1. Drain Faults (5E, 5C)
Meaning: Water did not drain in the expected time. In Saudi Arabia: clogged filter (65%), kinked drain hose, siphoning, or failing pump.
The complete Samsung error code reference — covering EcoBubble, AddWash, AI Control, QuickDrive, activ dualwash top-loaders, and washer-dryer combos. The most important thing to know: Samsung is the only major brand with two different unbalanced-load codes — UE (general unbalanced load) and Ub (a specific Samsung balance-sensor diagnostic). This page explains the distinction, teaches you what every Samsung code actually means, and shows you why Samsung's 9E1 power code is uniquely relevant in Saudi Arabia's voltage environment.
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Samsung error codes vary slightly by washer type. Before looking up your code, identify your Samsung's configuration. inside the door frame on front-loaders, or on the back panel.
| Samsung Washer Type | Common Series | Key Features | Error Code System | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoBubble Front-Load | WW70, WW80, WW90 series | EcoBubble foam generator | Standard Samsung codes | Most common Samsung front-loader in Saudi Arabia |
| AddWash Front-Load | WW65, WW75, WW85 series | AddWash door-in-door | Standard Samsung codes + AddWash-specific | AddWash door has additional sensor codes |
| AI Control / AI EcoBubble | WW10, WW12, WW13 series (newer) | AI wash, auto dispense | Standard Samsung codes | Newest Samsung front-loaders |
| QuickDrive | WW68, WW78 series | QuickDrive technology (faster wash) | Standard Samsung codes | QuickDrive-specific codes on some models |
| activ dualwash Top-Load | WA, WA70, WA80 series | activ dualwash sink + washboard | Standard Samsung codes | Samsung's top-load line — common in villas |
| Washer-Dryer Combo | WD80, WD90, WD10 series | Washer + condenser dryer | Standard Samsung codes + combo-specific | Additional drying-system codes |
Why the washer type matters: An Ub code on an AI Control model may behave differently than an Ub code on an older EcoBubble model. AddWash models have additional door sensor codes. And combos have drying-specific codes that standard front-loaders do not. Always confirm your washer type first.
with the honest "What It Usually Means in Saudi Arabia" column.
| Code | Code Meaning | What It Usually Means in Saudi Arabia | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4C | Water supply error | Clogged inlet mesh filter (70%) — hard water is the #1 cause | Check faucet open. Clean the inlet mesh filter. Check for kinked inlet hose |
| 4E | Water supply error (variant) | Same as 4C — check mesh filter and faucet | Clean mesh filter → check faucet |
| 5E | Drain error | Clogged filter (65%), kinked drain hose, or siphoning — not a failed pump | Clean the drain filter first. Check drain hose depth (max 4 in / 10 cm) |
| 5C | Drain error (variant) | Drain fault — often combined with unbalanced load | Clean filter → redistribute load → check hose |
| UE | Unbalanced load | Load clustered on one side | Redistribute the load evenly. Remove single heavy items. Restart |
| Ub | Balance sensor fault | Samsung-specific: the balance sensor detected imbalance it cannot correct | Redistribute load → if persistent, check suspension (not the board) |
| U6 | Unbalanced load (variant) | Load imbalance on some models | Redistribute load |
| 8E | Motor error | Motor could not turn drum — test capacitor on older models first | Check drum freedom → test capacitor → check motor |
| 8C | Motor error (variant) | Motor could not turn drum | Same as 8E |
| 9E1 | Power supply error | Voltage fluctuation or board fault — very common in Saudi Arabia | Check voltage at outlet → power cycle → test board |
| 9E2 | Power supply error (variant) | Voltage fluctuation or board fault | Same as 9E1 |
| dC | Door lock error | Door not fully closed, faulty lock, or coastal humidity-corroded lock | Check door fully closed → inspect lock assembly |
| dS | Door sensor error | Door sensor fault (AddWash models especially) | Check door sensor → inspect AddWash door |
| tC | Temperature sensor error | Faulty thermistor or heater circuit | Test thermistor → check heater |
If your code is not in this list, your Samsung model may use a variant code system. Send us a photo of the display on WhatsApp — we identify Samsung codes daily for customers in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran, free of charge.
If you know what is going wrong, this is the fastest way to find the relevant codes. Every category links to the symptom page for full diagnosis.
Meaning: Water did not drain in the expected time. In Saudi Arabia: clogged filter (65%), kinked drain hose, siphoning, or failing pump.
