Quick answer
Samsung washer codes mostly point to something you can check: 4C or 4E is a water supply problem, 5C, 5E or nd is a drain problem, dC or dE is the door lock, UB or UE is an unbalanced load, Sud is too many suds, and LE, OE or OF means a leak or overflow. Turn the washer off and unplug it for a minute to reset; a code that returns points to the cause. Motor (3E) and heater (HE, tE) codes need a technician. Call (888) 217-0236 to reach an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP; the line is answered 24/7.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
Samsung washers show a two- or three-character code when they stop a cycle, and most codes point to something you can check before calling: the water supply, the drain, the door or the load. Newer models add a number (for example 4E1 or 5C), but the letters and the first digit mean the same thing.
The Common Codes
| Code | What it means | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| 4C, 4E, 4E1, 4E2 | Water supply problem: not filling | Both taps open, hoses not kinked, inlet screens clean; see washer won't fill |
| 5C, 5E, SE, nd | Drain problem: water not leaving | Drain filter (front-load, behind the small door at the bottom), drain hose kinks; see washer won't drain |
| dC, dE, dE1, dE2, LO | Door or lid not locking | Close the door or lid firmly; check for clothing caught in the seal |
| UB, UE, Ub | Unbalanced load | Spread the load out; see washer shaking |
| Sd, Sud, SUdS | Too many suds | Use HE detergent, less of it; let the suds settle and run a rinse |
| LE, LE1, LC, OE, OF | Water leak or overflow detected | Turn the washer off; look for leaks under it; see leaking from the bottom |
| 3C, 3E, 3E1 | Motor fault | Unplug for a few minutes; if it returns, it needs a technician |
| HC, HE, tC, tE | Water heater or temperature sensor fault | Technician |
| Cd, CL | Child lock is on | Hold the child lock buttons for 3 seconds |
Reset First
For any code, turn the washer off, unplug it (or switch off the breaker) for at least one minute, then try a rinse-and-spin. A code caused by a one-off hiccup often clears. A code that comes back points to the cause in the table.
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
When the Code Means a Part
Repeated drain codes with a clean filter point to the drain pump; supply codes with good water flow point to the inlet valve; door codes that will not clear point to the door lock; motor and heater codes always need a technician. HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. See washer repair.
When to Call
Call once the reset and the checks in the table have not cleared the code. Have the code and the model number (on the sticker inside the door or lid) ready. (888) 217-0236 is answered 24/7 and connects you to an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP for washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, cooktops and freezers. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 4C mean on a Samsung washer?
A water supply problem: the washer is not filling. Check both taps are open, the hoses are not kinked and the inlet screens are clean.
What does 5C mean on a Samsung washer?
A drain problem. Clean the drain filter behind the small door at the bottom of a front-loader and check the drain hose for kinks.
How do I reset a Samsung washer error code?
Turn it off, unplug it or switch off its breaker for at least one minute, plug it back in and run a rinse and spin.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.