An error code on your Samsung dishwasher display does not mean the machine is beyond repair. In most cases, it is a precise diagnostic message telling you what the dishwasher has detected and where to check first. When you understand what the code means and follow the correct steps in the right order, many Samsung dishwasher error codes can be resolved without a service call.

This guide covers the most common error codes shown in Samsung Care troubleshooting, with step-by-step fixes for each, followed by a reference section for other codes you may encounter.

Before You Begin: One Important Rule

Always troubleshoot the cause of an error code before attempting to reset the dishwasher. If you clear the code without fixing the underlying issue, the same error will usually come back, often in the middle of the next cycle. In some cases, repeated fault conditions can also lead to additional component wear.

LE / LC Error: Leak Sensor Detected Moisture

What It Means

The LE or LC code means the dishwasher’s leak sensor has detected moisture in the base pan underneath the tub. This sensor sits in the drain tray at the bottom of the machine and can trigger from even a small amount of water. When this happens, the dishwasher often turns on its drain pump automatically and may appear stuck in a continuous drain loop.

That behavior is normal. The dishwasher is trying to protect itself from an actual leak or overflow condition.

Step-by-Step Fix for LE / LC Error

1. Turn off the dishwasher at the circuit breaker. Do not rely only on the power button.

2. Remove the bottom kick plate and inspect the base tray for standing water. Dry any visible water with towels or a sponge.

3. Check the water supply hose connection at both the dishwasher and the household shutoff valve for slow drips or looseness.

4. Inspect the drain hose along its full length for cracks, holes, or loose fittings.

5. Inspect the door gasket by running your fingers around the full perimeter. Press it back into place if it has shifted. Replace it if cracked or torn.

6. Check whether the wrong detergent or too much rinse aid has created excessive foam. Overflowing foam can trigger the leak sensor.

7. Clean any detergent residue around the dispenser and make sure the dispenser closes completely.

8. Allow the base tray to dry completely before restoring power. The sensor will not clear until it is dry.

9. Run a short test cycle and watch for any new water entering the base tray.

If the code returns after the tray is dry and all visible hoses and seals look good, the dishwasher may have an internal leak such as a worn pump gasket, cracked tub, or failing inlet valve.

4C / 4E Error: Water Supply Problem

What It Means

The 4C or 4E code means the dishwasher is not receiving water at the pressure or temperature it needs. Samsung uses different code labels across different models, but both codes point to the same general issue.

Step-by-Step Fix for 4C / 4E Error

1. Check the water supply valve under the sink and make sure it is fully open.

2. Inspect the water inlet hose for kinks, folds, or crushing behind the dishwasher.

3. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the hose, and clean the inlet valve filter screen if it is clogged with sediment or mineral buildup.

4. Make sure you are not using a FloodSafe or auto-shutoff hose, since Samsung warns these can cause false 4C or 4E errors.

5. Run the kitchen hot water tap for 60 to 90 seconds before starting the dishwasher so the incoming water is actually hot from the beginning of the cycle.

6. Check household water pressure. Samsung dishwashers generally need at least about 20 PSI to fill correctly.

If all of these checks pass and the error still appears, the water inlet valve may have failed electrically and may need professional replacement.

5C / SC / 5E / SE Error: Drain Problem

What It Means

The 5C, SC, 5E, and SE codes all indicate the same problem: the dishwasher cannot drain water out of the tub properly. Samsung uses different versions of the code across different model families.

Step-by-Step Fix for 5C / SC / 5E / SE Error

1. Inspect the full drain hose for kinks or internal blockages.

2. Make sure the drain hose has a high loop under the sink so wastewater cannot siphon back into the tub.

3. If the dishwasher drains through a garbage disposal, check that the disposal knockout plug was removed and that the disposal itself is not clogged.

4. Remove the bottom rack, take out the coarse and fine filters, and clean them thoroughly under warm water.

5. Shine a light into the drain pump area and look for broken glass, seeds, or other debris lodged in the impeller area.

6. If your kitchen has an air gap installed next to the sink faucet, open and clean it as well.

7. Run a short cycle or drain-only test after cleaning and hose checks.

If the drain code keeps returning after these checks, the remaining likely causes are a failed drain pump or a control issue.

OC / 0C / oE Error: Overflow Problem

What It Means

The OC, 0C, or oE code means the dishwasher has detected that the water level is higher than it should be. It stops the cycle to prevent overflow.