Meaning: Water did not fill in the expected time. In Saudi Arabia: clogged inlet mesh filter (70%), closed faucet, kinked inlet hose, or failing inlet valve.
Meaning: UE = general unbalanced load; Ub = Samsung balance sensor detected imbalance (Samsung-specific); U6 = variant. Common causes: single heavy items (blankets, bath mats, abayas), mixed bulky + small items.
Meaning: Motor could not turn drum. On Samsung: on older belt-drive models: capacitor failure; on newer models: hall sensor, board fault, jammed drum.
Meaning: Power supply fault — voltage fluctuation or board fault. In Saudi Arabia: voltage fluctuations extremely common in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran — often transient.
Meaning: Door did not lock or unlock. In Saudi Arabia: door not fully closed, faulty lock, or coastal humidity corrosion. dS is especially for AddWash models.
Meaning: Temperature sensor fault — thermistor or heater circuit. Common causes: faulty thermistor, heater circuit fault, hard water scale on heater.
Meaning: Board communication fault or internal board fault. In Saudi Arabia: voltage fluctuations, surge damage, board failure.
Meaning: Not a fault. Reminder to run the Eco Drum Clean cycle. Samsung washers track cycles since the last clean — the reminder appears after a set number of cycles.
The complete Samsung error code reference, with the "What It Really Means" column providing honest interpretation based on thousands of Samsung service calls in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran.
| Code | Code Meaning | What It Really Means in Saudi Arabia | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4C | Water supply error | Usually a clogged inlet mesh filter (70%) | Clean the inlet mesh filter first → check faucet → check hose |
| 4E | Water supply error (variant) | Same as 4C — check mesh filter and faucet | Clean mesh → check faucet → check hose |
| 1C | Water level sensor error | Pressure switch fault or clogged air tube | Check pressure switch tube → test switch |
| Code | Code Meaning | What It Really Means in Saudi Arabia | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5E | Drain error | Usually a clogged filter (65%) — not a failed pump | Clean the drain filter first → check hose → check siphoning |
| 5C | Drain error (variant) | Drain fault — often combined with unbalanced load | Clean filter → redistribute load → check hose |
| Code | Code Meaning | What It Really Means on Samsung | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| UE | Unbalanced load | General unbalanced load — load clustered on one side | Redistribute load → remove single heavy items → restart |
| Ub | Balance sensor fault | Samsung-specific: the balance sensor detected imbalance it could not correct | Redistribute load → if persistent, check balance sensor |
| U6 | Unbalanced load (variant) | Load imbalance on some models | Redistribute load |
| Ub (variant) | Balance sensor (some models) | Varies by model — check Samsung washer type | Check washer type → diagnose sensor |
| Code | Code Meaning | What It Really Means on Samsung | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8E | Motor error | Motor could not turn drum | Check drum freedom by hand → test capacitor (older) → test motor → test board |
| 8C | Motor error (variant) | Motor could not turn drum | Same as 8E |
| 3C | Motor / drive error | Motor or drive fault on some models | Check belt → test capacitor → test motor |
| Code | Code Meaning | What It Really Means in Saudi Arabia | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9E1 | Power supply error | Voltage fluctuation or board fault — extremely common in Saudi Arabia | Check voltage at outlet → power cycle → test board |
| 9E2 | Power supply error (variant) | Voltage fluctuation or board fault | Same as 9E1 |
| 9E1 (variant) | Power supply (specific models) | May indicate internal board fault | Note washer type → test board |
| Code | Code Meaning | What It Really Means in Saudi Arabia | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| dC | Door lock error | Door not fully closed, faulty lock, or humidity-corroded lock (coastal cities) | Check door fully closed → inspect lock → check wiring |
| dS | Door sensor error | Door sensor fault — especially on AddWash models | Check door sensor → inspect AddWash door mechanism |
| dC (variant) | Door error (some models) | Door lock or door position sensor fault | Test door sensor → inspect lock |
| Code | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| tC | Temperature sensor error | Faulty thermistor or heater circuit | Test thermistor → check heater |
| tC (variant) | Temperature sensor (some models) | Thermistor fault — often from hard water scale on heater | Test thermistor → check heater scale |
| 1C | Water level sensor fault | Pressure switch or air tube fault | Check pressure switch tube |
| Code | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | Communication errors | Board communication fault — often voltage-related | Power cycle → check voltage at outlet → test board |
| Code | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| tCL | Eco Drum Clean reminder | Not a fault — reminder to run Eco Drum Clean cycle | Run the Eco Drum Clean cycle |
| CL | Clean reminder (variant) | Not a fault — clean reminder | Run the cleaning cycle |
| Code | Code Meaning | What It Really Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | Drying-system codes | Condenser fault, drying sensor fault | Check condenser filter → check drying system |
If your code is not in this table: Your Samsung model may use a variant code system. Send us a photo of your display on WhatsApp — we identify Samsung codes daily and will tell you honestly what it means for your specific model. Free of charge.
