Dishwasher error codes - what do they mean?

Occurs when a dishwasher fails to start or stops early (fill sound, approximately 10-30 seconds), before displaying 1C. The dishwasher keeps trying to drain even when there’s basically no water inside. 

Low-water level check:

• Check if the filter is clogged.
• Make sure to use dishwasher detergent.
• Make sure that the dishwasher loads evenly.
• Turn the dishwasher off and back on after 5 minutes.

The dishwasher fills but never begins active washing, shows no spray action and stops. 

Power the unit off for one minute and retry. 

The cycle may start with a brief drain, but little or no fresh water enters, leaving the tub dry and stopping. 

Water supply check:

• Check if the water supply valve is closed.
• Check if the water supply is suspended.
• Check if the water inlet valve or line is frozen or clogged by foreign objects.

The dishwasher may start, attempt to fill, then stop early with a dry tub.

• Make sure that the water supply to the machine exists with proper pressure.
• Ensure the tap is open, the hose is not kinked and no objects are keeping the water from being delivered to the machine.

The control expects the water level to drop but detects no change. 

• Make sure the drainage system outside the machine is working well and is not clogged or blocked.
• Make sure the mesh filter at the bottom of the machine is clean.
• Check the drain pipes are not kinked.

The dishwasher attempts to drain, but the pump either fails to start, runs only briefly or stalls. 

• Try to force a drain (for example, by cancelling the cycle) and listen.
• With the power disconnected, remove the lower rack and the filter, and inspect the sump for any debris, such as objects, food sludge labels or bones that could potentially jam the impeller.

The dishwasher may beep, ignore commands, auto-select options or refuse to start because the control detects one or more keys being permanently pressed. 

• First confirm the behaviour at the panel: power the dishwasher on and observe if any button appears “active” without being touched (for example, a cycle option that immediately lights and won’t deselect, or constant beeping as if a key is being held).
• Then, press each physical button one by one and verify that it moves freely and returns to its original position. Check if any button feels physically stuck in the down position or has poor travel.

The dishwasher attempts to open or actuate the detergent dispenser but detects abnormal motor conditions - no movement, incorrect feedback or an open/overloaded circuit. 

• Reset by unplugging for 5 minutes.
• Make sure the dishwasher tablet is not stuck in the dispenser drawer.

The dishwasher briefly attempts to move the bar, then stops, resulting in no spray action and extremely poor cleaning. 

Contact Samsung Support.

The dishwasher has detected an abnormal or excessive voltage condition and has entered protection mode. It often appears after a power flicker, surge or breaker trip. The unit powers on but refuses to wash, even though there is no water or mechanical issue. 

• Check the incoming AC supply to the dishwasher (wall outlet/circuit quality), the power cord and the line connection.
• If there was a surge, flicker or breaker trip just before the first time 9C1 appeared, turn the dishwasher off at the wall or breaker, wait at least 1 minute, then power it back up and immediately try to start a normal wash. If the code clears and it runs, it was a temporary line disturbance and the control recovered. If the code is still there, move on.
• Plug the dishwasher into a good, dedicated outlet or circuit (no extension leads, no multi-adapters, nothing else heavy like a heater or tumble dryer on the same outlet).
• If the code disappears on a clean circuit, the issue is the original supply, not the dishwasher. 

The dishwasher won’t start or stops mid-cycle. The panel powers on, but the unit won’t wash. It often appears after power issues like dimming lights, brownouts, breaker trips or running on an extension lead. 

• Unplug the machine for 5 minutes and then turn it back on. If the issue persists, repeat this step after 5 minutes.
• Move the dishwasher to or test it on a proper, dedicated outlet/circuit with no extension cords, multi-plug adapters or heavy appliances sharing that outlet.
• If 9C2 disappears on a correct circuit, the issue is the external supply, not the dishwasher.

The dishwasher powers on but won’t start or run cycles. It may stop mid-cycle and become unresponsive, buttons won’t work properly or the appliance tries to start then immediately stops. Often follows door opening mid-cycle or after installation/movement. 

• Power cycle the dishwasher (turn off at the wall/breaker > wait 1 minute > power on > try again).
• If AC clears, it was likely a temporary glitch.

The dishwasher switches on but won’t start or continue a cycle (electronically locked out). The control panel may light up but pressing “Start” does nothing. 

• Power off the dishwasher at the breaker/unplug for 10 minutes to discharge fully.
• Power back on and try starting a cycle.