Additional Checks for OC Errors

• Check for excessive foam: Too much detergent or the wrong detergent can create foam that tricks the machine into thinking it is overfilled.

• Check the water inlet valve: If it sticks open, water continues entering the tub when it should have stopped.

• Check the drain path: A partially blocked drain can cause water to back up and gradually raise the level enough to trigger the overflow sensor.

1E / IE: Filter Clogged or Overheating

On Samsung WaterWall models, 1E usually means water is not passing through the fine filter properly. Clean the fine filter thoroughly and retest.

On rotary spray arm models, 1E can indicate that internal temperature has risen too high. Turn the dishwasher off at the breaker for about 30 seconds, restore power, empty the dishwasher, add fresh detergent, and run a Normal cycle. If the code returns, service is likely needed.

3C: Pump Operation Error

The 3C code means the circulation pump has failed or stalled. This pump sends wash water through the spray arms. Turn the dishwasher off and restart the cycle once. If the 3C code returns right away, the pump likely needs repair or replacement.

3E: Water Temperature Too High

The 3E code means the incoming water is too hot, often above about 176°F. Check the household water heater setting and reduce it if it is unusually high. If the water temperature is normal, the dishwasher’s internal temperature sensor may be misreading and may need service.

7E: WaterWall Reflector Error

The 7E code is specific to WaterWall models. It means the moving WaterWall reflector at the bottom of the tub cannot travel through its full path.

Open the dishwasher and look for utensils, fallen dishes, or debris blocking the reflector arm. Remove the obstruction, confirm the arm can move freely, then restart the cycle. This is one of the easiest Samsung dishwasher errors to fix at home.

9E: Low Water Level Error

The 9E code means the dishwasher is not filling to the required water level. Start by checking all of the same water supply steps used for the 4C / 4E error. If the dishwasher still reports low level, the water level sensor or inlet system may need professional inspection.

bE: Button Error

The bE code means a button on the control panel is stuck or registering as continuously pressed. Turn the dishwasher off at the breaker for 5 minutes and restore power. If the code comes back immediately, the panel likely has a failed key and the control interface may need service.

HE / HC: Heater Error

The HE or HC code means the dishwasher is not heating the water correctly. This can leave dishes wet or poorly sanitized. A power reset may clear a temporary fault, but if the code returns, the heater, thermostat, or heater wiring likely needs service.

tE: Temperature Sensor Error

The tE code means the thermistor or temperature sensor is not reading properly. Without accurate temperature feedback, the dishwasher stops the cycle for safety. This is usually a hardware repair rather than a maintenance issue.

PC: Zone Wash Error

The PC code indicates a problem with the Zone Wash function on models that support selective wash zones. Restart the dishwasher once. If the code reappears, the issue usually requires service.

PE: Half Load Error

The PE code means the Half Load function is not operating correctly. Empty the dishwasher and run a Normal cycle without Half Load enabled. If the PE code appears even during a standard cycle, the dishwasher likely needs service.

How to Reset Your Samsung Dishwasher After Fixing an Error

Once you have corrected the cause of the fault, resetting the dishwasher clears the code and allows the control board to reinitialize.

Method 1: Power Cycle at the Breaker

Turn off the dishwasher’s circuit breaker and leave it off for a full 5 minutes. Restore power and wait for the display to return to normal standby mode.

Method 2: Cancel Button Reset

Press and hold the Cancel or Start/Reset button for about 3 seconds. The dishwasher should drain any remaining water and return to standby. This is useful for smaller interruptions, though a full breaker reset is more thorough.

After resetting, run a full Normal cycle and watch for the error to return before loading a full batch of dishes.

Models Without a Digital Display

Not every Samsung dishwasher has a digital code display. Some models communicate problems through blinking light sequences instead. Count the number of blinks carefully through two full repeated sequences, then compare that count to your model’s manual or Samsung’s blinking-light guide.

Preventing Error Codes: Maintenance Tips

• Clean the filter monthly. This is the single most overlooked cause of drain-related errors.

• Use only dishwasher detergent, and only in the recommended amount.

• Leave the door cracked open after a cycle so moisture can escape and condensation is less likely to collect in the base area.

• Run the kitchen hot tap before starting a cycle so the dishwasher fills with properly heated water from the start.

• Inspect the water supply and drain hose connections once a year for looseness or seepage.

• Do not use FloodSafe hoses. Samsung specifically warns that these can create false fill-related errors.