Samsung is the only major washing machine brand with two different unbalanced-load codes — and the distinction matters. Understanding it prevents both unnecessary part replacements and persistent vibration problems.
Samsung displays three different balance-related codes across its washer range:
| Code | What It Means | What It Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| UE | Unbalanced load | The load is physically clustered on one side. Redistributing the load resolves it. This is user error and requires no repair. |
| Ub | Balance sensor fault | Samsung's balance sensor detected an imbalance it cannot correct — this is a Samsung-specific diagnostic. Indicates either a physical problem the sensor cannot solve, or a sensor fault. |
| U6 | Unbalanced load (variant) | Some Samsung models display U6 instead of UE — same underlying meaning. Redistribute the load. |
Most users who see a Ub code either:
1. Keep restarting the cycle (which never resolves a genuine imbalance)
2. Replace the control board (unnecessary in most cases)
3. Ignore the code and live with persistent vibration
None of these is the right response. A Ub code tells you specifically that Samsung's balance sensor is reporting a problem it cannot solve. The correct sequence is:
1. Redistribute the load and add balancing items — 5 minutes, no cost
2. If Ub persists with a balanced load — check the suspension (shock absorbers, springs) — technician task
3. If suspension is healthy — check the balance sensor and its connector — technician task
A Ub code does not mean the control board has failed. If someone tells you Ub needs a new control board without checking the suspension first — get a second opinion. Ub in the vast majority of cases is either a single heavy item that cannot be balanced, a suspension problem, or — in rare cases — a faulty balance sensor. Replacing the board only fixes the issue if the sensor itself is wired into the board (which is rare).
Samsung's 9E1 and 9E2 codes indicate a power supply fault. In Saudi Arabia's Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran, these codes appear far more frequently than in most markets — and for a specific local reason.
Samsung's 9E1 and 9E2 codes indicate that the control board has detected an issue with its power supply. The board monitors incoming voltage and internal power rails.
Three factors make these codes far more common in Saudi Arabia than in temperate markets:
| Scenario | What It Actually Means | First Action |
|---|---|---|
| Appears once, clears on reset | Transient voltage fluctuation — no fault | — |
| Appears repeatedly with stable voltage | Board power supply fault — board may need replacement | Test board → replace if confirmed |
| Appears after a power surge or storm | Surge damage to the board | Test board → replace if confirmed |
| Appears with other codes (dC, 4C, etc.) | Board is failing — multiple code presentation | Test board → replace if confirmed |
Most users who see a 9E1 or 9E2 code:
1. often unnecessarily
2. Ignore the code and keep restarting
3. Do not install a surge protector (which would prevent recurrence)
The right response:
1. Power cycle the washer — unplug for 10 minutes, plug back in, retry
2. Check the voltage at the outlet — if voltage is below 200V or unstable, this is the issue
3. If the code returns with stable voltage — the board may genuinely need replacement
4. Regardless of outcome — and capacitor
The surge protector is the single most cost-effective preventive measure for Samsung owners in Saudi Arabia.
Based on thousands of Samsung service calls in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran, these are the Samsung codes we see most often — and the local reasons why.
