Drain Faults
OE5E5CE18E20F21
Water did not drain within the expected time.
Most common causes
Clogged filter (~70%), kinked drain hose, siphoning, failing pump
Washing Machine Error Codes — Complete Cross-Brand Guide (Saudi Edition)
Every washing machine error code, explained honestly — across LG, Samsung, Bosch, Daewoo, Toshiba, Beko, Whirlpool, Ariston, Electrolux, Hitachi, Midea, Panasonic, Frigidaire, and Maytag. The most important thing to know: an error code tells you where to look, not what has failed. A 5E drain code does not mean your board has failed — it means the drain stage did not complete. This page teaches you what each code actually means, which ones you can fix yourself, and when to call a technician.
The Reporting-vs-Failing insight
An error code is not a diagnosis — it is a location. It tells you which stage of the cycle failed to complete, not which component has broken. This single reframe prevents the majority of unnecessary part replacements. Clean the filter first. Check the obvious causes. Then diagnose the part.
Free inspection Calls answered 24/7 Independent repair service
The 15 Most Common Error Codes (Quick Answer)
The codes you search for most. If your code isn't here, the master table below covers 60+.
| Code | Brand(s) | What It Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| OE / 5E / 5C / E18 / F21 | LG · Samsung · Bosch · Whirlpool | Drain failure — water did not drain in time | Clean the drain filter first. Check drain hose for kinks. Check siphoning (hose depth max 4 in / 10 cm) |
| IE / 4C / 4E / E01 / F8E1 | LG · Samsung · Bosch · Whirlpool | Water inlet failure — washer did not fill in time | Check faucet is open. Clean the inlet mesh filter. Check for kinked inlet hose |
| UE / Ub / U6 | LG · Samsung | Unbalanced load | Redistribute the load evenly. Remove single heavy items. Restart |
| LE / 8E / E21 / F7E1 | LG · Samsung · Bosch · Whirlpool | Motor / drive fault | Test the capacitor first. Check belt. Check for foreign objects jamming the drum |
| FE | LG | Overflow — water level too high | Turn off the water supply immediately. Check inlet valve |
| PE | LG | Pressure sensor fault | Check pressure switch air tube for clogs or disconnection |
| dE / dC / E17 | LG · Samsung · Bosch | Door lock fault | Check door is fully closed. Inspect door lock assembly |
| tE / tC | LG · Samsung | Temperature sensor fault | Check thermistor and heater circuit |
| 9E1 / 9E2 | Samsung | Power supply fault | Check voltage at outlet. Power cycle the washer |
| 4C / 4E | Samsung | Water supply fault | Check faucet, hose, mesh filter |
| E1 / E3 / E5 | Daewoo | Water fill / drain / sensor fault | See Daewoo brand page for full mapping |
| CL / tCL | LG · Samsung | Tub Clean reminder (not a fault) | Run the Tub Clean cycle. See Tub Cleaning page |
| E20 / E40 | Electrolux · Bosch | Drain / door lock fault | Check filter and door lock |
| F1E1 | Whirlpool | Overflow | Check inlet valve and pressure switch |
| F / F# / F## | Whirlpool · Maytag | General fault code — see display sub-code | Note the full code and check brand page |
If your code is not in this list, scroll to the full master table below. If you cannot find it there, send us a photo of the display on WhatsApp — we identify codes daily for customers in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran, free of charge.
What Error Codes Actually Mean (The Principle Everyone Gets Wrong)
Before you look up your specific code, understand this principle. It will save you hundreds of riyals.
An error code is not a diagnosis. It is a location.
When your washer displays a code, it is telling you which stage of the cycle failed to complete as expected — not which component has broken. The distinction matters enormously.
The washer's control board monitors each stage of the cycle. When a stage does not complete within the expected time, the board displays a code representing that stage. The board does not know why the stage failed — it only knows that it failed.
The drain stage may fail because the pump is broken — OR because the filter is clogged — OR because the hose is kinked. The code tells you where to look. Your job is to determine why.
Example: The 5E drain code (Samsung) — one of the most common codes in Saudi Arabia
What most users think
"My drain pump has failed. I need a new pump.
What actually happens in ~70% of cases
- The drain filter is clogged with lint, hair
The drain pump is only the actual cause in roughly 30% of
5E cases. But because the code says "drain," most users replace the pump — and most of those replacements are unnecessary.