The dishwasher won’t start or respond properly. The customer reports “buttons not working”, “panel stuck” or “keeps beeping”. The panel may seem to press itself or be locked on one option. Power and display are on, but controls are unresponsive. 

Button check:

• Tap buttons quickly, avoid holding any button down.
• For touch panels, wipe the entire control area dry and clean off any residue.
• Power off at the breaker for 10 minutes, then power back on and try starting a cycle without holding buttons.

The dishwasher powers on, but the control panel does not respond or acts erratically, such as beeping continuously, options highlighting on their own or ignoring key presses. It often appears after wiping the panel, spills, steam exposure or moving/reinstalling the unit. 

• Dry the touch surface thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
• Power off at the wall/breaker for ≥30 seconds, then restart.
• Use brief taps, not long presses.

The dishwasher powers on but won’t start or stops shortly after pressing Start. 

• Open and reclose the door firmly (without slamming).
• Remove protruding utensils or pan handles.
• Clean latch tongue and pocket.
• Ensure the door is not obstructed by counter overhang or cabinetry.
• Power-cycle at wall/breaker for >30 seconds and retry.

The dishwasher may power on and complete a wash, but it stops or shows FC during the dry phase. Dishes remain wet, there is little/no warm air at the vent or the machine beeps and ends early near the end of the cycle.

• Inspect fan motor connector and wiring for secure connection.
• Attempt to turn the fan by hand to detect obstruction.
• Observe the motor during the cycle if safe.

The dishwasher finishes washing but aborts or shows the code during drying. Dishes may remain wet, with little/no warm air at the vent.

• Run a cycle with drying active.
• Listen for a fan near the vent; check that the vent isn’t blocked.
• Power off for ≥5 minutes, adjust loading and retry cycle.

At times, the dishwasher powers on and may complete a wash, but it stops during or near the end of the cycle, showing HC. Drying may be poor or aborted, with a very hot, steamy interior.

High temperature check:

• Power off at the wall/breaker for ≥5 minutes.
• Run a normal cycle with an empty tub and detergent.
• Confirm inlet water is within normal domestic range.
• Ensure filters are clean.

The dishwasher may stop partway or won’t finish a cycle, displaying HC1. 

• Ensure the dishwasher isn’t fed with excessively hot water.
• Clean the filters so that water circulates properly.

The dishwasher completes the wash but fails or ends early in the drying phase. Dishes remain wet with little/no warm air, or drying only runs briefly before stopping. 

• Make sure nothing covers the exterior door vent.
• Avoid loading tall plastics directly against the inner vent outlet.
• Keep the vent lip clean and dry so air can move freely during drying.

The dishwasher may complete a wash, but it fails during drying or ends early, immediately posting HC4. There is unusually hot air at the door vent just before stopping and beeping near the end. 

Ensure nothing is covering the exterior vent and that loading inside the tub isn’t pressed up against the inner vent outlet, allowing hot air to move freely.

The dishwasher won’t start or stops mid-cycle and immediately begins draining continuously while beeping and won’t accept a new program. Water may be visible under/around the unit, or a damp/steamy smell may be present. 

Leakage check:

• Inspect the door area and usage conditions.
• Confirm only dishwasher detergent was used. 
• Remove debris from the door gasket and bottom lip and ensure racks or tall items aren’t distorting the door seal. Check the toe-kick area for puddles or water marks.
• Verify the sink or disposal isn’t backing water into the dishwasher.

The dishwasher stops mid-cycle or won’t complete the cycle. There may be water leaks or small puddles at the bottom of the door, a continuous filling sound (water keeps entering) and strong detergent foam inside the tub (wrong detergent or excessive suds). 

• Check detergent usage, visible foam, filter cleanliness.
• Check if any standing water in the base.
• Check for any kinks in the drain hose.
• Make sure the dishwasher isn’t sitting on the drain hose.

The dishwasher powers on but won’t start a cycle or stops shortly after starting, often when options like Zone Wash / Half Load have been selected. Cleaning results are poor because the program won’t run while the fault is active.

• Power off at the wall/breaker for ≥30 seconds.
• Deselect Zone Wash/Half Load and start a Normal cycle with normal loading.

The dishwasher powers on but won’t start a program or stops shortly after starting. It may try to wash briefly and then quits or never begins the wash. 

• Power off at the breaker or wall for ≥5 minutes.
• Restore power and try a Normal cycle once.

The dishwasher completes the washing phase but fails during drying or ends early. 

• Ensure nothing is covering the exterior door vent.
• Avoid loading tall plastics directly against the inner vent outlet to allow air to circulate during drying.