| Rank | Code | Why It's Common in Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4C / 4E | Hard water limescale clogs inlet mesh filters — the #1 fill-failure cause |
| 2 | 5E / 5C | Hard water limescale clogs drain filters and pump impellers 2–3× faster than in temperate markets |
| 3 | UE / Ub | Large household sizes and heavy items (abayas, blankets, bath mats) washed as single loads — Ub appears specifically when the balance sensor cannot correct the imbalance |
| 4 | 9E1 / 9E2 | Voltage fluctuations — extremely common in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran's older buildings and during peak summer AC load |
| 5 | tCL | Coastal humidity causes biofilm to form faster — the reminder appears more often |
| 6 | dC | Door lock assemblies corrode faster in coastal humidity (Dammam and Khobar) |
| 7 | 8E / 8C | Capacitor failures on older Samsung belt-drive models; hall sensor or board faults on newer models |
| 8 | 1C | Pressure switch air tubes clog with limescale — the tube is narrow and accumulates scale faster in hard water |
| 9 | tC | Thermistor faults and heater circuit issues — aggravated by hard water scale on the heater element |
| 10 | dS | AddWash door sensors are more complex and can fail; coastal humidity accelerates connector corrosion |
The vast majority of the most common Samsung codes in Saudi Arabia are caused by hard water, coastal humidity, and voltage fluctuations — the three local conditions that 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 →
Some Samsung codes clear themselves after the fault is resolved. Others need a manual reset. Here is the standard procedure, plus washer-type-specific variations.
Write down the exact code before clearing it. You will need it if the fault recurs.
Remove the plug from the wall socket.
This allows the control board's capacitors to discharge and the board to reset.
Reconnect the washer and turn it on.
Run a Rinse+Spin cycle without a load. If the code does not return, the fault was transient and is resolved.
Do not keep resetting. A returning code means the underlying fault is still present. Diagnose the cause — see the category router above.
| Washer Type | Reset Procedure |
|---|---|
| EcoBubble Front-Load (WW70, WW80, WW90) |
Press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds. Some models: press Power, then hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds |
| AddWash Front-Load (WW65, WW75, WW85) |
Press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds. Some models: press Power + Start/Pause together |
| AI Control / AI EcoBubble (WW10, WW12, WW13) |
Press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds. Some models: use the SmartThings app to reset |
| QuickDrive (WW68, WW78) |
Press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds. Some models: turn dial to Off, then press Start |
| activ dualwash Top-Load (WA series) |
Press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds. Some models: press Power + Start/Pause together |
| Washer-Dryer Combo (WD80, WD90, WD10) |
Press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds. Some models: press Power + Spin together |
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.
These are the misdiagnoses we see most often with Samsung washers in Saudi Arabia. Each one leads to an unnecessary repair — and each is preventable.
In 70% of cases, 4C is caused by a clogged inlet mesh filter — not a failed valve. Clean the mesh filter first. If the washer fills after cleaning, the valve was never the problem.
In 65% of cases, 5E is caused by a clogged filter — not a failed pump. Clean the filter first.
Ub is a balance sensor code, not a board fault. Redistribute the load first. If Ub persists with a balanced load, check the suspension — not the board.
UE is a user error, not a fault. The load is clustered on one side. Redistribute it and the code resolves.
In many cases, 9E1 is caused by a transient voltage fluctuation — not a failed board. Power cycle and check the voltage at the outlet. Only replace the board if the code returns with stable voltage. Install a surge protector regardless.
On older Samsung belt-drive models, 8E is often caused by a failed capacitor. Test the capacitor first.
In most cases, dC is caused by a door lock assembly fault or the door not being fully closed. Check the door and lock first.
In most cases, tC is caused by a faulty thermistor.
A returning code after a part replacement usually means the part was never the problem. Diagnose the underlying cause before replacing anything else.
In our experience, fewer than 5% of Samsung error codes indicate a washer beyond economic repair.
Over 65% of Samsung error codes in Saudi Arabia are caused by something other than the part that gets replaced. Clean the filter. Clean the mesh. Redistribute the load. Check the voltage. Then replace parts.
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Samsung washing machines use a mixed code system: 4C (water supply), 4E (water supply variant), 5E (drain), 5C (drain variant), UE (unbalanced load), Ub (balance sensor fault), U6 (unbalanced load variant), 8E (motor), 8C (motor variant), 9E1 (power supply), 9E2 (power supply variant), dC (door lock), dS (door sensor), tC (temperature sensor), tCL (Tub Clean reminder). The most important thing to know: Samsung codes report a stage failure, not a part failure. A 5E code means the drain stage did not complete — it does not mean the drain pump has failed. In over 65% of cases in Saudi Arabia, 5E is caused by a clogged filter, not a failed pump. See the top 14 codes table.
4C is a water supply error — the washer did not fill with water in the expected time. In Saudi Arabia, 4C is caused by a clogged inlet mesh filter in roughly 70% of cases, not a failed inlet valve. Clean the mesh filter (where the inlet hose connects to the back of the washer) first. Then check the faucet is open and the inlet hose is not kinked. See the Not Filling guide.