The same principle applies to every fault category
Every code = a stage, not a part
- The fill stage may fail because the inlet valve is broken — OR because the faucet is closed — OR because the mesh filter is clogged
- The motor stage may fail because the motor is broken — OR because the capacitor has failed — OR because the drum is jammed
- The drain stage may fail because the pump is broken — OR because the filter is clogged — OR because the hose is kinked
The four-step rule — before you replace any part
- Clean the filter — for any drain or mid-cycle code
- Check the obvious causes — faucet open? hose kinked? door closed? load balanced?
- Reset the washer — unplug for 10 minutes, plug in, retry
- Only then diagnose the part
If you do these four things first, you will avoid roughly 60% of unnecessary part replacements.
Error Codes by Fault Type
If you know what is going wrong with your washer, this is the fastest way to find the relevant codes. Every category links to the symptom page that diagnoses that fault type.
Fill Faults
IE4C4EE01F8E1E10
Water did not fill within the expected time.
Most common causes
Closed faucet, kinked inlet hose, clogged mesh filter, failing inlet valve
Motor / Drive Faults
LE8E8CE21F7E1E50
The drum did not rotate as expected.
Most common causes
Capacitor failure (most common), broken belt, jammed drum, motor failure
Door / Lid Faults
dEdCdSE17E40
Door lock did not engage or disengage.
Most common causes
Door not fully closed, faulty door lock assembly, wiring fault
Sensor Faults
PEtEtCE5
Pressure switch, thermistor, or other sensor did not read correctly.
Most common causes
Clogged pressure switch air tube, faulty thermistor, wiring fault
Board / Power Faults
9E19E2E00C1
Board detected an internal fault or power supply issue.
Most common causes
Voltage fluctuation, surge damage, board failure
Overflow Faults
FEF1E1F1E2
Water level too high.
Most common causes
Stuck inlet valve, faulty pressure switch, board fault
Maintenance Reminders
CLtCLCLR
Not a fault. The washer is reminding you to run the Tub Clean cycle.
Action
Run the Tub Clean cycle (see Tub Cleaning guide)
Complete Error Code Reference — All Brands
The complete cross-brand error code reference — 60+ codes. Find your code, then check the "What It Really Means" column, which is where the honest interpretation happens.
A Drain-Related Codes
| Code | Brand(s) | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE | LG | Drain error | Drain stage did not complete | Clean filter → check hose → check siphoning |
| 5E | Samsung | Drain error | Drain stage did not complete | Clean filter → check hose → check siphoning |
| 5C | Samsung | Drain error (variant) | Drain or unbalanced | Clean filter → redistribute load → check hose |
| E18 | Bosch | Drain error | Drain stage did not complete | Clean filter → check hose |
| E20 | Bosch / Electrolux | Drain pump fault | Drain pump may have failed | Test pump after cleaning filter |
| F21 | Whirlpool | Drain error | Drain stage did not complete | Clean filter → check hose |
| F20 | Whirlpool | Drain error | Drain stage did not complete | Clean filter → check hose |
| E1 | Daewoo | Drain error | Drain stage did not complete | Clean filter → check hose |
B Fill / Inlet Codes
| Code | Brand(s) | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE | LG | Water inlet error | Fill stage did not complete | Check faucet → clean mesh filter → check hose |
| 4C | Samsung | Water supply error | Fill stage did not complete | Check faucet → clean mesh filter |
| 4E | Samsung | Water supply error | Fill stage did not complete | Check faucet → clean mesh filter |
| E01 | Bosch | Water inlet error | Fill stage did not complete | Check faucet → clean mesh filter |
| F8E1 | Whirlpool | Water supply error | Fill stage did not complete | Check faucet → clean mesh filter |
| E10 | Electrolux | Water inlet error | Fill stage did not complete | Check faucet → clean mesh filter |
C Motor / Drive Codes
| Code | Brand(s) | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE | LG | Motor locked / overcurrent | Motor could not turn drum | Test capacitor first → check belt → check drum freedom |
| 8E | Samsung | Motor error | Motor could not turn drum | Test capacitor first → check belt → check drum freedom |
| 8C | Samsung | Motor error (variant) | Motor could not turn drum | Test capacitor first → check belt |
