Samsung Appliance Error Codes — Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Samsung appliances display alphanumeric error codes on their digital panels when something goes wrong. Knowing what these codes mean helps you decide whether a quick reset will do the trick or whether you need a trained technician. Below is our field-tested reference covering the error codes we see most often on Samsung refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and ovens across Northern Virginia service calls.

Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes

Samsung refrigerators use a combination of letters and numbers to flag cooling system, sensor, and communication failures. These codes appear on the front display panel or internal control board.

Code	Meaning	What It Means & Repair Cost
1E or SE	Sensor Error	A temperature sensor has failed or lost connection. The fridge may stop cooling one compartment. Power cycle the unit for 5 minutes. If the code returns, the sensor or its wiring needs replacement. Cost: $120–$200.
5E	Fridge Defrost Sensor Error	The defrost sensor in the refrigerator compartment is reading out of range. Ice may build up on the back wall. This sensor sits behind the rear panel inside the fridge and typically costs $100–$160 to replace.
8E	Ice Maker Sensor Error	The ice maker sensor has failed. Ice production stops. On French-door models, this often requires replacing the entire ice maker assembly. Cost: $150–$280.
21E	Freezer Fan Error	The freezer evaporator fan is not running. The freezer warms up while the fridge stays cold. Usually caused by ice buildup blocking the fan or a burned-out fan motor. Cost: $120–$220.
22E or 22C	Fridge Fan Error	The fresh food compartment fan has stopped. Similar to 21E but affects the refrigerator section. Check for ice obstruction first, then the fan motor.
33E	Ice Pipe Heater Error	The ice pipe heater that prevents the water line from freezing has failed. Water dispenser stops working and ice maker output drops. Common on RF28 and RF263 models.
39E or 39C	Ice Maker Function Error	The ice maker itself is malfunctioning. Often caused by a stuck ice tray motor. Try running the test cycle (hold the Test button 3 seconds). If it still fails, the ice maker module needs replacing.
41E or 41C	Fan Motor Lock	A fan motor is physically locked or jammed. Could be condenser fan (underneath) or evaporator fan. Check for debris or ice. Replace fan motor if bearings are shot. Cost: $100–$200.
84C	Compressor Lock Error	The compressor cannot start. This is a serious code — often means the compressor or its inverter board has failed. Repair cost: $300–$600. At this price point, evaluate whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
PC ER	Communication Error	The main control board and display board cannot communicate. Usually a loose wire harness or a failed control board. Power cycle first. If it persists, a technician needs to check the wiring and boards.

Samsung Washer Error Codes

Samsung washers display error codes during or after cycles when they detect a mechanical or electrical problem. Here are the codes our technicians encounter most frequently.

Code	Meaning	What It Means & Repair Cost
UE or Ub	Unbalanced Load	The drum cannot balance the load for the spin cycle. Redistribute clothes evenly. If it happens with balanced loads, the suspension rods or shock absorbers may be worn. Cost: $120–$200 for shock replacement.
dE or dE1	Door Lock Error	The door lock mechanism is not engaging properly. The washer will not start a cycle. Check for clothing caught in the door seal. If the latch is broken, door lock assembly replacement costs $80–$150.
nF or 4E	Water Supply Error	The washer is not filling with water or filling too slowly. Check that both hot and cold supply valves are fully open. Clean the inlet filter screens. If valves are fine, the water inlet valve assembly may need replacing ($90–$160).
nd or 5E	Drain Error	Water is not draining from the drum. The drain filter (bottom-front of machine) is likely clogged. Clean the debris filter first — this fixes 80% of 5E codes. If not, check the drain hose and pump. Pump replacement: $120–$220.
SE or 3E	Motor Error	The drive motor has stalled or the hall sensor has failed. The washer stops mid-cycle. Could be a simple hall sensor swap ($80–$130) or a more serious motor issue ($200–$350).
HE1 or HE2	Water Temperature Error	The water heater is overheating (HE1) or not heating at all (HE2). For HE1, the heater thermostat may need replacing. For HE2, the heating element itself has failed.
LE or LE1	Water Level Error	The washer detects a low water level mid-cycle, usually due to a slow leak in the tub or a faulty pressure switch. Inspect the outer tub for cracks and test the pressure switch.
tE or tE1	Temperature Sensor Error	A thermistor (temperature sensor) has failed. The washer may wash in cold water only. Sensor replacement is straightforward: $80–$140.