4E is a water supply error (variant). It is treated the same as 4C — clean the inlet mesh filter first, then check the faucet and inlet hose.
5E is a drain error — the washer did not drain water in the expected time. In our experience in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran, 5E is caused by a clogged drain filter in roughly 65% of cases, not a failed pump. Clean the drain filter first (behind the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine). Then check the drain hose for kinks and check the 4-inch (10 cm) siphoning rule. Only test the pump after these steps. See the Not Draining guide.
5C is a drain error (variant) — often appears combined with an unbalanced load. Clean the filter, redistribute the load, and check the drain hose.
UE is a general unbalanced load fault — the load is clustered on one side of the drum. Open the door, redistribute the clothes evenly, remove any single heavy item (blanket, bath mat, abaya) and restart the cycle. If UE keeps returning with a balanced load, the balance sensor or suspension rods may be faulty.
Ub is a balance sensor fault — Samsung-specific. The balance sensor detected an imbalance it cannot correct. Redistribute the load first. If Ub persists with a balanced load, check the suspension (shock absorbers, springs) — not the control board. Ub does not mean the board has failed. See the Ub distinction section.
UE is a general unbalanced load — a physical problem: the load is clustered on one side, and redistributing it resolves the code. This is user error and requires no repair. Ub is a balance sensor fault — Samsung-specific: the sensor detected an imbalance it cannot correct. This indicates either a single heavy item that cannot be balanced, a drum that has become mechanically unbalanced (worn shock absorbers, broken suspension spring, loose counterweight), or a faulty balance sensor. The distinction matters: UE = redistribute; Ub = redistribute, and if persistent, check the suspension.
8E is a motor error — the motor could not turn the drum. On older Samsung belt-drive models, the most common cause is a failed capacitor. Test the capacitor first. On newer models, check the hall sensor and control board. See the Not Spinning guide.
9E1 is a power supply error — the control board detected an issue with its power supply. In Saudi Arabia, this code is extremely common due to voltage fluctuations. In many cases, it is transient. Power cycle and check the voltage at the outlet. Only replace the board if the code returns with stable voltage. See the power codes section.
9E2 is a power supply error (variant) — treated the same as 9E1. Power cycle, check the voltage, and install a surge protector.
dC is a door lock error. In coastal Saudi Arabia (Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran), it is often caused by humidity-corroded door lock assemblies. Check the door is fully closed first. If it is, inspect the door lock assembly. See the Door Not Opening guide.
tC is a temperature sensor error. The most common cause is a faulty thermistor. Hard water scale on the heater element can accelerate the fault. Test the thermistor first.
tCL is not a fault — it is a Tub Clean reminder. Samsung washers track the number of wash cycles since the last clean and display tCL after a set number of cycles. Run the Eco Drum Clean cycle to clear the reminder. In coastal Saudi Arabia, biofilm forms faster, so the reminder appears more often — this is expected. See the Tub Cleaning guide for the full procedure.
The universal reset: note the code, unplug the washer, wait 10 minutes for the board capacitors to discharge, plug back in, and run a Rinse+Spin cycle. Washer-type-specific: EcoBubble front-load (WW70, WW80, WW90) — press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds. AddWash (WW65, WW75, WW85) — press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds. AI Control (WW10, WW12, WW13) — press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds or use the SmartThings app. QuickDrive (WW68, WW78) — press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds. activ dualwash top-load (WA series) — press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds. Washer-Dryer Combo (WD80, WD90, WD10) — press and hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds. Remember: resetting clears the code but does not fix the underlying fault. See the full reset procedure.
A recurring 9E1 in Saudi Arabia is usually caused by voltage fluctuations — extremely common in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran, especially during peak summer hours when air conditioning load is highest. If the code returns with stable voltage, the control board may genuinely need replacement. and capacitor. See the power codes section.
Yes — we repair Samsung washing machines across Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran. We are one of the most experienced Samsung washer repair teams in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran and carry the most common Samsung replacement parts on every van, including drain pumps, inlet valves, capacitors, hall sensors, control boards, and door locks for WW, WA, and WD series. In coastal cities, we see 5E and 4C more than any other codes due to hard water. In all Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran cities, we recommend a surge protector due to voltage fluctuations. See all service areas →