| E21 | Bosch | Motor error | Motor could not turn drum | Test capacitor first → check belt |
| F7E1 | Whirlpool | Motor error | Motor could not turn drum | Test capacitor first → check belt |
| E50 | Electrolux | Motor error | Motor could not turn drum | Test capacitor first → check belt |
D Unbalanced Load Codes
| Code | Brand(s) | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UE | LG | Unbalanced load | Load clustered on one side | Redistribute load → remove single heavy items → restart |
| Ub | Samsung | Unbalanced load | Load clustered on one side | Redistribute load → remove single heavy items |
| U6 | Samsung | Unbalanced load | Load clustered on one side | Redistribute load |
| uL | Whirlpool / Maytag | Unbalanced load | Load clustered on one side | Redistribute load |
E Door / Lid Codes
| Code | Brand(s) | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dE | LG | Door error | Door did not lock or unlock | Check door fully closed → inspect lock → check wiring |
| dC | Samsung | Door error | Door did not lock or unlock | Check door fully closed → inspect lock |
| dS | Samsung | Door sensor error | Door sensor fault | Check door sensor |
| E17 | Bosch | Door lock error | Door did not lock | Check door → inspect lock |
| E40 | Electrolux | Door lock error | Door did not lock | Check door → inspect lock |
F Sensor / Temperature Codes
| Code | Brand(s) | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE | LG | Pressure sensor error | Pressure switch fault or air tube clogged | Check air tube for clogs or disconnection → test switch |
| tE | LG | Temperature sensor error | Thermistor fault | Test thermistor → check heater circuit |
| tC | Samsung | Temperature sensor error | Thermistor fault | Test thermistor |
| E5 | Daewoo | Sensor error | Various sensor fault | Note full code → check brand page |
G Overflow Codes
| Code | Brand(s) | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FE | LG | Overflow error | Water level too high | — |
| F1E1 | Whirlpool | Overflow error | Water level too high | Turn off water supply → check inlet valve |
| F1E2 | Whirlpool | Overflow (variant) | Water level too high | Turn off water supply |
H Power / Control Board Codes
| Code | Brand(s) | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9E1 | Samsung | Power supply error | Voltage issue or board fault | Check voltage at outlet → power cycle → test board |
| 9E2 | Samsung | Power supply error (variant) | Voltage issue or board fault | Check voltage → power cycle |
| E00 | Electrolux | Communication error | Board communication fault | Power cycle → test board |
| C1 | Electrolux | Communication error | Board communication fault | Power cycle → test board |
| E01 | Ariston | Board error | Board fault | Power cycle → test board |
I Maintenance Reminders (Not Faults)
| Code | Brand(s) | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL | LG | Tub Clean reminder | Not a fault — reminder to run Tub Clean | Run the Tub Clean cycle |
| tCL | Samsung | Tub Clean reminder | Not a fault — reminder to run Tub Clean | Run the Tub Clean cycle |
| CLR | Some brands | Clean reminder | Not a fault — clean reminder | Run the cleaning cycle |
If your code is not in this table: Send us a photo of your display on WhatsApp — we identify codes daily and will tell you honestly what it means for your specific model. Free of charge.
Cross-Brand Code Equivalents
If you have used a different brand of washing machine before, this table helps you translate the codes. The same underlying fault produces different codes across brands.
| Underlying Fault | LG | Samsung | Bosch | Whirlpool | Daewoo | Electrolux |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drain failure | OE | 5E / 5C | E18 / E20 | F21 / F20 | E1 | E20 |
| Fill failure | IE | 4C / 4E | E01 | F8E1 | E1 | E10 |
| Motor fault | LE | 8E / 8C | E21 | F7E1 | E5 | E50 |
| Unbalanced load | UE | UE / Ub / U6 | — | uL | — | — |
| Door lock fault | dE | dC / dS | E17 | — | — | E40 |
| Overflow | FE | — | — | F1E1 | — | — |
| Temperature sensor | tE | tC | — | — | — | — |
| Pressure sensor | PE | — | — | — | — | — |
| Power supply | — | 9E1 / 9E2 | — | — | — | E00 |
The mapping is approximate. Some brands use multiple codes for variants. Always check your specific brand page for the most accurate interpretation.
