Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

Below are the most common Samsung dishwasher error codes . Each code includes what it means, step-by-step DIY fixes, when to call a professional, and repair cost estimates.

Safety Warning

4 high-urgency code(s) should be addressed promptly. If you smell gas, hear unusual sounds, or see sparks, turn off the system and call a professional immediately.

Quick Navigation — 10 Error Codes

Code 1E Code HE Code OC Code LC Code 4E Code 9E Code bE Code HE1 Code 5E Code oE

Samsung Code 1E: Clogged filter error — fine filter needs cleaning

Low Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $0 – $150

Common Causes

  • Fine filter at the bottom of the dishwasher is clogged with food debris
  • Filter not cleaned regularly
  • Large food particles blocking the filter assembly

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Remove the bottom dish rack to access the filter assembly.
  2. Twist and remove the cylindrical filter, then remove the flat mesh filter beneath it.
  3. Rinse both filters under running water and scrub with a soft brush to remove food debris.
  4. Reinstall the filters and run a normal cycle.

Call a professional when: The filters are clean but the code persists — the water level sensor or its wiring may be faulty.

Samsung Code HE: Heater error — water temperature not rising as expected

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $350

Common Causes

  • Failed heating element
  • Defective water temperature sensor
  • Water entering the dishwasher is too cold
  • Wiring issue to the heating element

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Run the hot water at the kitchen sink for 1-2 minutes before starting the dishwasher — this ensures hot water reaches it immediately.
  2. Check that your water heater is set to at least 120 degrees F.
  3. Turn off power at the breaker for 5 minutes, then restore and run a normal cycle.
  4. Run an empty cycle to test.

Call a professional when: Hot water supply is confirmed but dishes come out cold and the code persists — the heating element or its control circuit needs replacement.

Samsung Code OC: Water overflow — water level over limit

High Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $350

Common Causes

  • Faulty water inlet valve not shutting off
  • Clogged or slow drain causing water backup
  • Malfunctioning water level sensor
  • Drain connection issue with the sink

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Cancel the cycle immediately and turn off the water supply under the sink.
  2. Check the drain connection at the sink or garbage disposal for clogs.
  3. Clean the dishwasher drain filter.
  4. Turn off power for 5 minutes, restore, then run a drain-only cycle.

Call a professional when: Water continues to fill even after canceling the cycle — the water inlet valve is stuck open and needs immediate professional replacement.

Samsung Code LC: Leak detected — moisture sensor activated

High Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $400

Common Causes

  • Water leak from a hose connection or the door gasket
  • Cracked spray arm directing water past the door seal
  • Excess suds from using dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent
  • Leak sensor itself got wet during a previous issue

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Check the floor around the dishwasher for standing water.
  2. Open the door and check the door gasket for food debris, cracks, or misalignment.
  3. Ensure you are using dishwasher detergent — NOT regular dish soap, which creates excessive suds and leaks.
  4. If no visible leak, the leak sensor may be wet from a previous incident. Turn off power for 24 hours to let the sensor dry, then test.

Call a professional when: A visible leak is coming from under the dishwasher or from the pump area — professional disassembly is needed.

Samsung Code 4E: Water supply error — dishwasher not filling

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $120 – $275

Common Causes

  • Water supply valve under the sink is off or partially closed
  • Kinked water supply line
  • Clogged water inlet valve screen
  • Flood-safe supply hose triggered

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Check the water supply valve under the sink — turn it fully open.
  2. Inspect the supply line for kinks.
  3. Do not use flood-safe hoses with Samsung dishwashers — they can false-trigger and cut off water supply.
  4. Turn off power for 5 minutes, then restore and start a cycle.

Call a professional when: Water supply is open and the line is clear but the dishwasher will not fill — the water inlet valve needs replacement.

Samsung Code 9E: Water level sensor error — insufficient water detected

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $125 – $300

Common Causes

  • Loose wire connections at the water level sensor
  • Defective water level pressure sensor
  • Low water pressure to the dishwasher

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Empty the dishwasher and run a normal cycle to see if the code clears.
  2. Check the water supply valve is fully open.
  3. Turn off power for 5 minutes to reset, then test again.

Call a professional when: The code persists after a reset — the water level sensor or its wiring needs professional diagnosis.

Samsung Code bE: Button stuck error — control panel button malfunction

Low Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $125 – $300

Common Causes

  • A button on the control panel is stuck
  • Debris or moisture under the buttons
  • Worn button membrane

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Turn off the dishwasher power at the breaker.
  2. Gently press and release each button multiple times to free any stuck buttons.
  3. Clean around the buttons with a damp cloth to remove residue.
  4. Restore power and test.

Call a professional when: No button appears stuck but the code persists — the control panel or board needs professional replacement.

Samsung Code HE1: Overheating error — water temperature exceeds 176 degrees F

High Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $175 – $400

Common Causes

  • Heater relay on the main control board stuck in the closed position
  • Defective temperature sensor
  • Water heater set too high

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Turn off the dishwasher immediately and let it cool for 30 minutes.
  2. Check your home water heater setting — it should be 120 degrees F, not higher.
  3. Turn off dishwasher power for 10 minutes to reset.

Call a professional when: Water heater is at the correct setting but the dishwasher overheats — the main control board relay or temperature sensor needs replacement.

Samsung Code 5E: Drain error — dishwasher not draining

Medium Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $325

Common Causes

  • Clogged drain filter
  • Kinked drain hose
  • Garbage disposal knockout plug not removed (new installations)
  • Clogged air gap

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Clean the drain filter at the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
  2. Check the drain hose for kinks.
  3. If recently installed with a garbage disposal, verify the disposal knockout plug was removed.
  4. Clean the air gap on the sink (if installed) by removing the cap and clearing debris.

Call a professional when: All drain paths are clear but water remains in the bottom of the dishwasher — the drain pump may have failed.

Samsung Code oE: Over-level water error — excess water detected

High Urgency
Estimated repair cost: $150 – $350

Common Causes

  • Water inlet valve stuck open
  • Drain hose connected improperly causing backflow
  • Defective water level sensor

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Cancel the cycle and turn off the water supply.
  2. Check the drain hose — it should loop up to the underside of the counter before going down to the drain to prevent backflow.
  3. Clean the drain filter and run a drain cycle.
  4. Turn off power for 5 minutes to reset.

Call a professional when: Water overflows despite proper drain hose routing — the water inlet valve or level sensor needs professional replacement.

Need Samsung Repair in Central Texas?

Texas Temp Masters provides expert appliance repair for Samsung and all major brands in Killeen, Waco, Temple, and surrounding areas. Call (817) 704-0706 for fast, reliable service, or contact us online.

Error code information cross-referenced from manufacturer documentation, HVAC/appliance professional resources, and verified repair databases. Codes can vary by specific model and control board revision. Always verify against your unit's diagnostic label or owner's manual. Repair costs are estimates based on national averages. Last updated February 2026.

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