Samsung Washing Machine Error Code dC
The washer does not detect the door or lid as closed and locked, so the cycle cannot start. Most cases are laundry caught in the seal or a door that was not shut firmly.
Also shown as: dE, dE1, dE2, dS, LO, FL, dL
Common causes
- Laundry trapped between the door and the rubber seal
- Door not pushed fully shut
- Faulty door lock or latch
- Load pressing against the door from inside
What to check, in order
- Open the door, clear anything caught in the seal, and close it with a firm push until it clicks.
- Remove a few items if the drum is packed tight against the door.
- Inspect the latch and strike for visible damage.
- If the door closes properly but the code stays, the door lock assembly usually needs replacing.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, taps opened. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Close the door, plug the machine back in and restore the water supply.
- Run a short rinse and spin, or the shortest wash programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared before (filling, washing, draining or spinning).
- If the cycle finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns at the same stage, write down the code and that stage before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician if any of these apply:
- The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
- You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
- Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
- The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.
When you call, give the brand, the code dC, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Parts that may be involved
Door lock assemblyDoor latch
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about dC
What does dC mean on a Samsung washing machine?
dC means: Door is not closed or not locking. The washer does not detect the door or lid as closed and locked, so the cycle cannot start. Most cases are laundry caught in the seal or a door that was not shut firmly.
Can I fix Samsung dC myself?
Start yourself: the checks on this page cover the causes you can reach without opening the machine up. If they point to a faulty part, testing or replacing it is usually a technician job.
How do I clear Samsung dC?
Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.
Sources checked
- Samsung support: washing machine information codes
- Samsung support: dishwasher information codes
- Samsung support (US): dishwasher troubleshooting
The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.