A washing machine error code means the control board has detected a problem and stopped the cycle. Most codes fall into six groups: the washer cannot fill, cannot drain, cannot lock the door, has an unbalanced load, has too many suds or too much water, or has a motor or sensor fault.
The same code can mean different things on different brands, so this guide lists common codes for Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, and Frigidaire washers, with the first thing to check for each. Bonita Appliance Repair repairs washers in Bonita, Chula Vista, National City, and across San Diego County.
What to do when your washer shows a code
- Write down the code exactly, including letters, numbers, and whether it flashes.
- Find your model number on the label inside the door, under the lid, or on the back. How to find your appliance model number shows where to look.
- Look up the code in the owner’s manual or on the tech sheet, which is often inside the console or behind the front panel.
- Reset the washer. Unplug it or turn off its breaker for one minute, then restore power.
- Run a drain-and-spin cycle. If the code returns, the fault is real and the checks below apply.
The six types of washer error codes
Safety note: Unplug the washer before you open the drain pump filter or remove any panel. A washer that stopped mid-cycle may hold several gallons of water; drain it slowly into a shallow pan.
Fill or water supply codes
The washer did not reach the right water level in the expected time.
Check these first
- Check that both faucets behind the washer are fully open.
- Straighten any kinked fill hoses.
- Turn off the faucets, remove the hoses at the washer, and clean the small screens in the inlet ports.
Parts a technician commonly replaces
- Water inlet valve
- Water level pressure sensor or hose
Drain codes
The washer could not pump the water out in the expected time.
Check these first
- Check the drain hose for kinks and make sure it is not pushed more than a few inches into the standpipe.
- On a front-load washer, clean the drain pump filter behind the small access door at the bottom front. Have towels and a shallow pan ready.
- Check pockets for coins, hair ties, and small socks, which often block the pump.
Parts a technician commonly replaces
- Drain pump
- Drain hose
Door or lid lock codes
The washer could not confirm that the door or lid is closed and locked, so it will not start or spin.
Check these first
- Close the door or lid firmly. Check that clothing is not caught in the door seal.
- Check the door strike and latch for damage.
Parts a technician commonly replaces
- Door lock assembly or lid lock
- Lid switch (older top-load washers)
Unbalanced load codes
The load shifted to one side and the washer stopped the spin to prevent damage.
Check these first
- Open the washer and spread the clothes evenly around the drum.
- Do not wash a single heavy item, such as a bath mat or comforter, by itself. Add a few towels.
- Check that the washer is level and all four feet sit firmly on the floor.
Parts a technician commonly replaces
- Shock absorbers or suspension rods
- Drum bearings (if the drum is loose or noisy)
Suds, overflow, or leak codes
The washer detected too many suds, too much water, or water in the base.
Check these first
- Use only HE (high-efficiency) detergent, and measure it. Too much detergent is the most common cause of suds codes.
- Run a rinse cycle with no detergent to clear suds.
- Look for water under the washer and check the hose connections.
Parts a technician commonly replaces
- Water inlet valve that does not close
- Water level sensor
- Door boot seal or tub hoses (leaks)
Motor, sensor, or control codes
The control board detected a problem with the motor, a temperature or speed sensor, or communication between boards. These codes rarely have a do-it-yourself fix.
Check these first
- Reset the washer by unplugging it for one minute.
- Run a short cycle with a small load. If the code returns, call a technician.
Parts a technician commonly replaces
- Drive motor or motor control board
- Hall sensor or tachometer
- Main control board or user interface board
Samsung washer error codes
Samsung washers show many codes in more than one form, depending on the model year. For example, a water supply error can show as 4C, 4E, or 4E1.
| Code | Meaning | First check |
|---|---|---|
| 4C / 4E | Water supply problem | Faucets open, hoses not kinked, inlet screens clean |
| 5C / 5E / SE | Drain problem | Drain hose and drain pump filter |
| dC / dE / dE1 | Door or lid not closed or locked | Close the door firmly, check for caught clothing |
| UE / Ub / UB | Unbalanced load | Redistribute the load |
| OE | Too much water (overflow) | Reset; if it returns, inlet valve or water level sensor |
| LE | Water leak detected | Look for water under the washer, check hoses |
| Sud / SUdS | Too many suds | Use less HE detergent; washer pauses to clear suds |
| 3C / 3E | Motor error | Reset; if it returns, call a technician |
| 1C / 1E | Water level sensor error | Reset; if it returns, call a technician |
See Samsung appliance repair, Samsung washer drain pump repair, and Samsung washer control board repair.
