Error code library

Samsung Washer Error Codes and the Appliance Code Library

Samsung washer error codes fall into a few families: 4C means the washer isn't filling, 5C or nd means it isn't draining, UE flags an unbalanced load and dE points at the door. Houston Appliance Care keeps this library of manufacturer meanings and first steps for Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE and Frigidaire appliances.

Samsung Washer Error Codes: The Common Ones

Samsung reuses a code under several spellings, and the leading 1 on some displays (1 4C, 1 5C) is the same error. If the display shows only blinking lights, Samsung says to treat it as an error only when the washer also stops working normally.

CodeWhat it meansFirst thing to check
4C, 4E, nF, 1 4CNot filling. Water isn't getting in correctly.Both valves wide open; hoses on the right inlets and unkinked. Samsung warns that a missing hot line throws this code even on cycles labeled Cold. Then cut power for 1 minute and look for debris in the hose connections.
4C2, 4E2, CE, 14C2, nF1Hot/cold error: the cold supply is running extremely hotThe supply hoses are crossed. Match blue to blue and red to red. Samsung says this code does not mean service is needed.
nd, 5C, 5E, SC, SE, 1 5CNo drain, or draining too slowlyClean the drain filter and straighten the drain hose. Samsung wants the hose 6 to 8 inches into the standpipe, no less and no more.
UE, Ub, U6, 1 Ub, 1U6Unbalanced load; the cycle won't finishUntangle the laundry, spread it around the drum and press Start again. If it repeats with normal loads, check that the washer sits firm on all four feet and, on a new front-loader, that the shipping bolts are out.
UrUnbalanced load retry, shown while the washer rebalancesNothing to fix. The washer is retrying the spin on its own; let it finish.
dE, dE1, dE2, dC1, dL, dS, FL, LOThe door is not detected as closed and lockedLook for a sock caught at the seal, then shut the door firmly. A cracked latch or door is a service call.
dCDoor error on some models, unbalanced load on othersYour manual decides which. Read the model number off the label before blaming the latch.
LE, LC, 1E, 1C, LC1Leak detected, or a water level errorCheck under and behind the washer for a slow leak. Run an empty cycle with no detergent; suds mean too much or non-HE soap.
OE, 0E, OC, 0C, 1 OCOverflow: too much water in the tubFollow Samsung's overflow guide. If the code keeps returning, a fill valve that won't shut off is one possible cause for the technician to test.
9C1, 9C2, PF, 2E, 9E1, 9E2, UCVoltage or power supply irregularityPlug straight into a dedicated circuit, no extension cord. If a code shows up after a storm outage, restart once; if it repeats, have the circuit checked.

Sources: Samsung: Washing machine information and error codes · Samsung: Washer shaking or moving

Less Common Samsung Washer Codes, Including the Harmless Ones

For any code without its own troubleshooting, Samsung's instruction is the same: power the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes, and request service if the code returns. The first six rows below aren't faults at all.

CodeWhat it meansFirst thing to check
SUd, Sd, 5Ud, SUdSToo many sudsCut back on detergent and use HE formula.
Cb, C6Calibration modeRuns 1 to 3 minutes and ends. It only calibrates correctly with an empty drum.
dnDownloading a software updateLeave it powered on for about 15 minutes. Past 30 minutes with working Wi-Fi, request service.
CLChild Lock drained the tub after the door was openedTurn the washer off and on, or switch Child Lock off.
SDC, 5DCDetergent drawer not fully closedPush the drawer in until it clicks.
ddC, dC3Add Door (the small door-in-door) not latchedClose the Add Door firmly and check for clothing in the latch.
E2, bE2, 6E2A control panel button reads as stuckWith power off, press and wiggle each button. Damaged buttons need service.
3E, 3C, E3, 1 3CMotor error (a voltage error on some models)2 to 3 minute power reset, then service. The manual says which meaning your model uses.
HE, HC, HE1, HrHeater errorPower reset, then service
tE, tE1, tCTemperature sensor errorPower reset, then service
PE, PC; PE1, PC1Clutch position error; clutch hall signal error (top-loaders)Power reset, then service
AE, AC and variantsCommunication error between boardsPower reset, then service
8E, BE, 8C, BCMEMS or vibration sensor errorPower reset, then service
bE, 6EMotor speed sensor errorPower reset, then service

Sources: Samsung: Washing machine information and error codes

LG Front-Load Washer Codes

Older LG models show an E-number, given here in brackets. Watch LE: on an LG it's a motor code, which is the opposite of what a Samsung owner would expect.

