A code on the display is the control board telling you which part or condition it couldn’t confirm. San Jose Appliance Care connects owners in San Jose and nearby Santa Clara County cities with independent local repair companies for Sub-Zero, Samsung, LG, Thermador and other brands, and this library is the step before that call. It starts with Sub-Zero error codes and service indicators, then covers Samsung, LG, Bosch and Thermador. Each table below lists the code, what the manufacturer says it means, the first check the manufacturer suggests, and the point where the manufacturer itself says to get service.
Every code on this page comes from the brand’s own support site, linked under each section. We left out codes we could only find on repair company blogs, because those lists often disagree with the manufacturer.
Before you look up any code
Three habits make any code more useful.
- Write the code down exactly, including spaces and letters that look like numbers. Samsung, for example, uses both “OE” and “0E” for the same washer overflow error.
- Find the model number on the rating plate (inside the door, on the door frame or on the back). Codes vary by model and series, and the repair company will ask for it.
- Use the reset the manufacturer describes. Sub-Zero says to turn the unit off at the control panel, switch off the breaker for 30 seconds and switch it back on. Samsung suggests 60 seconds for its refrigerator compressor codes. Bosch suggests 30 seconds at the breaker for several dishwasher codes.
Don’t reset a code that points to a leak, a refrigerant problem or rising temperatures before you’ve written it down. A cleared code helps nobody diagnose the fault.
Sub-Zero error codes: the Service indicator, EC40 and EC50
Sub-Zero’s support pages treat a flashing Service indicator and a steady one differently, so note which one you’re seeing before you do anything else.
| Display | What Sub-Zero says it means | Check first | Call when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service flashing with EC50 | Excessive refrigerator compressor run | If temperatures are near normal, clean the condenser, then press and hold the door ajar alarm key (bell symbol) for 15 seconds to clear the code | Temperatures are already high, rise after the reset, or the code returns |
| Service flashing with EC40 (600, 648PRO, 700 Series) | A sealed system, fan or temperature sensor issue | Less than 10 degrees above the set temperature: clean the condenser, then hold the door ajar alarm key for 15 seconds to clear it | More than 10 degrees above set temperature with the door closed, or the code returns |
| Service steady (600 or 700 Series) | Error codes are stored in memory, although temperatures are normal | No owner steps listed | Sub-Zero says to schedule service |
| dO Or flashing, with a chime (Classic built-in) | A door was left open longer than five minutes | Close the door; the panel stays unresponsive for about five minutes, then normal operation resumes | The alarm repeats with the door fully closed |
| Red triangle in the Sub-Zero Group Owner’s App | Service is required | Tap the alert for details | Right away |
| Yellow triangle in the app | The error may be fixable without a service call | Follow the linked troubleshooting | The steps don’t clear it |
Sub-Zero’s advice on EC50 has one detail worth repeating: only clear the code if the temperatures stay normal. If they keep climbing, leave the code in place so the technician can read it. Some repair blogs describe EC50 as a thermistor fault; Sub-Zero’s own page describes it as excessive compressor run.
Sub-Zero directs owners to its Factory Certified Service network. When you call any company about a Sub-Zero, ask whether it’s factory certified for the brand and whether it has worked on your series. The Sub-Zero repair page covers the warranty terms that can make a sealed system repair much cheaper.
Wolf wall ovens: F1
Sub-Zero Group also publishes codes for Wolf. On an L Series wall oven, F1 means the door lock or unlock switches weren’t sensed within 60 seconds while the lock motor was running, or the door slammed shut during a heating mode. Wolf’s first step is to reset power at the circuit breaker and try a bake mode again. If F1 returns, Wolf says to schedule Factory Certified Service. More on the brand is on the Wolf repair page.
Sources: Sub-Zero EC50 and Service flashing, Sub-Zero EC40 and Service flashing, Service indicator steady, dO Or, Owner’s App codes, Wolf F1.
