Your Samsung washer just stopped mid-cycle and there’s a code flashing on the display. Your clothes are soaking wet, half-washed, and you have no idea what “4C” or “UE” means. Sound familiar?
Samsung washers are some of the most popular machines in Vancouver homes, especially in condos and newer builds where compact, front-load units are standard. They’re solid machines overall, but like anything with electronics, sensors, and moving parts, things go wrong. And when they do, Samsung’s error codes can feel like trying to read a foreign language.
This guide breaks down every common Samsung washer error code in plain English. We’ll tell you what each one means, what’s actually causing it, which ones you can fix yourself in five minutes, and which ones need a professional repair. No jargon. No guesswork.
Our technicians at EasyFix have repaired hundreds of Samsung washers across Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and the Lower Mainland. These are the exact codes we see every week, and the real solutions that actually work.
How to Read Samsung Washer Error Codes
Before diving into individual codes, here’s how Samsung’s system works. When your washer detects a problem, it stops the cycle and displays a combination of letters and numbers on the control panel. Some models also flash LED lights in a pattern instead of showing a code.
Samsung has changed their code format over the years. Older models use codes like “E2” or “dE” while newer models use formats like “4C” or “5C.” They often mean the same thing, Samsung just updated the labeling. We’ll cover both old and new versions for each error.
Quick tip: Always try a hard reset first. Unplug the washer for 60 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears about 20% of error codes on the spot, no repair needed. If the code comes back after a reset, that’s when you start troubleshooting.
Complete Samsung Washer Error Code Reference
Here’s a quick-reference table of every Samsung washer error code, what it means, and whether you’re likely to need professional help.
Error Code | What It Means | Common Cause | DIY or Pro? |
4C / 4E / E1 | Water supply error — washer can’t fill with water | Kinked hose, closed valve, clogged filter | ✅ DIY (usually) |
5C / 5E / E2 | Drain error — washer can’t pump out water | Clogged drain filter, blocked hose, pump failure | ✅ DIY / ⚠ Pro |
UE / UB / E4 | Unbalanced load — drum can’t spin properly | Clothes bunched up, overloaded, or too small load | ✅ DIY |
dC / dE / Ed | Door error — door not properly closed or locked | Door not shut, latch failure, lock mechanism broken | ✅ DIY / ⚠ Pro |
SUd / 5Ud | Excessive suds — too much detergent | Using non-HE detergent or too much soap | ✅ DIY |
OE / 0E / E3 | Overflow error — too much water in drum | Faulty water inlet valve or pressure sensor | 🔧 Call a Pro |
HE / HE1 / HE2 | Heater error — water not heating properly | Failed heating element or thermistor | 🔧 Call a Pro |
LE / LE1 / E9 | Water leak detected | Hose leak, tub seal, or sensor issue | 🔧 Call a Pro |
tE / tC / EC | Temperature sensor error | Failed thermistor or wiring issue | 🔧 Call a Pro |
3C / EA | Motor error — drive motor problem | Failed motor, hall sensor, or control board | 🔧 Call a Pro |
bE / bE2 / Eb | Button/key error — stuck control button | Stuck button or failed control panel | ⚠ Try reset first |
AE / 13E | Communication error between boards | Main board or sub-board failure | 🔧 Call a Pro |
FE / FC | FPM error (older models) | Clutch or motor issue | 🔧 Call a Pro |
8C / 8E | MEMS sensor error | Vibration sensor failure | 🔧 Call a Pro |
The 5 Most Common Samsung Washer Error Codes We See in Vancouver
Out of all the codes above, five of them account for roughly 80% of the Samsung washer repairs we do across the Lower Mainland. Here’s the detailed breakdown of each one.
1. Error Code 4C / 4E — Water Supply Error
What’s happening: Your washer can’t get water. It’s trying to fill the drum, but water either isn’t arriving or isn’t arriving fast enough. The washer waits, tries again, then throws the code and stops.
What to check before calling anyone:
Check that both hot and cold water valves behind the washer are fully open. This is the number one cause, someone accidentally bumped a valve closed.
Inspect the water supply hoses for kinks or sharp bends. Pull the washer out slightly and check.
