Samsung washing machines show a short code when something goes wrong. Most codes point to a specific part of the machine, and several have a simple fix you can do yourself. This guide covers the codes we see on Samsung front-load and top-load machines in Bangalore homes, using Samsung’s own code meanings.
C, E or a number? Newer Samsung machines show codes ending in C (4C), older ones end in E (4E), and the oldest use E1, E2 and so on. They mean the same fault. Also look carefully at the display: 5 and S look alike (5E and SE are both drain errors), and so do 3 and E.
Common Samsung error codes
| Code | Meaning | What you can check | When to call us |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4C / 4E / E1 | Water supply problem | Tap fully open? Inlet hose kinked? Clean the mesh filter where the hose connects. Check water pressure. | Water supply fine but code returns: inlet valve |
| 5C / 5E / SE / E2 | Water not draining | Clean the drain pump filter. Check the drain hose isn’t kinked or blocked. | Filter clean but still not draining: drain pump |
| dC / dE / DC1 / dE1 | Door not closed or not locking | Close the door firmly. Check nothing is caught in the door or seal. | Door shut but code persists: door lock |
| UE / Ub / Ur / E4 | Unbalanced load (not a fault) | Spread the clothes out, add 2–3 towels to a single heavy item, and make sure the machine is level. | Happens with normal loads on a level floor: suspension or shock absorbers |
| LC / LE / E9 | Low water level detected | Check the drain hose isn’t lower than the base of the machine, and look for water underneath. | Water under the machine: an internal leak |
| OC / OE / OF / E3 | Too much water (overflow) | Often caused by too much detergent. Switch off for 1 minute and let the pump drain it. | Keeps returning: inlet valve or water level sensor |
| 1C / 1E / E7 | Water level sensor issue | Switch off at the wall for 1 minute, then restart. | Returns after restart: sensor or its wiring |
| 3C / 3E / 3E1–3E4 / EA | Motor issue | Remove some clothes if overloaded, then switch off for 1 minute and restart. | Returns after restart: motor or motor control |
| HE1 / 6E / E5 | Water heater not working | Run a cold wash to check the rest of the machine works. | Heater or its circuit: needs a technician |
| tE / tC / EC | Temperature sensor error | Switch off at the wall for 1 minute, then restart. | Returns after restart: temperature sensor |
| bE1–bE3 / 12E / 14E | A button is stuck | Unplug and wipe the control panel with a lightly damp cloth. Press each button to check none is stuck. | Still stuck: control panel |
| AC / AE | Communication error between the control boards | Wait a few minutes. If it doesn’t clear, switch off and restart. | Keeps returning: board or wiring fault |
| Sud / SUd | Too much foam | Usually clears by itself. Use less detergent, and use front-load detergent in front-loaders. | Rarely needs a technician |
| UC | Supply voltage fluctuating | Plug the machine directly into a wall socket. Don’t use an extension lead or share the socket. | Persists on a good socket: electrical check |
If your code isn’t listed, check the manual for your model, or send us the code and model number on WhatsApp.
4C or 4E: Samsung not taking water
In Bangalore this is usually a water supply problem rather than a machine fault: a half-closed tap, low overhead-tank pressure, or the small mesh filter at the inlet clogged by sediment from borewell or tanker water. Close the tap, unscrew the inlet hose at the back of the machine and clean the mesh filter. If the water supply is fine and 4C keeps returning, the inlet valve may have failed. See our not filling with water guide.
5C or 5E: Samsung not draining
- Switch off and unplug the machine. If the water was hot, let it cool first.
- On front-loaders, open the small flap at the bottom front. Put a towel and a shallow tray down.
- Pull out the emergency drain hose, if there is one, and drain the water into the tray.
- Unscrew the filter slowly, anticlockwise, and remove coins, hair and lint.
- Refit it firmly, then check the drain hose at the back isn’t kinked or blocked.
If the filter is clean and 5E comes back, the drain pump has probably failed. More in our guide to washing machines not draining.
UE or Ub: unbalanced load
Samsung treats this as a load problem, not a fault. It usually shows up with a single heavy item such as a blanket or bath mat, or a small load bunched to one side. Spread the clothes out, add a couple of towels to balance a heavy item, and check the machine stands level and doesn’t rock. If UE appears with normal, well-spread loads, the suspension or shock absorbers may be worn. See washing machine shaking and vibrating.
dC or dE: door error
Close the door firmly until it clicks, and check no clothing is caught in the seal. If the code continues with the door properly shut, the door lock or the catch on the door is usually at fault. If the door won’t open at the end of a cycle, see our door not opening guide.
Send us the code and your model on WhatsApp and we’ll tell you what it likely means before we visit. Doorstep Samsung washing machine repair across Bangalore, Monday to Saturday.
Top-load Samsung machines
Samsung top-loaders use the same main codes: 4C/4E for water supply, 5C/5E for draining, dC for the lid and UE for an unbalanced load. On top-loaders, an unbalanced load is especially common with bedsheets that wrap around the agitator or pulsator, so spread them loosely around the drum.
Before you call: reset the machine
Samsung’s own advice for many codes is a simple reset. Switch the machine off at the wall, wait about a minute, switch it back on and start a new programme. If the same code comes back, there’s a real fault, and repeatedly resetting won’t fix it.
Is your Samsung still under warranty?
If so, contact Samsung through the number on your warranty card or Samsung India’s official website first, since a covered repair costs you nothing. We’re an independent repair service, not an authorised Samsung service centre. For out-of-warranty machines we offer same-day doorstep repair with a 90-day warranty on parts and labour, and we repair control boards at component level instead of always replacing them.
For other brands, see our error codes guide for LG, IFB, Bosch and more.