Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes: What They Mean

Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

Your Samsung dishwasher has stopped and shows a code such as 4C, 5C or LC. This page explains what each code means, the checks Samsung itself recommends, and which codes need a technician.

By Ndivhuweni NephaleUpdated 13 October 20264 min read

Quick answer

On a Samsung dishwasher, 4C or 4E means a water supply problem, 5C or 5E means it cannot drain, and LC or LE means it has detected a leak. 1C points to a low water level, often a dirty filter. Most of these start with a check of the tap, the hoses and the filter. Heating, pump, valve and circuit board codes need a technician.

What the Samsung dishwasher codes mean

Samsung shows a fault as a C code on some models and an E code on others, so each heading lists both. Models without a display show blinking lights instead. Check your manual if a code does not match.

4C, 4E: Water supply

What it means: The dishwasher is not getting enough water.

What you can check: Check that the water tap is fully open and the supply is not off. Check the inlet hose for kinks or a blockage.

5C, 5E: Not draining

What it means: Water is not draining out.

What you can check: Close the water tap first. Check the drain hose for clogs or kinks, and clean the filter and the drain hole of the pump.

Read our guide: Why Is My Dishwasher Not Draining?

LC, LE: Leak detected

What it means: The dishwasher has found water where it should not be.

What you can check: Close the water tap and switch the dishwasher off at the breaker or plug. Do not use it until it has been checked.

Read our guide: Why Is My Dishwasher Leaking?

1C: Low water level

What it means: The water level in the dishwasher is too low.

What you can check: Clean the filter, use dishwasher detergent only and load the dishes evenly. Switch off and on again and retry.

Read our guide: Why Is My Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly?

HC, HE: Heating

What it means: The water is getting too hot, or the heating is not working correctly.

What you can check: Run an empty cycle with detergent. If the code comes back, switch off at the breaker and call a technician.

Read our guide: Why Is My Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes?

3C, 3E: Wash pump

What it means: The pump that sprays water is not working correctly.

What you can check: Switch the dishwasher off and restart it. If the code returns, the pump needs testing.

PC, PE: Dividing valve

What it means: The valve that sends water to the upper or lower spray arm is faulty.

What you can check: There is no home check for this code. It needs a technician.

AC, CA: Circuit board communication

What it means: The main and sub circuit boards are not communicating.

What you can check: Switch off at the breaker for a minute and restart. If the code stays, the wiring or a board needs testing.

bC2, bE2: Button held down

What it means: A button has been pressed for more than 30 seconds.

What you can check: Press the buttons firmly with your fingers. On a touch panel, wipe off moisture or food with a dry cloth.

When to stop and call a technician

Stop and call us if

The dishwasher shows LC or LE, the same code comes back after these checks, water is on the floor, it trips the power or you smell burning. Close the water tap and switch off before you check the filter or hoses. If it overflows, remove the water from the base before you restart.

Still having trouble with your samsung error codes?

Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.

Call 010 065 1780 WhatsApp Book a repair

How a technician deals with the code

Read the codeThe technician confirms the code and checks which faults the appliance has stored.
Test the partThe part behind the code is tested, for example the inlet valve, drain pump, wash pump, heater, dividing valve or circuit board.
Fixed priceYou get a fixed price in writing before any part is replaced.

Code meanings on this page come from Samsung support: dishwasher information codes. See also our Samsung dishwasher repairs page.

Questions about samsung error codes faults

What does 5C mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

5C or 5E means the dishwasher cannot drain. Close the tap, check the drain hose for kinks and clean the filter and pump drain hole. If it still will not drain, the drain pump may have failed.

What does LC mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

LC or LE means a leak was detected. Close the water tap, switch off the dishwasher and have it checked before you use it again.

What does 4C mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

4C or 4E means a water supply problem. Check that the tap is open and the inlet hose is not kinked or blocked.