LG washer error codes
| Code | Meaning | First check |
|---|---|---|
| IE | Water inlet error, washer cannot fill | Faucets open, hoses not kinked, inlet screens clean |
| OE | Drain error | Drain hose and drain pump filter |
| UE | Unbalanced load | Redistribute the load |
| dE | Door open or not locked | Close the door firmly |
| FE | Overfill (too much water) | Reset; if it returns, inlet valve or water level sensor |
| PE | Water level sensor error | Reset; if it returns, call a technician |
| LE | Motor lock error | Check for an overloaded drum; if it returns, call a technician |
| tE | Heating or temperature sensor error | Reset; if it returns, call a technician |
| Sud | Too many suds | Use less HE detergent |
| CL | Child Lock is on (not a fault) | Hold the Child Lock button for about three seconds |
Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kenmore washer error codes
Newer Whirlpool and Maytag front-load and high-efficiency top-load washers share a control family. Some models show a short two-letter code; others show an F-and-E code. Kenmore washers with model numbers starting with 110 were built by Whirlpool and often use the same codes.
| Code | Meaning | First check |
|---|---|---|
| LF / F8 E1 | Long fill, water not reaching level | Faucets open, hoses not kinked, inlet screens clean |
| Ld / F9 E1 | Long drain | Drain hose and drain pump filter |
| dL / F5 E2 | Door lock failure | Close the door firmly, check for caught clothing |
| Sd / SUd | Too many suds | Use less HE detergent and run a rinse cycle |
See Whirlpool appliance repair, Maytag appliance repair, and Maytag washer water valve repair.
Frigidaire and Electrolux washer error codes
| Code | Meaning | First check |
|---|---|---|
| E11 | Fill problem, water not reaching level | Faucets open, hoses not kinked, inlet screens clean |
| E21 | Drain problem | Drain hose and drain pump filter |
Frigidaire and Electrolux washers use many other E-codes that vary by model. See Frigidaire appliance repair and Electrolux appliance repair.
How much does washer repair cost in San Diego?
These are typical washer repair prices at Bonita Appliance Repair. The final price depends on your model, the failed part, and the time the repair takes.
| Washer repair | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Minor repairs: belts, small pumps | $150–$300 |
| Standard repairs: drain pumps, motor couplings, door and lid switches | $220–$580 |
| Front-load washer drum bearing and seal kit | $340–$620 |
See washer and dryer repair in San Diego for more repair prices.
When to call a washer repair technician
Call a washer repair technician when:
- A fill or drain code returns after you check the faucets, hoses, and pump filter
- A door lock code returns with the door firmly closed
- A motor, sensor, or control code returns after a reset
- The washer leaks or trips the breaker
Bonita Appliance Repair offers washer repair in San Diego and washer repair in Chula Vista. We repair Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, GE, Frigidaire, Speed Queen, and Bosch washers. A technician diagnoses the fault and explains the repair and its price before any work begins.
Washer error code FAQs
What do washing machine error codes mean?
An error code means the control board detected a problem and stopped the cycle. Most codes point to a fill problem, a drain problem, a door lock problem, an unbalanced load, too many suds or too much water, or a motor or sensor fault. The exact meaning depends on the brand and model.
How do I clear an error code on my washer?
Unplug the washer or turn off its breaker for one minute, then restore power and run a drain-and-spin cycle. If the code returns, the problem is still there and needs to be fixed.
What does 5C mean on a Samsung washer?
5C (also shown as 5E or SE on some models) means the Samsung washer could not drain. Check the drain hose for kinks and clean the drain pump filter. If the code returns, the drain pump may have failed.
What does OE mean on an LG washer?
OE on an LG washer is a drain error. Check the drain hose and clean the drain pump filter behind the small door at the bottom front of the washer.
What does LF mean on a Whirlpool washer?
LF, or F8 E1 on some models, means long fill. The washer did not reach the right water level in time. Check that the faucets are open, the hoses are not kinked, and the inlet screens are clean.
Does Bonita Appliance Repair fix washer error codes?
Yes. Bonita Appliance Repair diagnoses and repairs washers from all major brands in Bonita, Chula Vista, National City, and across San Diego County. Call 619-329-5938 or book online.
Book washer repair in San Diego
If your washer still shows an error code after these checks, Bonita Appliance Repair can find the failed part and explain the repair and its price before any work begins.
Bonita Appliance Repair · 5080 Bonita Rd #22, Bonita, CA 91902 · 619-329-5938