The 10 Most Common Codes in Saudi Arabia (And Why)
Based on our field experience in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran, these are the codes we see most often — and the local reasons why.
| — | Code | Brand(s) | Why It's Common in Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OE / 5E / E18 / F21 | All brands · drain failure | Hard water limescale clogs drain filters and pump impellers 2–3× faster than in temperate markets |
| 2 | IE / 4C / 4E / E01 | All brands · fill failure | Hard water limescale clogs inlet mesh filters — the #1 fill-failure cause |
| 3 | UE / Ub | LG · Samsung | Large household sizes and heavy items (abayas, blankets, bath mats) washed as single loads |
| 4 | CL / tCL | LG · Samsung | Coastal humidity causes biofilm to form faster — the reminder appears more often |
| 5 | LE / 8E | LG · Samsung | Often capacitor failure — capacitors fail faster in high ambient heat and voltage fluctuations |
| 6 | FE / F1E1 | LG · Whirlpool | Limescale-locked inlet valves — valve sticks open in hard water |
| 7 | dE / dC | LG · Samsung | Door lock assemblies corrode faster in coastal humidity (Dammam and Khobar) |
| 8 | PE | LG | Pressure switch air tubes clog with limescale — the tube is narrow and accumulates scale faster in hard water |
| 9 | 9E1 / 9E2 | Samsung | Voltage fluctuations — a common issue in older buildings in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran |
| 10 | E00 / C1 | Electrolux | Board corrosion from humidity and voltage stress |
What this tells you: The vast majority of the most common codes in Saudi Arabia are caused by hard water, coastal humidity, and voltage fluctuations — the three local conditions our maintenance routine is designed to address. If you do the maintenance routine consistently, you will see far fewer error codes. See the maintenance pillar for the complete system →
How to Clear a Washing Machine Error Code
Some codes clear themselves after the fault is resolved. Others need a manual reset. Here is the standard procedure.
Step 1: Note the code
Write down the exact code before clearing it. You will need it if the fault recurs.
Step 2: Unplug the washer
Remove the plug from the wall socket.
Step 3: Wait 10 minutes
This allows the control board's capacitors to discharge and the board to reset.
Step 4: Plug back in
Reconnect the washer and turn it on.
Step 5: Start a short cycle
Run a Rinse+Spin cycle without a load. If the code does not return, the fault was transient and is resolved.
Step 6: If the code returns
Do not keep resetting. A returning code means the underlying fault is still present. Diagnose the cause — see the category router above.
| Brand | Reset Procedure |
|---|---|
| LG | Press and hold Start/Pause for 3–5 seconds. Some models: press Power, then hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds |
| Samsung | Press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds. Some models: press Power and hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds |
| Bosch | Turn programme dial to Off, then press Start for 5 seconds |
| Whirlpool | Press Pause/Cancel twice. Some models: hold Start for 3 seconds |
| Daewoo | Press and hold Start/Pause for 3–5 seconds |
| Electrolux | Turn dial to Off, press Start/Pause for 5 seconds |
Does resetting fix anything?
No — resetting clears the code, but it does not fix the underlying fault. If the fault is transient (a momentary voltage drop, a false sensor reading), resetting resolves the issue. If the fault is real (a clogged filter, a failed part), the code will return within one or two cycles.
Complete Brand-Specific Error Code Guides
For the most common brands in Saudi Arabia, we provide complete brand-specific error code pages — with every code, every variant, and every brand-specific diagnostic note.
Samsung Error Codes
The complete Samsung error code reference — every code from 4C to 9E2, with Saudi-specific interpretation and diagnostic guidance.
View Samsung codes →LG Error Codes
The complete LG error code reference — every code from IE to tE, with Saudi-specific interpretation and diagnostic guidance.
View LG codes →Daewoo Error Codes
The complete Daewoo error code reference — every code from E1 to E9, with Saudi-specific interpretation and diagnostic guidance.
View Daewoo codes →
Other brands: We cover Bosch, Whirlpool, Toshiba, Beko, Ariston, Electrolux, Hitachi, Midea, Panasonic, Frigidaire, and Maytag error codes on this page and in our brand repair pages. For a specific code not listed above, send us a photo on WhatsApp — we identify codes daily for every brand.
Honest diagnosis first
Error Code Won't Clear? Let's Diagnose It Honestly.