CodeWhat it meansFirst thing to check
IE (E02, E10)Inlet error: the tub didn't fill in timeFaucet open, hose not bent, inlet screen clear of grit
OE (E03, E21)Drain failureClean the drain pump filter; check the hose for kinks and the drum for heavy suds
UELoad out of balanceLevel the machine and fill the drum to roughly two-thirds
dE, dE1 (E01)Door isn't shut properlyOpen and close it again; service if the code persists
dE2 (E30)Door shut but the lock never engagedClothing trapped in the gasket, then the latch itself
LETub won't spin because the motor is strainedUnplug for 5 minutes, lighten the load, fish out coins or other objects
CEMotor over-currentUnplug, try again; service if it recurs
tEHeating error, typically the thermistorReset once, then service
PEWater level sensor faultService if it keeps appearing
FE (E04, E12)OverfilledLook for water entering through the dispenser, then service
dHETemporary dry-function fault on washer-dryer combosReset, then service
CL, tCL, SUD, PFChild lock on; Tub Clean due; too many suds; power cut mid-cycleNot faults. Hold child lock 3 seconds, run Tub Clean, use less detergent, or restart.

Sources: LG: Front-load washer error code list

Whirlpool and Maytag Washer Codes, Front and Top Load

Whirlpool Corporation owns Maytag, and Maytag publishes a matching top-load code page. Front-loaders use the F-and-E format; top-load HE machines show short words. For warranty and service details, see Whirlpool appliance repair and Maytag appliance repair.

CodeWhat it meansFirst thing to check
F8 E1, Lo FL, LFTaking too long to fillBoth hot and cold must be connected and on; clean the hose inlet screens
F9 E1, drnSlow or failed drainDrain hose no deeper than 4.5 inches into the standpipe, with the standpipe opening left uncovered; clean the pump filter on front-loaders
F5 E2Front-load door not lockingClose it firmly, check for items, cycle the power
rLItems found in the drum during Clean WasherEmpty the drum and restart the cleaning cycle
LdL, LdU, lidLid won't lock; lid can't unlock; lid left open (top-load)Take anything off the lid and shut it fully
Ofb, OLBalancing in progress; load too largeLet it correct, or remove some items
SudToo many sudsUse less HE detergent
HCHot and cold hoses reversedSwap them at the washer
PFPower failureStart the cycle again

Sources: Whirlpool: F8 E1 · Whirlpool: F9 E1 · Whirlpool: F5 E2 · Whirlpool: rL · Whirlpool: Top load HE codes · Maytag: Top load washer codes

Samsung and LG Refrigerator Codes

Most of these point to a fan, a sensor or the defrost system, and both makers route them to service. Samsung gives self-help steps for the fan codes (21E, 22E), the compressor voltage codes and the demo-mode display. LG notes that frost on the fan is a common reason for its FF code. The refrigerator repair guide covers the parts behind these codes.

CodeWhat it meansFirst thing to check
Samsung 5EFresh-food defrost sensorLeave the code on the display for the tech
Samsung 8E, 14EIce maker sensorLeave the code on the display for the tech
Samsung 21EFreezer fanFrequently ice on the fan, a door left ajar or a gasket gap
Samsung 22E, 22CFresh-food fanSamsung suggests unplugging with the doors open for a few hours to thaw it
Samsung 33E, 39E, 39C, 40E, 40CIce pipe heater; ice maker function; ice room fanService
Samsung 83E, 85E, 86ECompressor current, under-voltage or over-voltageOften a surge or brownout. Cut power for 60 seconds.
Samsung 84CLocked compressorService. Check the sealed-system warranty first.
Samsung OF OF, O FFCooling Off demo mode; nothing is brokenUsually: hold the top two left-panel buttons 5 to 8 seconds until it chimes. Varies by model.
LG IF, FF, CF, rFIce maker fan, freezer fan, condenser fan, fridge fanRequest service. For FF, LG suggests unplugging with the doors open for 24 hours.
LG dH (FdH, dHF)Defrost sensor failed to warm more than 5 °C within 80 minutesRequest service; the evaporator may be iced over
LG rS, FS, dSFridge, freezer or defrost sensor faultRequest service
LG COMain board and display not communicatingRequest service

Sources: Samsung: Refrigerator error codes · LG: Refrigerator error codes · LG: Er FF help

Samsung Dryer Codes

Samsung's first step for its heat and temperature codes is the same as for the vent test codes: clean the lint screen, the vent run, or both.