Samsung Dryer Error Codes

Samsung dryers use error codes to indicate heating, airflow, and sensor problems. Many dryer codes are related to restricted venting, which is a fire hazard.

Code	Meaning	What It Means & Repair Cost
HE or hE	Heating Error	The dryer is not producing heat. For electric dryers, the heating element has likely burned out ($120–$200 to replace). For gas dryers, the gas valve solenoid or igniter may have failed ($100–$180).
tS or tO	Temperature Sensor Error	The exhaust thermistor is reading out of range. The dryer may overheat or not heat at all. Thermistor replacement: $70–$120.
dF or dE	Door Error	The door switch does not detect the door as closed. Check for lint buildup around the door latch. Door switch replacement: $60–$100.
FE	Power Supply Error	The dryer is receiving incorrect voltage. Should receive 240V for electric dryers. Check your breaker — if one leg of the 240V circuit trips, you get 120V which causes this code.
bE or bE2	Button Stuck Error	A control panel button is stuck in the pressed position. Try pressing each button firmly to unstick it. If it persists, the control panel membrane needs replacing ($80–$160).
Et	Clogged Vent Warning	Airflow restriction detected. This is Samsung's way of telling you the dryer vent needs cleaning. This is a fire hazard. Schedule a professional dryer vent cleaning immediately.
9C1	Voltage Error	Similar to FE but more specific. Check your home's electrical panel and the dryer outlet. Loose connections at the outlet terminal block are a common cause.

Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

Samsung dishwashers show error codes on the cycle indicator panel. Most Samsung dishwasher codes relate to water supply, drainage, or sensor problems.

Code	Meaning	What It Means & Repair Cost
4E or 4C	Water Supply Error	No water entering the dishwasher. Check that the water supply valve under the sink is open. Clean the inlet filter. If the valve is open and filter is clean, the water inlet valve may need replacement ($90–$150).
5E or 5C	Drain Error	Water is not draining after the cycle. Check the drain hose for kinks and the air gap (if installed) for blockages. The drain pump or check valve may need replacing ($100–$180).
HE or HC	Water Temperature Error	The water heater or thermistor has failed. The dishwasher cannot heat water to the proper temperature. Heater replacement: $120–$200.
OC or 0C	Water Overflow	The dishwasher detects too much water. The float switch may be stuck or the water inlet valve is not closing. This can also trigger if the unit is not level.
LE or LC	Leak Detected	The leak sensor at the base of the unit has detected moisture. Check the door gasket, spray arm connections, and tub seams. A genuine leak needs professional repair.
bE or bE2	Button Error	Same as dryer — a button on the control panel is stuck. Try pressing all buttons firmly. Panel replacement if persistent.
PE	Half Load Function Error	The half-load sensor has failed. The dishwasher runs full cycles regardless of load size. Not critical but wastes water and energy.

Samsung Oven and Range Error Codes

Samsung ovens and ranges display codes when heating elements, sensors, or safety mechanisms fail.

Code	Meaning	What It Means & Repair Cost
SE or 5E (Oven)	Key Short Error	A touchpad key is stuck or shorted. Disconnect power for 60 seconds. If it returns, the touchpad or overlay needs replacing ($100–$200).
-dE-	Door Lock Error	The oven door lock mechanism is not working. Common after a self-clean cycle. The door lock motor/switch assembly may need replacing ($80–$160).
E-08	Oven Temperature Sensor Error	The oven temperature sensor (RTD probe) is reading out of range. The oven cannot regulate temperature. Sensor replacement: $80–$140.
E-0A	Lock Motor Error	The oven door lock motor has failed, usually during or after self-clean. Similar to -dE- but more specific.
E-27	Oven Temperature Too High	The oven overheated beyond the set temperature. The thermostat or control relay may have failed. This is a safety issue — do not use the oven until repaired.
C-F0	Communication Error	The oven control board has a communication failure. Usually requires control board replacement ($150–$300).

Our Service Area

We provide Samsung appliance repair and error code diagnosis throughout Northern Virginia including Woodbridge, Dale City, Lake Ridge, Dumfries, Manassas, Gainesville, Lorton, Springfield, Fairfax, and all communities in the 571/703 area code.