Clean the inlet filter screens. Where the hoses connect to the back of the washer, there are small mesh screens that catch debris. Unscrew the hoses and pull the screens out with needle-nose pliers. Rinse them under running water.
Make sure your home’s water supply is running normally. Try a faucet nearby.
When to call a pro: If the valves are open, hoses are clear, screens are clean, and the code still appears, the water inlet valve inside the machine has likely failed electrically. That’s a component replacement that requires opening the machine. Our washer repair technicians carry Samsung inlet valves on most service calls and can typically fix this in one visit.
2. Error Code 5C / 5E — Drain Error
What’s happening: The washer finished washing but can’t pump the water out. Your clothes are sitting in dirty water and the door is locked. This is probably the most frustrating code because you can’t even get your clothes out without draining the water first.
What to check:
Clean the drain filter. This is the single most common fix. On most Samsung front-load washers, there’s a small access panel at the bottom-front of the machine. Open it, place towels down (water will come out), twist the filter cap counterclockwise and pull it out. You’ll often find coins, bobby pins, small socks, or debris clogging it.
Check the drain hose at the back of the washer. Make sure it’s not kinked and that the standpipe it drains into isn’t clogged.
Run a drain-only cycle after clearing the filter to see if the code clears.
When to call a pro: If the filter is clean and the hose is clear, the drain pump itself may have failed mechanically. We see this often, a small object like a coin or a piece of underwire from a bra gets past the filter and damages the pump impeller. Pump replacement is a straightforward repair for an experienced technician.
Vancouver condo tip: If you’re in a high-rise or stacked townhome and the drain hose connects to a shared standpipe, check with your strata or neighbors, a building-wide drain issue can trigger this code on individual units. We’ve seen it happen in buildings across Yaletown, Brentwood, and Downtown Vancouver.
3. Error Code UE / UB — Unbalanced Load
What’s happening: The washer tried to spin but detected that the load is uneven. It stops to prevent the drum from damaging itself or the machine from walking across the floor. This is more of a safety feature than a real malfunction.
How to fix it:
Open the door and redistribute the clothes evenly around the drum. A heavy towel bunched up on one side is the classic cause.
If you’re washing one heavy item (like a comforter or a rug), add a few towels to balance it out.
Make sure the washer itself is level. If the machine rocks back and forth when you push on it, the leveling feet need adjustment.
Don’t overload. Samsung front-loaders are sensitive to weight distribution.
When to call a pro: If this code shows up on every single load regardless of size, the shock absorbers or suspension springs may be worn out. This is common on Samsung washers that are 5+ years old or in households that regularly wash heavy loads. The machine can’t stabilize itself during the spin cycle because the dampening components are shot. We replace shocks and springs frequently across Metro Vancouver.
4. Error Code dC / dE — Door Error
What’s happening: The washer thinks the door isn’t properly closed or locked. It won’t start a cycle because running with an open door would flood your laundry room.
What to check:
Make sure the door is fully closed — push it firmly until you hear the click.
Check for clothing or the door gasket caught in the door seal preventing a full close.
Inspect the door latch for visible damage or debris.
When to call a pro: If the door closes fine physically but the code persists, the electronic door lock mechanism has failed. This is a very common Samsung part failure. The lock can fail mechanically (it won’t click) or electrically (it clicks but doesn’t send the “locked” signal to the control board). Door locks are one of the most common Samsung parts we carry and can usually be replaced within 30 minutes.
5. Error Code SUd / 5Ud — Excessive Suds
What’s happening: There’s too much soap foam in the drum. The washer detects the excessive suds and pauses to let them dissipate before continuing. This isn’t really a malfunction, it’s your washer telling you to ease up on the detergent.
How to fix it and prevent it:
Use HE (High Efficiency) detergent only. Regular detergent creates way too many suds in front-load washers.
Use less detergent than you think you need. For most loads, 1–2 tablespoons of HE detergent is enough. The cap lines on detergent bottles are designed to make you use more.
Run an empty hot wash cycle with no detergent to flush out residual buildup.
