The short version
- Symptom
- The washer stopped and shows a code like 4C, 5E, OE or UE
- Likely cause
- Usually water inlet, drainage, the door or an uneven load, and the meaning depends on the brand
- Who fixes it?
- You first, then a technician
First: read the code correctly and check the brand
Codes aren’t shared between manufacturers. A clear example: OE on an LG washer means it couldn’t drain the water, while OE on a Samsung means overflow — too much water, which too much detergent can cause. LE on LG means the tub isn’t spinning; on Samsung it means a low water level, and you should check for a leak. Samsung itself warns that a 5 can look like an S and a 3 like an E on the display, so double-check the code before you look it up. Both makers say codes and steps can differ by model, so if yours isn’t in the tables below, check the washer’s manual.
Samsung washer codes, according to Samsung
| Code | What it means, according to Samsung |
|---|---|
| 4C or 4E | A water supply problem: the tap, the water pressure, the inlet hose mesh filter, or a kinked hose |
| 5C or 5E | A drainage problem: the drain pump filter, or a kinked or blocked drain hose |
| dC, dE or dE1 | A door problem: not fully closed, or something trapped in it |
| Ub, UE or Ur | The load is unbalanced, so the washer stopped the spin for safety. Samsung says this is not a fault |
| OC or OE | Overflow — too much water, possibly from too much detergent |
| LC or LE | Low water level: check the drain hose height and look for a leak |
| E1 · E2 · E3 | On Samsung’s list: E1 water supply, E2 drainage, E3 overflow |
LG washer codes, according to LG
| Code | What it means, according to LG |
|---|---|
| IE | The tub isn’t filling to the right level: the tap is off, the hose isn’t connected or is bent, or the inlet filter is blocked |
| OE | The washer couldn’t drain: a kinked drain hose, a clogged drain pump filter, and sometimes excess suds |
| UE | The load has bunched up on one side, the load is too big or too small, or the washer isn’t level |
| dE or dE1 | The door isn’t closed properly, sometimes because laundry is caught between the door and the gasket |
| dE2 | The door is closed but not locked: something is in the way, or the door latch is bent or broken |
| LE | The tub isn’t spinning: an overload, or a foreign object such as a coin stuck in the tub |
Before you touch any filter: unplug it Unplug the washer before you open the drain filter or undo the inlet hose, and turn the water tap off before you disconnect the hose. If it was a hot wash, wait until the water cools before you drain it, because it comes out over your hands. Put a tray and towels under the filter, since the water ends up on the floor, and never touch the plug or sockets with wet hands or while the floor is wet. Don’t remove the washer’s back or top panel, and if you smell burning or the breaker trips, stop and call a technician.
Checks you can do yourself
- The tap is fully open (4C · 4E · IE)
Make sure the washer’s tap is fully open and water actually flows from it, and that the inlet hose is connected to it. If the water to the house is off, the washer shows the same code.
You can check it - The inlet hose and its filter (4C · 4E · IE)
The washer shifts slightly when it spins, so the hose behind it can get bent. Straighten it. Then, with the tap off and the washer unplugged, undo the end of the hose, clean the small mesh filter of sand and rust, and put it back before reconnecting the hose.
You can check it - The drain hose (5C · 5E · OE on LG)
Look behind the washer and make sure the drain hose isn’t kinked or blocked and runs straight to the drain. Samsung asks for it to be installed at a height of at least 60 cm.
You can check it - The drain pump filter (5C · 5E · OE on LG)
On front-loaders the filter is usually behind a small cover at the bottom front. With the washer unplugged, drain the remaining water through the small emergency hose next to it, then open the filter, clear out lint and coins, and close it tightly so it doesn’t leak.
You can check it - The door (dC · dE · dE1)
Open the door and close it again, making sure no laundry is caught between the door and the rubber gasket. Also check that the child lock isn’t what’s stopping you from starting it.
You can check it - Load balance and a level washer (Ub · UE)
Pause the washer, spread the load evenly, and keep the drum about two-thirds full, as LG recommends. Rock the washer by its corners: if it wobbles, adjust the feet until it sits firmly on the floor.
You can check it
A UE code is usually not a fault: the washer stopped the spin because the load bunched up. Samsung says a single heavy item such as a bath mat or a large towel is unlikely to spin on its own, and suggests adding 2 or 3 towels and spinning again.
When a code means a technician
If you’ve done the checks above and the code comes back, these signs tell you where the problem is:
-
The tap is open and water flows, the filter is clean and the hose is straight, but 4C or IE keeps coming back
Likely cause: LG says the water inlet valve may be faulty, and Samsung says the washer may need a service
Needs a technician -
OE on an LG with a lot of suds in the drum
Likely cause: Excess suds make the pump draw air instead of water. LG recommends a tub clean cycle and less detergent
You can check it -
You cleaned the drain filter and the hose is straight, but 5C or OE comes back, or you can’t hear the pump during a spin
Likely cause: LG tests the pump with a spin cycle: if you don’t hear the pump hum, or the code returns after cleaning, the washer needs a repair
Needs a technician -
dE comes back after you closed the door properly and reset the washer, or dE2 shows on an LG
Likely cause: The door latch may be bent or broken, and LG says service is needed if the code continues
Needs a technician -
LE on an LG keeps coming back even after you reduced the load and removed anything stuck in the tub
Likely cause: LG says the motor can’t turn the tub properly; if the code continues, unplug it and contact service
Needs a technician -
LC or LE on a Samsung, or water on the floor under the washer
Likely cause: Samsung links this code to the water level: make sure the drain hose isn’t lower than the base of the washer and check for a leak. If there’s water on the floor, unplug it first
You first, then a technician
Done the checks and the code keeps coming back?
Send us the washer brand and the code on the display — a photo of the display and of the model label helps — and we’ll get back to you to agree the next step. We never start a repair without your approval.
Common questions
What do the codes on a Samsung washing machine mean?
According to Samsung: 4C or 4E is a water supply problem, 5C or 5E a drainage problem, dC or dE a door problem, Ub or UE an unbalanced load, OC or OE overflow, and LC or LE a low water level. Codes can differ by model, so if yours isn’t listed, check the washer’s manual.
My washer shows E1, E2 or E3. What does that mean?
On Samsung’s list: E1 is a water supply problem, E2 a drainage problem, and E3 overflow, possibly from too much detergent. If your washer is another brand the meaning can be different, so check the brand and the manual before you start checking.
Does the same code mean the same thing on Samsung and LG?
No. OE on LG means the washer can’t drain, while on Samsung it means overflow. LE on LG means the tub isn’t spinning; on Samsung it means a low water level. dE is a door problem on both, and UE is an unbalanced load on both.
Can I clear the code by switching the power off?
For some codes, both makers suggest unplugging the washer briefly and switching it back on, which clears temporary errors. But if there’s a real cause, such as a blocked filter or a kinked hose, the code will come back. Do the check that matches the code first, and if it still returns, that’s a sign you need a technician.