Samsung washers
Samsung groups several spellings under one meaning, so look for your exact code in the first column.
| Code | Meaning | Check first | Call when |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4C, 4E, nF, 1 4C | Not filling | Confirm the hot and cold supply hoses are connected to the correct inlets | It still won’t fill |
| 4C2, 4E2, CE, 14C2, nF1 | Hot and cold supply reversed | Connect cold to the cold inlet and hot to the hot inlet | The code stays after the hoses are corrected |
| nd, 5E, SE, 5C, SC, 1 5C | Not draining at the right speed, or at all | Follow Samsung’s washer drain troubleshooting for your model | Water still won’t drain |
| OE, 0E, OC, 0C, 1 OC | Too much water in the drum | Same drain checks as above | The overflow code repeats |
| 1E, LE, 1C, LC, LC1, 1 LC | Water level or leak detected | Look for a small leak and check that the hoses behind the washer aren’t kinked; run an empty cycle to check for oversudsing | A leak is visible or the code returns |
| dS, d5, dE, dE1, dE2, dC, dC1, dL, FL, LO | Door or door lock not secured | Make sure the latch is fixed, nothing is caught in the door and it’s fully closed | The door is damaged or the code persists |
| dc, Ub, U6, Ur, UE, 1 Ub | Unbalanced load | Untangle and redistribute the laundry, then restart | It keeps stopping mid-spin |
| SUd, 5UD, Sd, 5d, SUdS | Too many suds | Nothing is broken; the washer pauses until suds settle. Use less detergent or HE detergent | Not a service code |
| 3E, 3C, E3, 1 3C | Motor error | Power off for 2 to 3 minutes, then restart | Samsung says to request service if it returns |
| HC, HE, HE1, Hr, 1 HC | Heater error | Power off for 2 to 3 minutes, then restart | Samsung says to request service if it returns |
| tE, tE1, tC | Temperature sensor error | Power off for 2 to 3 minutes, then restart | It returns |
| E2, bE2, 6E2, BE2, 8E2 | A button is stuck | Press every button on the panel, working each one back and forth | A button stays jammed |
Source: Samsung washing machine information and error codes.
Samsung dryers
| Code | Meaning | Check first | Call when |
|---|---|---|---|
| tS, t5, tC, tO, t0, tE, tE3, tC5, tCS | Temperature or temperature sensor problem | Clean the lint screen, the vent system, or both | It continues after cleaning |
| HC, hE, HC4, 1 HC | Dryer running too hot | Clean the lint screen and vent; on an electric model, check the voltage | It continues |
| 9C1, 9E, 2E, 9E1 | Abnormal supply voltage | Put the dryer on its own circuit, with no extension cord, and check the power cord installation | It continues |
| dC, dE, dF, do, d0, 1 DC, 1 dF | Door, latch or door sensor | Check the latch and make sure nothing is caught in the door | The door is damaged or it persists |
| AC, Et, AE, EEE, AE3, AE4, AE5, E3, 1 AC | Internal parts can’t communicate | Turn the dryer off for 60 seconds, then back on | It remains |
| FC, FE, 1 FC | Invalid power frequency | Restart the cycle | It remains |
| bE, bE2, bC2, 6E, 6E2, 6C2 | A button is stuck | Power off, then touch and release every button | A button is damaged or it returns |
| Clg, Cl9, C9, C80, C90, Ct | Vent blockage test results | Clean the lint filter and exhaust vent | Certain results persist after cleaning |
| dn | Firmware download in progress | Don’t unplug; it restarts on its own | Still showing after 24 hours |
A dryer that throws heat and temperature codes after a lint and vent cleaning is the classic case for dryer repair, since a restricted vent and a failing sensor can look the same from the outside.
Source: Samsung dryer displays an error code.
Samsung refrigerators
Samsung notes that its list covers the more common codes, not every one.
