Your washer stopped and is showing a code like 4C, OE or F9 E1? That code tells you exactly what went wrong. Pick your brand below to find what your code means and how to fix it, step by step, before you pay for a repair.
Washer error codes by brand
| Brand | Most searched codes | Full list |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | 4C, 5C, UB, dC | Samsung washer error codes |
| LG | OE, IE, UE, LE | LG washer error codes |
| Whirlpool | F9 E1, F5 E3, F3 E1 | Whirlpool washer error codes |
Find your problem
Washer not draining
Samsung 5C / nD · LG OE · Whirlpool F9 E1. The usual cause is a clogged drain pump filter or a kinked drain hose.
Washer not filling with water
Samsung 4C / 4E · LG IE · Whirlpool F3 E1 (water level sensor). Start with the faucets, the hoses and the inlet filters.
Washer shaking or not spinning
Samsung UB / UE · LG UE · LG motor error LE. Rebalance the load and check that the washer is level.
Door won’t lock or won’t open
Samsung dC / dE · Whirlpool F5 E3. Look for clothes caught in the door seal first.
Before you start: three things that fix most codes
- Reset the washer. Unplug it for 1 to 5 minutes (Whirlpool recommends 5), plug it back in and run a short cycle. It doesn’t fix the cause, but it clears glitches.
- Find your model number. It’s on a sticker inside the door or lid, or on the back of the washer. You’ll need it to buy the right part.
- Unplug before opening any panel. And turn off the water faucets before disconnecting hoses.
Frequently asked questions
What do washer error codes mean?
They’re short codes the washer shows when it detects a problem it can’t fix on its own, like water not coming in, water not draining, an unbalanced load or a door that won’t lock. Each brand uses its own codes, so the same problem can be 5C on a Samsung, OE on an LG and F9 E1 on a Whirlpool.
Can I fix a washer error code myself?
Most of the common ones, yes. Water, drain, load and door codes are usually solved by cleaning a filter, straightening a hose or rearranging the clothes. Codes for the motor, heater or control board more often need a technician.
Will a reset clear the code for good?
Only if it was a temporary glitch. If the code comes back, follow the steps for that code on its page.