Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes: 4C, 5C, LC, OC, HE & More
Samsung dishwashers stop and show a two-character code when something goes wrong with water supply, draining, heating or a leak. As with Samsung washers, older models may end the code in E and newer ones in C. Drain and supply codes are often fixable without a service call.
Water supply error — water pressure or temperature isn't adequate.
5C / 5E / SC / SE
Drain error — the dishwasher can't drain.
LC / LE
Leak or moisture detected in the base.
OC / OE
Overflow — too much water in the dishwasher.
HE
Heater or temperature-detection error — the water isn't heating correctly.
3C / 3E
3C is a pump failure; 3E means the supply water is too hot.
bE / 6E
Stuck button detected.
4C / 4E — Water supply error
Water supply error — water pressure or temperature isn't adequate.
Common causes
Water supply valve under the sink closed or partly closed
Kinked supply line
Low water pressure
Water too hot or cold for the dishwasher's spec
Failed inlet valve
Try this first
✓Open the supply valve under the sink fully
✓Check the supply line for kinks
✓Samsung advises against FloodSafe-type supply hoses, which can restrict flow
When to call: If water supply checks out, the inlet valve likely needs replacing.
5C / 5E / SC / SE — Drain error
Drain error — the dishwasher can't drain.
Common causes
Clogged filter or sump
Kinked or clogged drain hose
New garbage disposal with its knockout plug still in
Failed drain pump
Try this first
✓Remove and clean the filter and sump area
✓Check the drain hose under the sink
✓Run the disposal
When to call: If it still won't drain, the drain pump or hose needs service.
LC / LE — Leak or moisture detected in the base
Leak or moisture detected in the base.
Common causes
Too much detergent or the wrong detergent causing suds
Leaking hose, pump or door seal
Drain hose problem
Try this first
✓Use only dishwasher detergent, in the right amount
✓Check the drain hose isn't lying on the floor or clogged
When to call: If LC returns, there's a real leak — we find it before it damages your cabinets or floor.
OC / OE — Overflow
Overflow — too much water in the dishwasher.
Common causes
Inlet valve not shutting off
Drain problem
Excess suds
Try this first
✓Clean the filter and check the drain connections
✓Turn off the water supply if water keeps flowing
When to call: An inlet valve that won't close can flood the kitchen — call promptly.
HE — Heater or temperature-detection error
Heater or temperature-detection error — the water isn't heating correctly.
Common causes
Failed heating element
Temperature sensor problem
Wiring or control board fault
Try this first
✓Empty the dishwasher and run a normal cycle once
When to call: Heater, sensor and board faults need a technician.
3C / 3E — 3C is a pump failure; 3E means the supply water is too hot
3C is a pump failure; 3E means the supply water is too hot.
Common causes
For 3C: a failed wash or drain pump, or debris jamming it
For 3E: water heater set very high
Try this first
✓Restart the dishwasher
✓For 3E, make sure your supply water is below about 176°F
When to call: A recurring 3C code usually means the pump needs replacing.
bE / 6E — Stuck button detected
Stuck button detected.
Common causes
A button pressed in or stuck
Damaged control panel
Try this first
✓Press each button to make sure none is stuck
When to call: If the code continues, the control panel needs replacing.
How to reset
Turn the dishwasher off, switch off its breaker (or unplug it) for a minute or two, then restore power and run a normal cycle with the dishwasher empty. If the code returns, the problem is still there.
Codes vary by model and year. Check your owner's manual for your exact model — if a code isn't listed here, call us and we'll look it up.