Samsung dishwasher error codes use alphanumeric combinations to identify specific problems. Most codes can be resolved by cleaning filters, checking water supply, inspecting drain hoses, or performing a power reset. Persistent codes may require professional service.
Samsung dishwashers display error codes when the control system detects a problem preventing normal operation. This guide covers all error codes across Samsung’s dishwasher lineup, including digital display models and LED-only models that communicate through blinking lights.
How to Identify Your Display Type
Samsung dishwashers communicate errors in two ways:
Digital display models show alphanumeric codes directly (4C, 5E, LC, HE). These are found on most DW80 series dishwashers with visible control panels.
LED-only models use blinking light combinations. For example, “Auto + Heavy lights blinking” indicates an OC (overflow) error. Check the blinking lights section below if your model lacks a digital display.
Model Coverage
This guide applies to Samsung dishwashers manufactured between 2015-2025:
- DW80CG series (2023+): Current generation with StormWash, AutoRelease, SmartThings
- DW80BB Bespoke series (2022+): Premium glass panel models
- DW80B series (2022): StormWash+ models
- DW80R series (2019-2022): StormWash models including the ultra-quiet R9950
- DW80T series (2020): Transitional models
- DW80M, DW80K, DW80J, DW80N series (2015-2020): Including WaterWall models
Error code meanings are consistent across models, though some codes (like 7E/7C) apply only to WaterWall-equipped units.
Error Code Reference Table
| Code | Meaning | Severity | Quick Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4C / 4E | Water supply error | Medium | Check water valve, inlet hose, filter screen |
| 5C / 5E / SC / SE | Drainage error | Medium | Clean filter, check drain hose, clear disposal |
| OC / 0C / oE | Overflow detected | High | Turn off water supply, check drainage |
| LC / LE | Leak detected | High | Check connections, level dishwasher, dry base pan |
| 9E | Low water level | Medium | Check drain hose high loop, inspect for leaks |
| HE / HE1-3 | Heater failure | Medium | Power cycle, may need heating element service |
| tE / tE1 | Temperature sensor error | Medium | Wait 15 min to cool, power cycle |
| HC | High temperature | Medium | Check water heater setting, power cycle |
| 3C | Pump failure | High | Clean filter, check pump impeller for debris |
| 3E | Incoming water too hot | Medium | Lower water heater setting below 120°F |
| bE / 6E | Button stuck | Low | Clean around buttons, power cycle |
| AE / CE | Communication error | Medium | Power cycle 5+ minutes, check connections |
| 7E / 7C | WaterWall reflector blocked | Medium | Check for obstructions, remove packing tape |
| 1E / IE | Model-dependent | Medium | WaterWall: clean filter; Rotary: power cycle |
| PE | Half-load function error | Medium | Power cycle, may need service |
| PC | Zone Wash error | Medium | Power cycle, may need service |
| AP | Access Point mode | Info | Not an error—Wi-Fi setup mode, turn off/on to exit |
Water-Related Errors
4C / 4E — Water Supply Error
What it means: The dishwasher is not getting water at the pressure or temperature it needs.
Common causes:
- Water supply valve under sink is closed or partially closed
- Supply hose kinked behind dishwasher
- Mesh filter screen clogged with sediment
- FloodSafe/burst-proof hoses restricting flow
- Water temperature below 40°F or above 150°F
Quick fix: Turn supply valve fully counterclockwise, check hose for kinks, clean inlet filter screen.
Full 4C/4E troubleshooting guide →
5C / 5E / SC / SE — Drainage Error
What it means: The dishwasher cannot drain water.
Common causes:
- Clogged fine filter at bottom of tub (most common—70%+ of cases)
- Garbage disposal knockout plug not removed (new installations)
- Kinked drain hose
- Missing high loop in drain hose installation
- Debris in drain pump impeller
Quick fix: Clean the filter, run garbage disposal for 30 seconds, verify drain hose has high loop.
Full 5C/5E troubleshooting guide →
OC / 0C / oE — Overflow Detected
What it means: There is more water in the dishwasher than there should be.
Immediate action required:
- Turn off main water supply valve
- Turn off circuit breaker
- Remove standing water from base pan
Common causes: Drain hose backflow, blocked drainage, inlet valve stuck open, excess detergent creating suds.
Full OC troubleshooting guide →
LC / LE — Leak Sensor Activated
What it means: Moisture is detected where it doesn’t belong, even if a leak isn’t visible.
Known issue: This code has elevated false-positive rates on certain models, particularly the DW80K series. The sensor can trigger from condensation, humidity, or minor splashing.
Distinctive behavior: When LC/LE activates, the dishwasher will turn itself ON automatically and run the drain pump continuously, even when “off.” Disconnect power at the breaker to stop this.
Full LC/LE troubleshooting guide →
9E — Low Water Level
What it means: Water that was present has been lost mid-cycle, often due to siphoning from improper drain hose installation.
Quick fix: Verify drain hose has proper high loop (secured above sink drain connection point), check for active leaks.
Heating System Errors
HE / HE1 / HE2 / HE3 — Heater Failure
What it means: The temperature inside the dishwasher is being detected incorrectly. The error triggers when the dishwasher doesn’t detect a temperature increase of more than 7°F within 10 minutes of heating.