CodeWhat it meansFirst thing to check
tE, tC, tS, tOTemperature reading out of rangeLint screen and the full vent run to the outside
hE, HCHeating faultSame airflow checks first, then service
C8, C80, C9, C90, Clg, CgResult of the vent blockage testClear the lint filter and the exhaust duct
dC, dE, dF, do, d0Door switchShut the door firmly and inspect the latch
9C1, 9E, 2ESupply voltageDedicated circuit, no extension cord
FC, FEPower frequencyRestart; service if it repeats

Sources: Samsung: Dryer error codes

Samsung and Frigidaire Dishwasher Codes

Samsung and Frigidaire both publish their dishwasher codes. For the drain pumps, filters and heaters behind them, see the dishwasher repair page.

CodeWhat it meansFirst thing to check
Samsung 4C, 4ENo water supplySupply valve under the sink and the inlet hose
Samsung 5C, 5E, SC, SEDrain problemFilter and drain hose
Samsung LC, LEMoisture detected in the baseLook underneath for a leak; service if it stays
Samsung OC, 0C, oEToo much waterService if it repeats
Samsung HE, HCTemperature misread; internal temperature too highReset, then service
Samsung 3EIncoming water too hotKeep the supply below 176 °F
Samsung 1E, IEFine filter clogged (Waterwall) or heater (Rotary)Clean the filter first
Frigidaire i20Didn't drain completelyDisposer knockout plug removed, drain hose rising to at least 32 inches and not pinched, filter and sump clear
Frigidaire i40Filter or sump cloggedClean the filter and glass trap
Frigidaire CL, Cd; Hd, HO; PFDoor open; heat delay; power lostClose the door, wait out the heat delay, or restart

Sources: Samsung: Dishwasher error codes · Frigidaire: Dishwasher error code guide

GE and Frigidaire Range and Oven Codes

GE advises calling a trained technician whenever a fault code shows on a range or wall oven. Warranty and service details are on the GE and Frigidaire repair pages.

CodeWhat it meansFirst thing to check
GE F2, F20Oven went past its temperature limitBreaker off a minute or two, then service
GE F3, F4Oven sensorService
GE F0, F1, F6, F7KeypanelBreaker reset, then service
GE F5, F8, FFElectronic controlService
GE F9, FCDoor lock circuitService
GE FDMeat probe or its socketService. Note whether the probe was in use when the code appeared.
Frigidaire F10Thermal runaway: running hotter than normalUnplug 30 seconds or kill the breaker; service if it returns
Frigidaire F1Shorted keypadService
Frigidaire F3, F20, F26Boards not communicatingPower reset, then service
Frigidaire F30, F31Probe open or shortedPower reset, then service if it returns
Frigidaire F40, F41; F90 to F94Cooktop lockout; door lockPower reset, then service

Sources: GE Appliances: Range and wall oven fault codes · Frigidaire: Ranges error code guide

When the Code Points to a Part

A code narrows the search; the tech still tests the part behind it. These pages cover the repairs the codes above most often lead to.

Error Code Questions

How do I reset a Samsung washer error code?

Turn the washer off, unplug it or flip its breaker, wait, then restore power and start a cycle. Samsung says 1 minute for a fill error and 2 to 3 minutes for codes without specific steps. Fix the cause first, such as a kinked hose or a clogged drain filter, or the same code will return.

Is it safe to keep using a washer that shows a code?

It depends on the code. Suds, calibration, Ur and download messages are normal operation. A leak code (LE or LC on a Samsung) deserves a look before the next load, because water under a washer can damage the floor. Heater, motor and sensor codes that return after a reset mean it's time to stop and book a repair.

Why did my washer show PF after the power came back?

On LG and Whirlpool washers, PF records that power was lost during the cycle; Samsung lists PF with its voltage errors. After a Houston storm outage or a tripped breaker, restart the cycle once. If PF keeps appearing without an outage, have the outlet and circuit checked, and keep the washer off extension cords.

My code is not on this page. What now?

Search your exact model number on the maker's support site, because codes differ even within one brand. Samsung's general advice for unlisted washer codes is a 2 to 3 minute power reset, then service if the code comes back. Write the code down exactly, including any leading 1 or letter case.

Does the same code mean the same thing on every brand?

No, and a few overlap in confusing ways. LE is a leak or water level code on a Samsung washer but a strained-motor code on an LG. dC is a door code on some Samsung models and an unbalanced load on others. Always read the code against your own brand and model number.

Code came back after the reset?

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