | Nothing safe to check at home | Always |
| 4E1, 4E2, H1, CE | Water coming in is the wrong temperature or too hot | Red hose on the hot tap, blue hose on the cold tap, both tight | The hoses are correct and the code stays |
| AC, AE, AC6, 8C | Communication fault between the control boards | Turn off at the wall for a few minutes, then restart | The code returns |
| UC, 9C1, 9C2, 9E1, 9E2, PF | Power supply problem, the voltage is too low, too high or was interrupted | Plug straight into the wall, not an extension lead or power board | It’s plugged into the wall and the code returns |
| OF, FE, FC | Fan motor fault (washer dryers) | Turn off at the wall for a few minutes, then restart | The code returns |
| PC, PC1, PE | Clutch position fault (top loaders) | Turn off at the wall for a few minutes, then restart | The code returns |
| CL | Not a fault. Child lock is on | Hold the child lock button combination shown on your control panel for 3 seconds | It won’t turn off |
What we see most on Samsung washing machines in Sydney
We went through 57 recent Samsung washing machine repair requests from our own job records: 37 front loaders, 10 washer dryer combos and 9 top loaders. Most customers came to us with a symptom, not a code.
The problems that came up most often:
- Loud banging, thumping or grinding on the spin cycle, sometimes with the machine shaking hard enough to move. Common causes are worn drum bearings, loose drum fins, or worn shock absorbers on front loaders.
- Not draining (5C). Many customers had already cleaned the pump filter and checked the hoses. When the filter is clear and it still won’t drain, it’s usually the drain pump.
- Not filling with water (4C), often partway through a cycle. When the taps and hose filters are fine, the inlet valve is the usual cause.
- Leaking from the door or underneath. A torn door seal, or the wire ring that holds the seal coming loose, came up several times.
- Stopping mid cycle, no power or tripping the power. These are electrical faults and need a technician.
We also see detergent or fabric softener not dispensing, the door staying locked after a cycle, and washer dryer combos that wash fine but don’t dry. Codes customers reported included 4C, 5C, LC, OC, SUd and AC6.
No code on the display doesn’t mean nothing is wrong. If your machine is doing any of the above, a technician can usually find the fault in one visit.
How do I reset a Samsung washing machine error code?
Turn the machine off at the wall, wait a few minutes, then turn it back on and start a new cycle. That clears a code caused by a one off glitch, like a short power drop.
If the code comes back, the machine is telling you about a real fault. Restarting it over and over won’t fix it, and with leak codes it can make the damage worse.
How do I drain a Samsung front loader that won’t drain?
Most Samsung front loaders have a small flap at the bottom front with the pump filter and a short emergency drain hose behind it. Turn the machine off at the wall, put towels and a shallow tray down, pull out the emergency hose and let the water run out in stages, then unscrew the filter slowly.
Clear out any lint, coins or hair ties and screw the filter back in firmly. If it was clean and the machine still won’t drain, the drain pump is the likely cause. We stock washing machine drain pumps and can fit one for you. For other causes that apply to any brand, see why a washing machine won’t drain.
Why is my Samsung washing machine leaking from the door?
Usually the rubber door seal is torn, or the wire ring that holds it in place has come loose. Check the seal all the way round, including underneath the fold, for splits or anything caught in it.
A damaged seal needs replacing, and it’s a fiddly job on most front loaders. We stock door seals for many Samsung models and can fit it for you. If the water is coming from underneath rather than the door, see washing machine leaking from underneath.
When should I call a technician?
Book a repair if the same code keeps coming back after a reset, if there’s any water under the machine, if you can smell burning, if it trips the power, or if the code points to the motor, heater or electronics (3C, HC, AC, UC families).
We repair Samsung washing machines across Sydney and use genuine Samsung parts. Call (02) 9546 4444 or book a service online. Our service charges are listed upfront.
Need the part instead? See genuine Samsung spare parts and our washing machine parts, or send your model number through the parts enquiry form and we’ll find the right one.
Related guides
- All appliance error code guides
- Why is my washing machine not draining?
- Why is my washing machine leaking from underneath?
- Why your washing machine does not spin
- Samsung fridge error codes
- Electrolux and Westinghouse washing machine error codes
Frequently asked questions
What does 4C mean on a Samsung washing machine?
4C (or 4E) means the machine isn’t getting enough water. Check both taps are fully on and the inlet hoses aren’t kinked or blocked, then restart. If water is reaching the machine and the code stays, the inlet valve usually needs replacing.
What does 5C mean on a Samsung washing machine?
5C (or 5E) means the machine can’t drain. Clean the pump filter at the bottom front and check the drain hose. If it still won’t drain, the drain pump is the likely cause.
Is 4C the same as 4E?
Yes. Newer Samsung machines show C codes and older ones show E codes, but they point to the same fault.
Can I keep using my Samsung washing machine with an error code?
It depends on the code. A filling or draining code is safe to leave until you can get it checked, but stop using the machine for a leak code (LC, LE) or any water on the floor.
Is it worth repairing a Samsung washing machine?
Usually yes. Most codes point to one part, like the drain pump, inlet valve, door lock or door seal, which costs far less to replace than a new machine.