Common causes:
- Failed heating element
- Faulty heater relay (common with tankless water heaters)
- Defective thermistor
- Loose wiring connections
Full HE troubleshooting guide →
tE / tE1 — Temperature Sensor Malfunction
What it means: Internal temperature exceeds 176°F (80°C) or the thermistor failed to communicate with the control board.
Safety warning: Do not open the dishwasher door immediately—water may be dangerously hot. Wait 15-30 minutes for cooling.
Full tE troubleshooting guide →
HC — High Temperature Exceeded
What it means: The heater relay may be stuck closed, causing continuous heating. Also occurs if incoming hot water exceeds 176°F.
Quick fix: Verify home water heater is set below 120°F. Power cycle for 30+ seconds.
Mechanical and Electrical Errors
3C — Pump Operation Failure
What it means: The circulation pump is operating below 2000 RPM for 3+ seconds, often indicating physical blockage.
Common causes:
- Debris blocking drain pump impeller (glass shards, food particles)
- Defective circulation pump motor
- Kinked drain hose restricting flow
Full 3C troubleshooting guide →
3E — Incoming Water Too Hot
What it means: Incoming water supply exceeds 176°F (80°C).
Quick fix: Check hot water temperature at kitchen faucet. Lower water heater setting if above 120°F.
bE / 6E — Button Stuck
What it means: The control panel detects a stuck button.
Quick fix: Turn off dishwasher, press each button to identify stuck button, clean around buttons with slightly damp cloth, dry thoroughly, power cycle.
AE / CE — Communication Failure
What it means: The control panel cannot communicate with the main control board.
Common causes:
- Loose wire connection between boards
- Temporary electronic glitch (often follows power surge)
- Defective control board
Full AE/CE troubleshooting guide →
Model-Specific Errors
7E / 7C — WaterWall Reflector Blocked
Applies to: WaterWall dishwasher models only (DW80J, DW80K, DW80M with WaterWall feature)
What it means: The reflector cannot move correctly along its guide rail.
Common causes:
- Packing tape not removed from guide rail (new installations)
- Utensil or pot handle blocking reflector path
- Reflector installed upside-down
Full 7E/7C troubleshooting guide →
1E / IE — Model-Dependent Meaning
Critical distinction: This code means different things depending on dishwasher type:
| Model Type | 1E/IE Meaning | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| WaterWall | Clogged filter | Clean fine filter at bottom of tub |
| Rotary | Overheating (HC equivalent) | Power cycle, run Normal empty |
PE — Half-Load Function Error
What it means: The diverter motor that directs water to specific zones has malfunctioned.
Quick fix: Power cycle, attempt half-load cycle. If persistent, diverter motor likely requires replacement.
PC — Zone Wash Error
What it means: The Zone Wash function is not operating correctly.
Quick fix: Power cycle, restart cycle. Typically requires service if error persists.
AP — Access Point Mode (Not an Error)
What it means: The dishwasher is in Wi-Fi setup mode for SmartThings connection.
Quick fix: Turn dishwasher off and back on to exit this mode.
LED Blinking Light Error Codes
For models without digital displays, errors appear as specific blinking light combinations:
| Blinking Lights | Error Equivalent | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Auto only | 4C/4E | Water pressure/temperature incorrect |
| Auto + Heavy | OC | Overflow—excessive water |
| Auto + Normal | HE | Dishwasher too hot |
| Delicate only | 5E | Drain issue |
| Heavy + Delicate | HE | Heater failing |
| Heavy + Quick | OC | Too much water |
| Heavy, Delicate, Quick | tE | Temperature sensor failing |
| Normal + Heavy | tE | Thermistor malfunction |
| All four+ lights | CE | Communication error |
Blinking lights during normal operation may indicate cycle progress, not errors. Only treat as errors if the dishwasher stops functioning or won’t start a cycle.
Reset Procedures
Standard Power Cycle Reset
Official Samsung procedure:
- Press Power to turn off the dishwasher
- Turn off the circuit breaker (more complete than unplugging)
- Wait 5 minutes for electrical charge to clear
- Restore power at breaker
- Turn on dishwasher and run a cycle
Important: Record error codes BEFORE resetting—codes help diagnose underlying problems. A reset without addressing the root cause will result in immediate error return.
Network/Wi-Fi Reset (Smart Models)
- Hold Smart Control button until “AP” displays (~3 seconds)
- Hold Hi-Temp Wash button until dishwasher chimes (~7 seconds)
- Turn off dishwasher
When to Call a Professional
Contact Samsung support or a qualified appliance repair technician if:
- Error codes persist after troubleshooting steps
- You see HE errors with confirmed heating element issues
- There’s a burning smell or visible damage
- The dishwasher leaks water during operation
- You hear grinding sounds from the pump area
- Error codes in the 3C or AE/CE series persist after reset
- Your dishwasher is under warranty (DIY repairs may void coverage)
What to Tell the Technician
When calling for service, have ready:
- Model number (inside door frame or on side panel)
- Serial number
- Exact error code displayed
- When the error first appeared
- What troubleshooting you’ve already tried
Sources
For official Samsung support and error code verification:
- Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes
- Samsung Blinking Lights Guide
- Samsung Reset Procedures
- Samsung US Support
Related Guides
- 5C/5E Error: Drainage Fix
- 4C/4E Error: Water Supply Fix
- LC/LE Error: Leak Sensor Fix
- How to Reset a Samsung Dishwasher
- Appliance Error Codes: Universal Guide