Send us a photo of your display on WhatsApp — we'll identify the code and tell you honestly whether you need a service call or a simple fix. No pressure, no unnecessary parts.
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Washing Machine Error Code FAQs
What does an error code on a washing machine mean?
An error code is the washer telling you which stage of the cycle failed to complete — not which component has broken. It is a location, not a diagnosis. A 5E drain code means the drain stage did not complete; the cause is most often a clogged filter, not a failed pump. See the reporting-vs-failing principle.
What is the most common washing machine error code?
The drain failure code — OE on LG, 5E on Samsung, E18 on Bosch, F21 on Whirlpool, E1 on Daewoo. It is the #1 code in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran. It is usually caused by a clogged drain filter — cleaning it resolves the majority of cases with no parts. See the Saudi frequency analysis.
How do I clear an error code on my washing machine?
Note the code. Unplug the washer for 10 minutes. Plug back in. Run a Rinse+Spin cycle without a load. If the code does not return, the fault was transient. If the code returns, the underlying fault is still present — diagnose the cause before resetting again. See the full reset procedure.
What does OE mean on an LG washing machine?
OE on LG means the drain stage did not complete within the expected time. In most cases the drain filter is clogged with lint, hair, or debris. Clean the filter first, then check the drain hose for kinks and check the siphoning depth (hose should be inserted max 4 in / 10 cm into the drainpipe). The pump is the actual cause in only about 30% of OE cases.
What does 5E mean on a Samsung washing machine?
5E on Samsung means water did not drain within the expected time. Clean the drain filter first — this resolves roughly 70% of 5E cases. Then check the drain hose for kinks and the siphoning depth. If both are fine, test the drain pump. Do not replace the pump based on the code alone.
What does E18 mean on a Bosch washing machine?
E18 on Bosch means the drain stage did not complete. Clean the filter first, then check the drain hose for kinks. If both are fine, the pump may need testing.
What does 4C mean on a Samsung washing machine?
4C on Samsung means the water fill stage did not complete. Check that the faucet is fully open, then clean the inlet mesh filter at the back of the washer. Check for kinks in the inlet hose. If all are fine, test the inlet valve.
What does UE mean on a washing machine?
UE means unbalanced load. The load has clustered on one side of the drum. Pause the cycle, open the door, redistribute the load evenly, close the door, and restart. If a single heavy item (blanket, bath mat) is present, add a couple of towels to balance.
What does LE mean on an LG washing machine?
LE on LG means the motor could not turn the drum. The most common cause is a failed motor capacitor — test the capacitor first. Check the belt tension and condition. Check that the drum spins freely by hand. Only replace the motor after capacitor, belt, and drum freedom are confirmed good.
What is the CL error code on a washing machine?
CL is not a fault — it is a reminder to run the Tub Clean cycle. LG and Samsung washers display CL after 20–40 wash cycles. Running a Tub Clean cycle clears the reminder. In coastal Saudi cities, run this cycle every 2 weeks. See the Tub Cleaning guide.
Is my washing machine broken if it shows an error code?
Usually not. Most error codes indicate a fault condition that is often reversible — a clogged filter, kinked hose, unbalanced load, or transient voltage drop. In our experience, over 60% of error codes that lead to part replacements are caused by something other than the part that was replaced.
Can I use my washing machine with an error code showing?
No. Do not continue running a cycle when an error code is displayed. Address the fault first. Continuing to run may cause water damage (for drain or overflow codes) or damage components (for motor or door codes).
Why do I keep getting the same error code?
A returning code means the underlying cause has not been fixed. If you have cleaned the filter but the code returns, the cause is elsewhere — a kinked hose, a siphoning problem, a failing part, or a sensor fault. Do not keep resetting. Diagnose the actual cause.
What does 9E1 mean on a Samsung washer?
9E1 on Samsung means a power supply fault — usually caused by voltage fluctuations or a control board issue. Check the outlet voltage, power cycle the washer, and if the code returns, the control board may need testing.
Do error codes mean I need a new control board?
No — this is the most common misdiagnosis. The control board is the #1 part blamed for error codes and the most over-replaced. Replace the board only after all sensor, filter, hose, and part checks have been exhausted.
Do you service my area in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran?
Yes — we cover Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran. Home visits by appointment is available. See all service areas →