When to call a pro: Almost never for this code. If it happens once, it’s the detergent. If it happens constantly even with proper HE detergent and small amounts, the pressure sensor might be misreading, but that’s rare.
When to Reset vs. When to Call a Repair Technician
Not every error code means you need a repair. Here’s a simple framework to decide:
Try a reset first if the code just appeared for the first time and the washer was working fine before. Unplug for 60 seconds, plug back in, and run a test cycle. Power surges, software glitches, and one-time sensor misreads happen. A reset fixes the issue about 20% of the time.
Try the DIY fixes above if the code returns after a reset. Clean the drain filter, check hoses, redistribute loads. Most 4C, 5C, UE, and SUd codes can be resolved by the homeowner.
Call a professional if the code keeps coming back after you’ve tried the basic fixes, or if the code involves electronics, sensors, motors, or heating elements (codes like 3C, HE, tE, LE, AE). These require opening the machine, testing components with a multimeter, and replacing parts. Attempting these without experience can cause electrical damage or void warranties.
How to Prevent Samsung Washer Errors
Most Samsung washer problems are preventable. Here are the maintenance habits that our repair technicians wish every Samsung owner followed:
Clean the drain filter every 1–2 months. This prevents 5C drain errors and protects the pump from debris damage. It takes 2 minutes.
Use HE detergent and less of it. Prevents SUd errors and reduces soap residue buildup that causes odours and gasket deterioration.
Leave the door open after every wash. This lets the drum and gasket dry, preventing mold and mildew. If you’re in a condo with a stacked unit, even leaving it cracked for an hour helps.
Wipe the door gasket weekly. The rubber fold around the door traps moisture, hair, and debris. A quick wipe with a dry cloth prevents gasket tears and mold.
Empty pockets before washing. Coins, bobby pins, and small objects are the #1 cause of drain pump failures. We pull coins out of Samsung drain pumps almost every day.
Run a monthly cleaning cycle. Samsung washers have a built-in drum clean or self-clean cycle. Run it once a month with no clothes and no detergent (or a washing machine cleaner tablet) to flush out residue.
Don’t ignore weird noises. A grinding, squealing, or banging sound during the spin cycle usually means a bearing, shock absorber, or loose component. Catching it early saves money. Waiting until it becomes a major failure turns a $200 repair into an $800 one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Samsung Washer Error Codes
Q: How do I reset my Samsung washer?
Unplug the washer from the wall outlet (or switch off the breaker) and wait at least 60 seconds. Plug it back in, select a cycle, and press start. If the error code reappears, the underlying issue still exists and needs attention.
Q: My Samsung washer is flashing a code I can’t find in this guide. What should I do?
Samsung occasionally introduces new codes with firmware updates or newer models. Write down the exact code (take a photo of the display), try a hard reset, and if it persists, contact a technician. Our team at EasyFix can diagnose any Samsung washer model and we stay current on all codes including newer ones.
Q: Is it worth repairing a Samsung washer or should I just replace it?
As a general rule, if the repair cost is less than 50% of a new machine and the washer is under 8 years old, repair is almost always the better value. Samsung washers typically last 10–15 years with proper maintenance. Most repairs we do cost between $150–$400, compared to $800–$1,500 for a new unit plus installation. We’ll always give you an honest recommendation.
Q: How much does Samsung washer repair cost in Vancouver?
It depends on the issue. A simple drain filter cleaning or hose fix might cost just the service call fee. Component replacements like a door lock, inlet valve, or drain pump typically run $150–$350. Bigger jobs like a motor, control board, or drum bearing range from $400–$900. We always provide an upfront quote before any work begins, no surprises.
Q: Do you service Samsung washers in my area?
EasyFix serves all of Greater Vancouver including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Pitt Meadows. We offer same-day and next-day service for most areas. Book your Samsung washer repair here.
Samsung Washer Giving You Trouble? Our certified technicians have repaired hundreds of Samsung washers across the Lower Mainland. Same-day and next-day service available. Upfront pricing. No hidden fees. Call (778) 723-2456 or Book Online at easyfixrepair.ca/contact BBB Accredited • Technical Safety BC Certified • 4.8★ on Google (208+ reviews) |