Samsung Washer dC / dE / LO Error Code
On most Samsung washers, dC, dE, dS, LO, FL and dL (and variants like dE1, dC1 and 1 dC) are a door error: the washer can't confirm the door or lid is closed and locked, so it won't run. One catch: on some Samsung models, dC means an unbalanced load instead. Your manual says which.
| Brand / appliance | Samsung washers (front-load and top-load) |
|---|---|
| Codes | dS, d5, FL, LO, L0, dE, dE1, dE2, dC, dC1, dL, 1 dC, 1dC1, 1dC4; ddC or dC3 for the AddWash door |
| Meaning | Door or lid not detected as closed and locked |
| Try yourself first? | Yes: clear the door, close it firmly, check Child Lock |
What dC and dE mean on a Samsung washer
Samsung lists these codes as a door error: "the door is not detected as closed and locked." The washer checks the door latch and lock before it fills and before it spins. If something is caught in the door, the latch is loose or damaged, or the lock doesn't engage, you'll see one of these codes.
Two model notes from Samsung: dC is an unbalanced load code on some models (see Samsung Ub / UE), and ddC or dC3 refers to the small AddWash door, not the main door. On FlexWash washers, 1dC4 can appear if the small rubber button next to the upper washer's latch is missing; replacing that button fixes it.
Common causes
- A sock, towel corner or other item caught in the door or gasket.
- The door or lid not pushed all the way closed.
- A loose or damaged door latch or strike.
- Child Lock turned on with water in the tub.
- A failed door lock assembly, or its wiring (a technician's job).
Safety: don't try to pry open a door that is locked; Samsung warns not to open the door while the lock icon is lit. If there's water in the drum, let the washer drain first; your manual explains how to run a drain or spin-only cycle.
Safe things to try first
- Clear the door. Open it, check that no laundry is caught in the door or the rubber gasket, and close it firmly until it clicks.
- Look at the latch. Check that the latch on the door and the catch on the washer look secure and undamaged. Wipe away any lint or detergent buildup.
- Check Child Lock. Samsung notes the code can appear when Child Lock is on and there's water in the tub. Close the door or turn off Child Lock within 30 seconds, or the washer will drain the water.
- Reset and retry. Turn the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes, turn it back on and start the cycle again.
When to call a technician
If the latch or door is visibly damaged, the door won't stay shut, or the code keeps coming back with nothing in the way, the door lock or its wiring may need repair or replacement. That needs a technician. The same applies if the door stays locked after the cycle and won't release after the washer has drained.
Questions about Samsung dC and dE codes
Is dC a door error or an unbalanced load?
It depends on the model. Samsung says dC is a door error on some models and an unbalanced load error on others. Check your owner's manual for your model number, or call us with it.
What does LO mean on a Samsung washer?
Samsung lists LO (and L0) with its door error codes: the door isn't detected as closed and locked. Don't confuse it with the lock icon, which just means the door is locked during a cycle.
What is ddC on a Samsung washer?
ddC (or dC3) is the Add Door error on washers with an AddWash door: the small add-a-garment door isn't detected as closed and locked. Close it firmly and check nothing is caught in it.