| Code | Meaning | Check first | Call when |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21E | Freezer fan error | Check the door gasket; defrost the unit if needed | It persists |
| 22E, 22C | Fridge fan error | Unplug the fridge and leave the doors open for a few hours, then plug it back in | Samsung says to request service if it returns |
| 83E | Compressor abnormal current | Power cycle for 60 seconds | It returns |
| 85E | Compressor under voltage | Power cycle for 60 seconds | It returns |
| 86E | Compressor over voltage | Power cycle for 60 seconds | It returns |
| 84C | Compressor lock | None listed | Request service |
| 85C | Low voltage detected | Press OK for 3 seconds to clear | It repeats |
| 88 88 | Communication fault | Power cycle for 60 seconds | It returns |
| PC ER, PC CH | Communication error, often after a power surge or a poorly connected door | Cut power, reconnect the wire harness above the door, restore power | It returns |
| 5E | Fridge defrost sensor error | None listed | Request service |
| 8E, 14E | Ice maker sensor error | None listed | Request service |
| 33E | Ice pipe heater error | None listed | Request service |
| 39E, 39C | Ice maker function error | None listed | Request service |
| 40E, 40C | Ice room fan error | None listed | Request service |
| 76C | Water detected in the AutoFill compartment | Look for the water leak | It persists |
| OF OF, O FF, OFF OFF | Cooling Off (demo or shop) mode, not a fault | Hold the model’s top buttons together for 5 to 8 seconds until it chimes | Not a service code |
Ice maker codes are the ones Samsung sends straight to service. The ice maker repair page covers what that visit usually involves, and Samsung repair covers the brand’s warranty.
Source: Samsung refrigerator error codes.
LG washers
| Code | Meaning | Check first | Call when |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE, E02, E10 | Not enough water coming in | Check that the water faucet is open and the hose is connected | It still won’t fill |
| OE, E03, E21 | Can’t drain | Check behind the washer for a kinked or clogged drain hose | It still won’t drain |
| UE | Unbalanced load | Spread the laundry evenly in the drum | It keeps stopping |
| LE | Tub won’t spin | Reduce the load and use the bedding cycle for heavy items | It returns on normal loads |
| dE, dE1, E01 | Door not closed properly | Open and re-close the door | It persists |
| dE2, E30 | Door closed but not locked | Check for anything blocking the door | It persists |
| FE, E04, E12 | Overfilling | Check whether extra water is coming through the detergent dispenser | It repeats |
| AE | Internal water leak | Check the inlet hose for loose connections or cuts | Water is inside the cabinet |
| PE, E33 | Water level sensor problem | Unplug for 10 seconds, then reconnect | It returns |
| tE | Heating error | Unplug for 10 seconds, then restart | It returns |
| CE | Over-current in the motor circuit | Unplug for 10 seconds, then test | It returns |
| SUD | Too many suds | Use no more than the recommended amount of detergent | Not a service code |
| PF | Power failure | Unplug or trip the breaker to reset | It repeats |
| CL | Child lock on | Hold the child lock button for 3 seconds | Not a service code |
Source: LG front load washer error code list.
LG dryers
| Code | Meaning | Check first | Call when |
|---|---|---|---|
| d80, d90, d95 | Airflow restricted between the dryer and the outside exhaust | Clear the lint tray and check the duct run; on gas models d80 can also mean low gas supply | The duct is clean and the code stays |
| tE1, tE3 | Thermistor problem | Unplug or trip the breaker for 5 seconds | It returns |
| tE2 | Thermistor problem in cold conditions | Make sure the lint filter is clean | It returns |
| PS | Improper voltage in the power cord | Check the cord installation on the back of the dryer | It persists |
| nP | No current detected at the heater | Confirm the cord is secure in a grounded 240V outlet | It persists |
| HS | Humidity sensor error | Clean the sensor bars below the lint filter | It returns |
| dE | Door not fully closed | Make sure the lint filter is pushed all the way in and the door shuts | It persists |
| F0 | Lint filter out of position | Remove and reinsert the lint filter | It persists |
| GAS | No gas supply detected | Make sure the gas supply valve is on | The valve is on and it continues |
Source: LG dryer error code list.
LG refrigerators
Most LG refrigerator codes are sensor and fan faults that LG sends straight to service. Two of them deserve a closer look: CL and CH mean a refrigerant leak, and no reset fixes that.
