Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

Last updated: October 5, 2026 · Applies to Samsung dishwashers with a digital display, including Waterwall and rotary spray-arm models (models without a display use blinking-light combinations) · Sources

Samsung dishwashers usually show two-character codes — the most common are 4C (water supply), 5C (drain) and LC (leak). Samsung stresses that you should troubleshoot before resetting. This guide covers 16 Samsung dishwasher codes and code groups from Samsung’s US and Canadian support lists.

Samsung dishwasher error code table

Switch off the breaker before cleaning the filter or sump. For a leak code, turn off the water supply too.

Don’t see your code? Samsung’s list doesn’t cover every model. If your code isn’t here, check your user manual or Samsung’s support site — and on models with blinking lights only, use Samsung’s blinking-light guide.

Troubleshooting without an error code

No code on the display, but something’s not right? Work through these safe checks for the most common dishwasher problems, in order. They apply to most Samsung dishwashers. Switch off power to the dishwasher (unplug it or turn off its breaker) before removing the filter or touching anything under the sink.

Dishwasher won’t start

1. Check the door is fully latched — a tall item, a rack that isn’t pushed all the way in, or a utensil poking through the basket can stop it closing.
2. Check the power: reset the breaker, and if the dishwasher is plugged in under the sink, make sure the plug is seated. Some installations are controlled by a wall switch (often next to the garbage-disposal switch) — make sure it’s on.
3. Look for a lock icon or “CL” on the display — Control/Child Lock may be on. Your manual shows which button to hold to turn it off.
4. Check whether Delay Start is set (a countdown or an “h” on the display); cancel it if you want the cycle to run now.
5. On many models you press Start and then must close the door within a few seconds, or the cycle won’t begin.

Dishwasher won’t drain (standing water in the bottom)

1. Remove the lower rack and take out the filter. Clean it under running water with a soft brush — a clogged filter is the most common cause of standing water.
2. If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, run the disposal to clear it. On a new installation or a new disposal, make sure the disposal’s knockout plug was removed.
3. If you have an air gap on the countertop (a small chrome cap by the faucet), pull off the cover and clear any debris.
4. Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks or crushed sections, especially if items are stored under the sink.
5. Run a drain or Cancel/Drain cycle (see your manual) to check whether it drains at all.

Dishes aren’t getting clean

1. Run the hot water at the kitchen sink until it’s hot before starting a cycle, so the dishwasher fills with hot water from the start.
2. Clean the filter, and check that the spray arms spin freely and their holes aren’t blocked by food or hard-water deposits.
3. Load so nothing blocks the spray arms or stops the detergent dispenser opening — tall pans and cutting boards are common culprits.
4. Use fresh automatic-dishwasher detergent (old powder clumps) and keep the rinse aid topped up, especially with hard water.
5. Scrape off large food scraps, but you don’t need to pre-rinse — many detergents work best with some soil to act on.
6. Choose a heavier cycle for very dirty loads and avoid overcrowding.

Dishwasher is leaking

1. Turn off the dishwasher (and its power at the breaker) before investigating, and mop up any water.
2. Use only automatic-dishwasher detergent. Hand dish soap or laundry detergent makes suds that can push water out under the door.
3. Check the door gasket for food, tears or gaps, and make sure nothing is sticking out and holding the door slightly open.
4. Check the dishwasher is level — if it tilts forward, water can reach the door seal.
5. If water comes from underneath with no obvious cause, turn off the water supply valve under the sink and call a technician.

Dishes are still wet at the end

1. Fill the rinse aid dispenser — rinse aid makes water sheet off instead of beading, and many modern dishwashers rely on it for drying.
2. Select a heated-dry or extra-dry option if your model has one.
3. Plastics hold less heat than glass and china, so they often stay damp — that’s normal.
4. Unload the bottom rack first so water from cupped items on the top rack doesn’t drip onto dry dishes.
5. Don’t overload — items need space for air and water to drain away.

Dishwasher smells bad

1. Clean the filter and the area around it — trapped food is the usual source of odors.
2. Wipe the door gasket and the bottom edge of the door, where grime collects out of the spray’s reach.
3. Run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner (follow the product label).
4. If the dishwasher drains into a disposal, run the disposal regularly so waste doesn’t sit in the drain line.
5. Leave the door slightly open between loads so the tub can dry out.

Common mistakes

Many “faults” are caused by how the dishwasher is loaded, installed or maintained. Avoid these and you’ll see far fewer codes:

• Using hand dish soap. Regular dish soap or laundry detergent creates suds that can overflow, leak under the door and trigger leak or suds codes. Use only automatic-dishwasher detergent.
• Never cleaning the filter. Many modern dishwashers use a manual-clean filter. A clogged filter causes standing water, drain codes, poor cleaning and odors.
• Blocking the spray arms or dispenser. Tall items, pan handles and cutting boards can stop the spray arms turning or the detergent door opening.
• Starting with cold water in the line. Dishwashers clean best when they fill with hot water. Run the kitchen tap until it’s hot first.
• Skipping rinse aid. Without rinse aid, many modern dishwashers dry poorly and leave spots, especially with hard water.
• Ignoring the drain path. A kinked hose, a clogged air gap, a full disposal, or a disposal knockout plug that was never removed all cause drain problems.
• Resetting instead of fixing. Cutting the power may clear the code, but not the cause. Do the checks first — and if a leak code appears, turn off the water.

Tips and tricks for Samsung owners

Useful Samsung-specific features and procedures, confirmed from Samsung’s own support pages and manuals. Exact buttons vary by model, so check your manual.

• Troubleshoot before you reset. Samsung warns that resetting before fixing the cause can let the problem return or damage the dishwasher.
• Avoid FloodSafe-type hoses. Samsung lists these restrictive supply hoses as a cause of 4C/4E water-supply errors.
• New Waterwall dishwasher? Remove any packing tape from the Waterwall reflector — it’s a common cause of 7E.
• Blinking lights can be codes. On models without a display, a combination of blinking lights is an error code if the dishwasher also stops working normally. If all lights blink, Samsung suggests switching off the breaker for 2 minutes.
• Hot, but not too hot. 3E means the supply water is above about 176°F — check your water heater setting.

Safety note

When to call a pro

The steps above are limited to safe, user-level checks. Call Samsung support or a qualified appliance technician if:

• LC/LE (leak) keeps returning after you’ve checked for leaks and detergent problems.
• Heater, temperature, pump, communication or Zone Wash codes return after the steps above.
• 5C or OC returns after the filter, sump and hose are clear.
• Water reaches the floor, or you notice burning, smoke or sparks.

Frequently asked questions

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