Domestic Appliance Forum

Samsung washing machine quick troubleshooting guide with fault code definitions

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODE: nd
SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = no drain
If “nd” is showing on the display, it is an indication of a no drain condition.
HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: This is caused by the debris filter being clogged or the drain hose installed improperly. Make sure the drain hose is not pushed too far into the drain/stand pipe. A unit that is not level, unbalanced, or overloaded may not drain properly also. Drain pump could be faulty.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODE: nF
SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = washer not getting enough water
If the machine is not getting enough water, a “no fill” (nF) error code will be displayed after 16 minutes of trying to fill. This does not mean there is a defect in the unit.
HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: Be sure the water valves are fully OPEN. Verify the door is tightly closed. Verify the washer is plugged in. Check the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. Verify the debris filter is not clogged. How to clean the debris filter. Top Load washers do not have external debris filter access. Water inlet valve may be faulty.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: DC or UC or UE
SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = unbalanced load or board voltage error
This error represents an unbalanced load error or a main PCB (main board) voltage error.
HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: Turn off the washer and open the door. Verify the washer is not overloaded and redistribute the load. Verify the washer is level. If the washer has Calibration Mode, re-calibrate the washer using your users manual or find one online. (dc error code repair here)

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODE: SUDS
SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = over-sudsing condition
If your washing machine has the word “SUDS” on the display, it has detected an oversudsing problem, and will stop for a short period to allow the suds to dissolve. This error code is usually caused by excess detergent or the wrong type.
HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: Use HE (High Efficiency) detergent. This detergent is made for high efficiency front loader washing machines. HE detergent has high efficiency cleaning with low sudsing. Non “HE” detergent normally have high sudsing properties, and will cause excessive amounts of suds in your washer. If you are already using “HE” detergent and your washing machine is displaying the “SUDS” error code, you are using too much detergent.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: 8e or 8e1 or 8e2
SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = connection error on circuit board
The 8e error represents a connection error on the washing machines main circuit board.
HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: If 8e, 8e1, 8e2 is displayed on the washer check connections to main board. Check wire harness connections.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODE: FE Diagnostic Code
SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = fan motor – main PCB – fan blower fault
The FE error represents a fan motor, main PCB, or fan blower fault.
HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: Troubleshoot the above parts and replace as needed.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODE: dC Diagnostic Code
SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = unbalanced load

The dC error represents an unbalance load or a cabinet bump has been detected during the spin cycle. This prevents the drum from spinning over 400 RPM.
HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: Verify the unit is level. During the spin cycle, press on each corner of the machine. If any one corner moves, the machine is not level and needs to be leveled. Adjust the unit for vibration. Cut power to the unit by unplugging it or switching it off at the circuit breaker for 1 minute then restore power. Press the power button to turn on the unit and see if the error returns. If the error returns, troubleshoot issue or service is required. If the error does not return, the issue has been fixed. (dc error code repair here)

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODE: 5E
SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = drain pump problem
The 5E error code appears when there is an issue with the drain pump. This can occur because of a drain pump or Main PCB malfunction.
HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: This happens when the debris filter is clogged or there is an issue with the drain pump. 

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: 4E or 4E1 or 4E2
SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = water supply issue
When 4E, 4E1, or 4E2 are displayed, this represents a water supply error due to one or more of the following:
HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: Possible improperly installed water supply hoses or leaking hoses. Make sure both supply hoses are connected to each water source – Hot to Hot and Cold to Cold.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: bE or bE1 or bE2 or bE3
SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = button on control panel sticking – faulty main PCB relay
The bE, bE1, bE2, and bE3 error codes represent a button on the control panel being held in or sticking for too long, or a faulty main PCB relay.
HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: If any of these errors are displayed, you need to troubleshoot the issue, replace the main control board or panel, or service is required.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: PF or 9E or 9E1 or 9E2 or 2E
SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = malfunctioning main PBA – power faults from electrical power
These error codes represent a malfunctioning main PBA or power faults related to an electrical power supply that is incompatible with the Samsung washing machine.
The electrical power requirements of Samsung washing machines are:
HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: Be sure you have a 3-Prong grounded 120 volt 60 Hz approved electrical outlet. 15-amp fuse or comparable circuit breaker is a requirement for all Samsung Washing Machines.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: AE or AE6

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = communication errors sub and main PBAs – main and inverter PBAs
AE and AE6 represent communication errors between the sub and main PBAs or the main and inverter PBAs.

HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: If either of these errors is displayed, troubleshooting is needed or service is required.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: 3E or 3E1 or 3E2 or 3E3 or 3E4

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = motor or hall sensor error

The 3E error code represents a motor or hall sensor fault.

HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: Reset the washer by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the reset does not work, and the error code returns, check motor and hall sensor or the washer needs service.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODE: CE

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = temperature sensor problem

The CE error code represents a malfunctioning temperature sensor.

HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: When this error is displayed, troubleshooting the temp sensor is needed or service is required.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: dE or dE1 or dE2 or DE or dS


SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = door switch problem
The dE, dE1, and dE2 errors represent a door switch malfunction.

HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: Power off the washer. Verify that the door is closed completely. Start another cycle. If the error is displayed again, troubleshoot the door switch or service is required. If the error is not displayed, the door was not closed completely when the first cycle started.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: HE or HE1 or HE2 or Hr


SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = heater error or temp sensor error

The HE, HE1, HE2, Hr represent a heater error or a temperature sensor error.

HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: When these errors are display, the heater and temp sensors need to be checked or service is required.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: OE or OF


SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = water overflow
The OE and OF errors represent an overflow error caused by either a malfunctioning water level sensor, a damaged internal water supply hose, or a malfunctioning water supply valve.

HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: Check and troubleshoot the water level sensor, water supply hose, and water supply valve.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: tE1 or tE2 or tE3


SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = temperature sensors
The tE1, tE2, and tE3 errors represent malfunctioning temperature sensors.

HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: Check temp sensors and replace as necessary.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: NF2 or 4E2 or 4C2


SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = washer filling with very hot water

This error is displayed when the washer is filling up with very hot water. It is in place to protect delicate fabric that can be damaged by very hot water.

HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: This error is usually caused by the inlet supply hoses being backwards. The hot water supply hose is running into the cold water inlet valve on the back of the washer. The cold water supply hose is running into the hot water inlet valve. As soon as the unit detects the temperature is too high, it will stop and drain. It will then try to fill again. Check water hoses and switch the hoses to the correct water valves.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: Eg or E9


SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = software lock

The LO error represents a lock software error.

HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: Unplug washer for 1 minute and see if that resets.

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE FAULT CODES: Le or 1E or Ie or lE

SAMSUNG WASHING MACHINE ERROR DEFINITION = Oversudsing – water level error
If you see the words/letters “LE”, “Le”, “1e”, “1E”, “le”, “lE”, “Suds”, “SUDS”, or “sUDS” on the display, it is an indication of “oversudsing” or a water level error.
HOW TO REPAIR/CLEAR ERROR?: This is almost always caused by using too much bleach, softener, detergent or non-HE detergent. You may also have a problem with the water level sensor.