How to Reset a Samsung Dishwasher

Resetting your Samsung dishwasher is the first troubleshooting step for most error codes and operational issues. This guide covers all reset methods and explains when a reset will—and won’t—solve your problem.

Before You Reset: Record the Error Code

Critical step: Write down any error code displayed before resetting.

A reset clears the error code from the display, but if the underlying problem isn’t fixed, the same code will return. Without knowing the original code, you’ll lose valuable diagnostic information.

Common codes you might see:

• 4C/4E (water supply)
• 5C/5E (drainage)
• LC/LE (leak sensor)
• HE (heater)
• OC (overflow)

Standard Power Cycle Reset

This is the official Samsung reset procedure for most situations.

Steps:

1. Press Power to turn off the dishwasher
2. Locate your circuit breaker panel
3. Turn off the breaker for the dishwasher circuit
4. Wait 5 minutes (full 5 minutes—don’t shortcut this)
5. Turn the breaker back on
6. Press Power on the dishwasher to turn it on
7. Select a cycle and press Start to test

Why use the breaker?

Turning off the circuit breaker is more complete than unplugging because:

• It ensures complete power disconnection
• Allows all capacitors in the control boards to discharge
• Clears volatile memory more reliably
• Is easier than pulling out the dishwasher to reach the plug

Hard Reset (Extended Power Cycle)

Use a hard reset when standard power cycle doesn’t clear an error or the dishwasher is unresponsive.

When to use hard reset:

• Standard 5-minute reset didn’t work
• Dishwasher buttons are unresponsive
• Display is frozen or showing garbled information
• After a power surge or outage
• For AE/CE communication errors

Steps:

1. Press Power to turn off (if possible—skip if unresponsive)
2. Turn off circuit breaker
3. Wait 10 minutes (extended time for complete discharge)
4. Turn breaker back on
5. Wait 1 minute before touching any controls
6. Press Power to turn on
7. Test by running a short cycle

Wi-Fi/Network Reset (Smart Models)

Samsung smart dishwashers connected to SmartThings may need a separate network reset if experiencing connectivity issues.

Standard Wi-Fi reset:

1. Hold Smart Control button until display shows “AP” (~3 seconds)
2. Hold Hi-Temp Wash button until dishwasher chimes (~7 seconds)
3. Turn off the dishwasher

Model-specific variations:

DW60A models:

• Press and hold Speed Booster + Smart Control simultaneously for 3+ seconds

DW60BG models:

• Press and hold Lower Basket + Smart Control simultaneously for 3+ seconds

After network reset, you’ll need to reconnect the dishwasher to your Wi-Fi network through the SmartThings app.

What Reset Does (and Doesn’t) Fix

Reset CAN fix:

• Temporary electronic glitches
• Frozen control panel
• Errors following power surge or outage
• Stuck cycle that won’t complete
• Communication errors (AE/CE) after power disturbance
• False sensor readings from electrical noise

Reset WON’T fix:

• Physical blockages (clogged filter, blocked drain)
• Hardware failures (broken pump, failed heating element)
• Actual leaks (LC/LE will return)
• Water supply problems (4C/4E will return if valve is closed)
• Ongoing drainage issues (5C/5E will return)

If the same error code returns after reset, the underlying mechanical or physical issue needs to be addressed. The error code tells you what to troubleshoot.

Error Codes That Often Clear With Reset

These errors are frequently temporary and may not return after reset:

Code	Meaning	Reset Success Rate
AE/CE	Communication error	High (if after power event)
bE/6E	Button stuck	Medium (if button is actually free)
tE	Temperature sensor	Medium
9E	Low water level	Medium

Error Codes That Usually Need More Than Reset

These errors indicate physical problems that reset alone won’t fix:

Code	Meaning	Action Needed
5C/5E	Drainage	Clean filter, check drain hose
4C/4E	Water supply	Check valve, clean inlet screen
LC/LE	Leak detected	Find leak, dry base pan
OC	Overflow	Check drainage, inlet valve
HE	Heater failure	Professional service likely
3C	Pump failure	Clean debris, may need service

Special Situations

Reset for LC/LE (Leak Error)

The LC/LE error requires additional steps beyond power cycle:

1. Turn off circuit breaker
2. Turn off water supply valve
3. Tilt dishwasher backward ~45° to drain base pan
4. Dry the leak sensor area with towels
5. Wait 30+ minutes
6. Level the dishwasher
7. Restore water and power
8. Test with a cycle

Reset When Dishwasher Won’t Turn Off

If the dishwasher won’t respond to the Power button:

1. Go directly to circuit breaker
2. Turn off power
3. Wait 10 minutes (hard reset)
4. Restore power

Don’t try to force cycle completion—let the reset clear the control state.

Reset After Installing New Parts

After replacing components (filter, spray arms, etc.):

1. Complete the installation
2. Run a standard power cycle reset
3. Run an empty rinse cycle to test

This ensures the control board recognizes the current configuration.

Diagnostic Mode (Advanced)

Samsung dishwashers have a diagnostic mode for technicians. While not an official procedure for consumers, it may help identify issues:

Most models:

1. Power ON the unit
2. Press Delay/Start repeatedly until display shows “17H”
3. Press and HOLD High Temp until display shows “AS”
4. Press Start and release immediately
5. Close door
6. Dishwasher runs automated tests
7. Display shows “Ot” if no errors found

Note: This procedure varies by model and may not work on all units. Exit by pressing Power or opening door.

When Reset Isn’t Enough

Contact Samsung support or a technician if:

• Same error returns immediately after every reset
• Multiple error codes appear
• Physical damage is visible
• Burning smell during operation
• Dishwasher is under warranty
• Reset attempts exceed 3 tries for same error

Sources

For official Samsung support:

• Samsung Reset Procedures
• Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes
• Samsung US Support

Related Guides

• Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes: Complete Guide
• Samsung Dishwasher 5C/5E Error: Drainage Fix
• Samsung Dishwasher LC/LE Error: Leak Sensor Fix
• Samsung Dishwasher AE/CE Error: Communication Failure