Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes

What It Means

The washing machine isn't receiving enough water or no water at all.

Common Causes

• Water taps not fully open
• Kinked or blocked inlet hoses
• Clogged inlet filter screens
• Low water pressure
• Faulty water inlet valve

DIY Fixes

1. Check that both hot and cold taps are fully open
2. Inspect inlet hoses for kinks
3. Clean the inlet filter screens:
   • Turn off taps and unscrew hoses from machine
   • Remove the small mesh filters
   • Rinse under water and reinstall
4. Check if other taps in the house have good pressure

When to Call a Professional

If taps are open, hoses clear, filters clean, but error persists - the inlet valve likely needs replacement.

What It Means

Hot and cold water connections are swapped, or hot water is too hot.

DIY Fix

1. Check hose connections - hot should connect to hot inlet
2. Swap hoses if incorrectly connected
3. If water from hot tap exceeds 70°C, the error may trigger as a safety measure

What It Means

Water isn't draining from the drum within the allowed time.

Common Causes

• Clogged drain filter (most common!)
• Blocked or kinked drain hose
• Drain pump blocked or faulty
• Blocked standpipe/plumbing

DIY Fixes

1. Clean the drain filter:
   • Open the filter cover (front bottom of machine)
   • Place towels and a container to catch water
   • Slowly unscrew the filter
   • Remove all debris (coins, hairpins, lint)
   • Clean and reinstall
2. Check drain hose isn't kinked or pushed too far into standpipe
3. Run water through the drain hose to check for blockages

When to Call a Professional

If filter is clean but water still won't drain, the drain pump may need replacement.

What It Means

The load is unbalanced and the machine can't spin safely.

Common Causes

• Too few items in the drum
• Single heavy item (like a towel or blanket)
• Items tangled together
• Machine not level
• Worn shock absorbers (if frequent)

DIY Fixes

1. Open the door and redistribute items evenly
2. Add similar items if washing one heavy item
3. Remove items if overloaded
4. Check the machine is level (adjust feet if needed)
5. Close door and restart spin cycle

When to Call a Professional

If UE error happens frequently with normal loads, the shock absorbers or suspension springs may be worn.

What It Means

The door isn't closed properly or the door lock is faulty.

DIY Fixes

1. Open and close the door firmly - listen for the click
2. Check nothing is caught in the door seal
3. Inspect the door latch for damage
4. Check the door strike plate is secure

When to Call a Professional

If door closes properly but error persists, the door lock mechanism needs replacement.

What It Means

The door lock mechanism has failed to engage.

This requires professional repair. The door lock assembly needs replacement.

What It Means

Problem with the drive motor or motor communication.

Variations

• 3E: Motor not detected
• 3E1: Motor overloaded
• 3E2: Motor current too low
• 3E3: Motor speed signal lost
• 3E4: Motor hall sensor error

DIY Checks

1. Check if drum turns freely by hand
2. Reduce load size - may be overloaded
3. Power reset the machine

When to Call a Professional

Motor errors usually require professional diagnosis. Could be motor, control board, or wiring issue.

What It Means

Water level dropped unexpectedly - possible leak or drain issue.

DIY Checks

1. Check for visible leaks under the machine
2. Ensure drain hose is at correct height (60-90cm)
3. Check drain hose isn't siphoning water out

What It Means

The water temperature sensor (thermistor) is faulty or reading incorrect values.

Requires professional repair. Sensor or heating element may need replacement.

What It Means

The water level sensor (pressure switch) isn't working correctly.

DIY Check

The pressure hose to the sensor may be blocked or disconnected. However, accessing this usually requires professional service.

What It Means

Too much detergent has created excessive foam.

DIY Fix

1. Wait - the machine will try to reduce suds automatically
2. Run a rinse cycle without detergent
3. Use less detergent next time
4. Use HE (High Efficiency) detergent for front loaders

What It Means

Too much water in the drum - overflow protection activated.

Possible Causes

• Faulty water inlet valve (not closing)
• Defective pressure switch
• Control board issue

Requires professional repair.

What It Means

Child lock is enabled - not an error!

How to Disable

Press and hold the child lock button (or button combination) for 3 seconds. Check your manual for the specific method for your model.