Washing Machine Error Codes Explained: The Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshoot common washing machine error codes like E18, 5E, and UE. Learn what they mean and how to fix them quickly at home before calling a technician.
When your washing machine suddenly displays a cryptic combination of letters and numbers (such as E18, dE, or F05), it is letting you know that a system fault has been detected. The good news? You don’t always need to call a expensive technician. Many common error codes can be resolved quickly at home with a few basic steps.
This comprehensive guide covers the most common error codes, their meanings, and step-by-step solutions for top brands, including Bosch, Siemens, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, and GE.
Why Does Your Washing Machine Show an Error Code?
Modern washing machines are equipped with electronic control boards and sensors designed to monitor every cycle. An error code is triggered when these sensors detect an anomaly, such as:
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Water Supply & Drainage Issues: Closed water valves, kinked hoses, or clogged drain pump filters.
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Door Lock Mechanisms: Doors not fully latched, loose seals, or faulty lock switches.
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Unbalanced Loads: Laundry clumping to one side during high-speed spin cycles.
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Heating & Sensor Failures: Defective heating elements or temperature sensors (NTC thermistors).
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Motor & Board Glitches: Worn motor brushes, overload, or temporary power surges.
Bosch & Siemens Washing Machine Error Codes
Bosch and Siemens share similar technology, platforms, and error code conventions.
| Error Code | Meaning | Recommended Action |
| E16 / F16 | Door Lock Failure | Push the door firmly shut. Ensure no clothing is caught in the latch. |
| E17 / F17 | Water Inlet Timeout | Check that the water valve is open and the inlet hose filter isn’t clogged. |
| E18 / F18 | Drain Fault (Not Draining) | Clean out the pump filter at the bottom front. Check the drain hose for kinks. |
| E19 / F19 | Heating Error | Possible heating element or thermistor issue. Turn off the unit and contact service. |
| E23 / F23 | AquaStop Activated | Water detected in the base tray. Unplug the machine immediately and call a technician. |
Whirlpool & Maytag Washing Machine Error Codes
Whirlpool and Maytag machines often use “F” and “E” combinations (e.g., F##E##).
| Error Code | Meaning | Recommended Action |
| F06 / E01 | Motor Drive Error | Check for power stability. Unplug for 10 minutes to reset the main control board. |
| F08 / E01 | Heater / Sensing Fault | Indicates a heating element or circuit fault. Requires professional repair. |
| F09 / E01 | Overflow Condition | Too many suds or excess water. Pause cycle, allow suds to settle, or run a drain cycle. |
| F05 / E02 | Water Temperature Sensor Fault | The control board cannot detect water temp. Check connections or thermistor. |
| dE / LOC | Door Unlocked / Child Lock | Ensure door is shut tight, or disable Child Lock (hold Lock button for 3 seconds). |
Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes
Samsung uses a mix of numeric and letter codes that are easy to identify once decoded.
| Error Code | Meaning | Recommended Action |
| 4E / 4C | Water Supply Error | Ensure the water supply taps are fully open. Clean the inlet mesh filters. |
| 5E / 5C | Water Drain Error | Drain remaining water via the emergency tube and clean out the debris filter. |
| dE / dC | Door Open Warning | Check the door latch and rubber gasket. Re-close the door firmly. |
| UE / UB | Unbalanced Load Error | Manually redistribute tangled clothes inside the drum to balance the weight. |
| HE / HC | Heater Fault | Indicates a failing heating element. Requires a technician’s inspection. |
LG Washing Machine Error Codes
LG Direct Drive washing machines display specific two-letter codes when issues arise.
| Error Code | Meaning | Recommended Action |
| IE | Water Inlet Error | Inspect supply taps, hose kinks, and the water inlet filter. |
| OE | Water Outlet (Drain) Error | Inspect the drain filter for coins/lint and ensure the drain pipe is clear. |
| dE | Door Error | Close the door properly. If persistent, the door latch assembly may need replacing. |
| UE | Unbalanced Load | Large single items (towels, duvets) cause imbalance. Add or remove items to balance. |
| CL | Child Lock (Not an Error) | Indicates Child Lock is ON. Hold the designated Child Lock button combination for 3 seconds. |
4 Troubleshooting Steps Before Calling a Technician
Before spending money on a professional service call, run through these simple troubleshooting steps:
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Perform a Hard Reset: Turn off the washing machine, unplug it from the wall outlet, and wait 10 to 15 minutes. This clears temporary glitches stored in the electronic control board.
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Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Located behind the small access panel at the bottom front. Drain any residual water into a shallow tray, remove the filter cap, and rinse out trapped debris (coins, hair, lint).
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Inspect the Water Inlet Line: Ensure your home’s water supply valves are fully turned on and that the inlet hoses are not pinched or twisted behind the machine.
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Rebalance the Laundry: Overloading or washing a single heavy item can cause spin cycle errors. Adjust the load distribution by hand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if my washer stops mid-cycle with an error code?
Pause the machine and turn off the power. If there is trapped water inside, use the emergency drain hose near the bottom pump filter to safely drain it into a bucket before opening the door or inspecting the pump.
Will an error code reset on its own?
Minor issues (like an unbalanced load or temporary low voltage) usually clear automatically once corrected or reset. However, hardware failures (e.g., blown heating elements or faulty pumps) will trigger the code until the part is replaced.
Is the “CL” code on my display an actual error?
No, CL stands for Child Lock. It is a safety feature that disables the control panel buttons. To turn it off, press and hold the specified button pair (often labeled with a lock icon) for 3–5 seconds.
How often should I clean the drain filter?
To prevent common drainage errors (E18, 5E, OE, F05), it is recommended to clean your pump filter every 2 to 3 months.
Safety Warning: Always unplug the appliance from the mains power supply before attempting any physical inspection or cleaning. Repairs involving internal electrical wiring, motors, or main circuit boards should always be performed by a qualified technician.