| Code | Meaning | Check first | Call when |
|---|---|---|---|
| FF (Er FF, E FF) | Freezer fan not running normally | Unplug or trip the breaker for about 5 minutes; if frost is suspected, LG suggests leaving the doors open to melt it (about a day in summer, three in winter) | The same code repeats, or food is at risk |
| rF (Er rF, E rF) | Fridge compartment fan not running normally | Unplug or trip the breaker for about 5 minutes | The same code repeats |
| CF | Condenser fan error | None listed | Service needed |
| dH, FdH, dHF | Defrost heater didn’t raise the temperature in time | None listed | Service needed |
| FS, rS, r2, dS, rT | Temperature sensor faults | None listed | Service needed |
| IF, IS, It | Ice maker fan, sensor or motor error | None listed | Service needed |
| CO, C1 | Communication error between boards | None listed | Service needed |
| gF | Flow sensor error | Unplug for 60 seconds, then restart | It returns |
| FU | Cycle error: freezer temperature not dropping as expected | Unplug for 60 seconds, then restart | It returns |
| CL, CH | Refrigerant leak on the low or high side | None; no owner fix exists | Right away |
| OFF | Demo or display mode, cooling disabled | Hold the Fridge button and press Express Frz three times | Not a service code |
A fridge with FF, rF or CL on the display is losing cold air, so move food to a cooler if the reset doesn’t work. Refrigerator and freezer repair explains what to check while you wait, and LG repair covers LG’s warranty.
Sources: LG refrigerator digital and analog error codes, E FF and E rF troubleshooting.
LG dishwashers
| Code | Meaning | Check first | Call when |
|---|---|---|---|
| AE, E1 | Leak inside the dishwasher has tripped the float switch | Find and fix the cause of the leak before running it again | You can’t find the leak |
| IE | Water level too low after filling | Check the water line connection and that the supply valve is open | It still won’t fill |
| OE | Not draining | Clean the filter; check for food clogs | It still won’t drain |
| HE | Water not heated, or overheated | None listed beyond the meaning | It returns |
| LE | Wash motor problem | None listed | It returns |
| tE | Temperature sensor problem | None listed | It returns |
| PE | Water level sensor error | None; LG says it needs a technician | Right away |
| bE | Oversudsing | Don’t use hand dish soap in the dishwasher | Not a service code once suds clear |
| nE | Vario pump issue | Rearrange the dishes and restart | It returns |
| F31, F35 | Heat dry fan or heat dry temperature error | None | LG says to request service |
Source: LG dishwasher guide to error codes and AE and E1 error code.
Bosch and Thermador dishwashers
Bosch and Thermador publish matching descriptions for these dishwasher codes, so one table covers both. The E15 code is the one to respect: it means water has reached the base of the dishwasher.
| Code | Meaning | Check first | Call when |
|---|---|---|---|
| E15 | Water detected in the base (leak protection) | Turn off the water supply | Both brands say to contact service |
| E22 | Filter blocked | Remove the filter and wash it under running water | It returns |
| E24 | Drain problem, blocked filter or pump | Remove the drain pump cover and clear debris | It returns |
| E25 | Drain pump blocked, or its cover loose or missing | Check that the pump cover under the filter is secure and clear | It returns |
| E16, E17 | Problem with water filling | Check that the inlet hose isn’t kinked or damaged | It persists |
| E18 | Water level too low | Check the inlet hose and the water supply | It persists |
| E14 | Flow meter or water inflow fault | None | Contact service |
| E04 | Heater electronics fault found in self-test | None | Contact service |
| E12 | Limescale in the heat pump | Run a descaler | It returns after descaling |
| E27 | Supply voltage too low | Thermador suggests having an electrician check the home’s voltage | It persists |
| E01, E02, E03, E09 (Bosch) | Heat pump, relay or heater circuit faults | Reset power at the breaker for 30 seconds | It returns |
If the dishwasher throws E24 or E25 again soon after you’ve cleaned the pump cover, the blockage may be further down the drain line, and that’s a job for dishwasher repair. The Thermador repair page covers that brand’s warranty.
Sources: Bosch dishwasher error codes, Thermador dishwasher error codes.
Codes that mean stop and call
Most codes invite a first check. These don’t, according to the manufacturers themselves:
- Leak codes with water present: Bosch and Thermador E15, LG dishwasher AE, LG washer AE. Shut off the water first.
- Refrigerant leaks: LG refrigerator CL and CH.
- Compressor faults that survive a reset: Samsung 83E, 84C, 85E and 86E; Sub-Zero EC50 with temperatures rising.
- Sensor and fan codes the manufacturer routes to service: Samsung ice maker codes, LG FS, rS, IF and dH, and a steady Sub-Zero Service light.
Before you call, note the code, the model number and what the appliance was doing when it appeared. Then check the appliance repair cost guide for what the fix usually runs, and if the machine is old, the repair or replace guide can help you decide whether it’s worth it.