Samsung Washer DC Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It

By Dan Mercer · Published October 5, 2026 · Updated October 6, 2026 · Codes covered: dC, dE, dS, d5, dL, dE1, dE2, dC1, 1 dC, 1dC1, 1dC4 · Sources

Verify in your manual: dC is a door error on some Samsung models and an unbalanced-load error on others

A DC (dC) code on a Samsung washer usually means the door or lid isn't detected as closed and locked, so the washer won't start or spin. On some Samsung models, though, dC means the load is unbalanced instead. Either way, the fix is usually quick and free: close the door properly, clear anything caught in it, or spread the laundry out. If the latch is damaged or the code won't clear, it needs service.

Samsung groups dC, dE, dS, d5, dL, dE1, dE2, dC1, 1 dC, 1dC1 and 1dC4 together as its door error. Your display may show dC in capitals (DC).

This 3-minute fix saved 0 homeowners a technician visit this month.

What the DC code means

Door error (most models). Samsung's US error-code page says these codes mean "the door is not detected as closed and locked." On a top loader, that's the lid. Samsung's Gulf support page adds that the code appears when the washer "detects that the door is open during operation." It's a safety feature.

Unbalanced load (some models). Samsung's US page carries a warning: "On some models, dC is a Door Error. On some models it is an Unbalanced Load Error." Samsung Hong Kong's front-loader page, for example, says "the UE or DC error code indicates unbalanced load." Repair guides also report DC on Samsung top loaders that go off balance. Check your user manual to see which one your model uses. If it's the unbalance version, see our Samsung UE page.

Not sure which one you have? Your manual is the only reliable answer. Until you can check it, try the quick door checks below first, then the load checks. Both are free and take a minute.

Other things Samsung notes:

• The code can appear even when no cycle is running, if Child Lock is on and there's water in the tub. Samsung says if the door isn't closed or Child Lock isn't turned off within 30 seconds, the washer drains the tub.
• On FlexWash washers, 1dC4 shows if the rubber button next to the upper washer's latch is missing. Samsung says no service is needed. Replacing the button fixes it.
• ddC or dC3 means the small AddWash door isn't closed and locked. Samsung's Caribbean page lists dC1/dE1 as the main door lock not working properly.

Samsung dE vs. LG dE. Both brands use dE for a door problem, but the code tables are separate. On LG, dE is the door (or lid) error, and LG uses UE for an unbalanced load. On Samsung, dE is also a door error, but dC can mean either the door or an unbalanced load, depending on the model. If you have an LG washer, see our LG dE page instead.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. Door or lid not fully closed. It may look shut but not be latched.
2. Laundry caught in the door, between the door and the gasket or the lid and the cabinet.
3. Too much laundry. Samsung says overloading can stop the door from closing properly.
4. Opening the door or lid during a cycle.
5. A dirty or damaged door gasket (front loaders).
6. Child Lock on with water in the tub.
7. A washer that isn't level, which Samsung's Gulf page says can throw the door out of line.
8. A damaged latch, strike or door lock. This needs service.
9. On models where dC means unbalance: laundry bunched to one side, a single heavy item, or worn suspension parts.

How to fix it, step by step

Try these in order. Restart the cycle after each step.

1. Open the door or lid, then close it firmly. On front loaders, check that the latch clicks into place. On top loaders, Samsung's Gulf page says to press firmly along the edges.
2. Clear the door area. Push laundry back into the drum and check nothing is caught in the door or around the gasket.
3. Take some laundry out if the drum is packed, and spread the rest evenly.
4. Check Child Lock. If it's on, turn it off (your manual shows the button combination).
5. Wipe the door gasket. Samsung suggests wiping it with a dry cloth after each wash. Look for tears or cracks.
6. Check the latch. Look at the hook on the door or lid and the opening it fits into. Samsung says if the latch is damaged, request service.
7. FlexWash only (1dC4): check that the rubber button next to the upper washer's latch is there.
8. Restart the washer. Samsung's Gulf and India pages say to unplug it for 1-2 minutes, plug it back in, and press Start/Pause.
9. If your manual says dC is an unbalance code: pause, untangle and spread out the laundry, close the door and press Start. Level the washer if it rocks. Our Samsung UE page has the full steps.
10. Stop if the code returns with the door clearly closed and nothing in the way. See "Test the part," or call a pro.

Test the part

If the door closes and clicks normally but dC keeps coming back, the most likely failed part is the door lock (front loaders) or the lid lock / lid switch (top loaders). Here's a basic check with the washer unplugged.

1. Unplug the washer. If there's water in the drum, drain it first as your manual describes. Don't force the door.
2. Inspect the door hook or lid strike. A bent, cracked or loose hook can stop the lock from engaging. Samsung's Gulf page says a latch that feels loose or doesn't engage properly may need repair.
3. Reach the lock's connector. Repair Clinic describes getting to the lid or door lock connector at the control board, by removing the top-load control housing or the front-load top panel. This varies by model, so check your manual and watch for sharp edges.
4. Photograph the wires, then disconnect the connector by its housing, not the wires.
5. Check the lock coil for continuity. Set your multimeter to the lowest ohms setting and use the wiring diagram to find the coil terminals. Some resistance means the coil is intact. An open circuit ("OL") means it has failed and the lock needs replacing.
6. Don't chase an exact number. Samsung doesn't publish lock readings for owners, and they vary by model. Compare only against your model's tech sheet.
7. Know the limits. Repair Clinic notes that a lock can pass the coil test and still have a faulty switch inside it. Checking whether the control board sends power to the lock means live voltage testing. That's a job for a technician.

If the lock tests fine and the code persists, stop and call a pro.

Safety notes

When to call a pro

Request Samsung service or call a qualified appliance technician if:

• The code keeps coming back after a restart, with the door closed and nothing caught.
• The latch, hook, hinge or gasket is broken, cracked or torn.
• The door won't unlock after the washer has drained.
• The lock tests as an open circuit, or you can't reach it safely.
• Your washer is under warranty. Check the terms before opening any panels.

Samsung US support is at samsung.com/us/support or 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864).

FAQ

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