Samsung Dishwasher LC, OC, 4C and 5C Error Codes
These four Samsung dishwasher codes are all about water. LC / LE means the leak sensor detects moisture. OC / 0C / oE means there's more water than there should be. 4C / 4E is a water supply error, and 5C / 5E / SC / SE means the dishwasher can't drain.
| Code | Samsung's meaning |
|---|---|
| LC, LE | Leakage error: the leak sensor detects moisture. The dishwasher turns itself on and tries to drain. |
| OC, 0C, oE | Over-level water error: more water in the dishwasher than there should be |
| 4C, 4E | Water supply error: not getting water at the pressure or temperature it needs |
| 5C, SC, 5E, SE | Drain error: the dishwasher can't drain |
Samsung's advice for all dishwasher codes: troubleshoot before you reset or clear the code. Otherwise the cause isn't fixed and the error may come back.
Safety: switch the dishwasher off at its circuit breaker (or unplug it) before checking underneath or reaching into the tub. If you find an active leak, turn off the water valve under the sink.
LC / LE: leakage error
Samsung says the leak sensor has detected moisture where it doesn't belong, even if you can't see a leak. While the code is on, the dishwasher turns itself on and won't turn off as it tries to drain the water away. On Waterwall models, it can also mean the water reflector is blocked.
- Turn off the power at the breaker so it isn't running while you check.
- Look for a visible leak along the water supply hose under the sink, at both ends. If you find one, turn off the water.
- New garbage disposal? Samsung says to make sure the disposal's cap (knockout plug) was removed.
- Check the detergent. Too much detergent, or hand dish soap, can reach the sensor. Use only dishwasher detergent, and only in the dispenser.
- Give it time to dry, especially if the dishwasher was recently moved, then restore power. If the code is still there, Samsung's next step is service.
OC / 0C / oE: too much water
Samsung says there's more water in the dishwasher than there should be. Turn it off, and don't keep restarting it. Samsung points to its drain and overflow troubleshooting for this code, so start with the drain checks: make sure the filter isn't clogged and the drain hose isn't kinked. If the code returns, or the dishwasher keeps filling when it shouldn't, that needs a technician.
4C / 4E: water supply error
The dishwasher isn't getting water at the pressure or temperature it needs. Check that the water valve under the sink is fully open and the supply hose isn't kinked. If other faucets have weak flow, the issue is the home's supply. If the valve is open and the code continues, call.
5C / SC / 5E / SE: drain error
The dishwasher can't drain. Clean the filter at the bottom of the tub (your manual shows how), check that the drain hose isn't kinked, and, if a disposal was just installed, make sure its plug was removed. If water still won't drain, the drain pump needs a technician.
When to call a technician
Call if LC keeps coming back after the dishwasher has dried out, if you find a leak inside the machine or along the drain hose, if OC returns, or if 4C or 5C persist after the simple checks. Tell us the model number and the code.
Questions about Samsung dishwasher codes
Why won't my Samsung dishwasher turn off with an LC code?
Samsung says that when the leak sensor detects moisture, the dishwasher turns itself on and won't turn off while it tries to drain the water away. Switch it off at the breaker while you check for the cause.
Can dish soap cause a leak code?
Yes. Samsung warns that hand dish soap makes so many suds they can escape and cause leaks, and that excess detergent can set off the moisture sensor. Use only detergent labeled for dishwashers.
What does HC mean on a Samsung dishwasher?
Samsung lists HC as a high-temperature heater error on dishwashers. That's different from HC on a Samsung dryer, where it means the dryer is getting too hot.