Samsung Dryer Error Codes List: Every Code Explained

Every Samsung dryer error code we could verify against Samsung's own documentation — what it means, what usually causes it, and the first fix to try — in one table. Codes differ between model series, so treat your model's tech sheet as the final word.

How to read and retrieve error codes on Samsung dryers

Samsung dryers include a test/diagnostic mode on many models (entered via a button combination such as holding specific cycle pads while powering on — the service manual for the model lists it) that shows stored codes and lets a technician run the motor, heater and sensor checks individually.

The complete Samsung dryer error code list

How to reset / clear error codes on Samsung dryers

Samsung dryer codes clear with a power cycle: unplug for about 5 minutes (gas models: also confirm the gas valve state hasn't changed), plug back in and run a timed dry cycle. Sensor and motor codes that return immediately are active faults — the board tests the motor circuit and thermistors at the start of every cycle.

How to diagnose any Samsung dryer code

Work the problem in this order: (1) record the code exactly, including whether it appears at start-up or mid-cycle — a code at start-up usually reports a failed self-check (sensor, door, motor circuit), while a mid-cycle code reports a process that drifted (airflow, temperature, load sensing); (2) for airflow codes, inspect the whole vent path before anything else: lint screen (wash it — dryer-sheet film blocks air invisibly), transition duct, wall cap and the full run for crushed or lint-packed sections; (3) for heat codes, confirm the drum turns and air moves — heat without airflow and airflow without heat are different fault trees; (4) clear the code and run a timed dry with a small load of wet towels while you monitor: does it heat, does the exhaust blow strong outside, does the code return at the same point; (5) test the monitored component (thermistor, moisture sensor, motor circuit) only after the path and the load are proven good. On gas dryers, anything past the external vent path is a technician's job.

The most searched Samsung dryer codes, in detail

3C — Motor error

3C in Samsung's motor family on the dryer reports that the drum motor is not running as commanded: it may fail to start, stall, or lose its speed feedback. The dryer stops — tumbling and heat without airflow control is unsafe. Mechanical drag (a jammed drum, seized idler or blower obstruction) must be ruled out before electronics, because a motor that can't turn reports the same as a motor that won't.

Most likely cause: Drum jammed or belt broken — A broken belt leaves the motor spinning free or stalled against a jammed drum; items can also wedge between drum and bulkhead.

First check: Turn the drum by hand: it should rotate with moderate, even resistance. A hard jam or a drum that spins suspiciously free (belt off) tells the story.

If it keeps coming back: 3C returning under full wet loads but not empty points at drag (rollers/idler) or a weakening motor that fails under torque demand.

9C1 — Voltage/power-supply fault

Samsung's 9C family covers electrical supply faults. 9C1 is the supply-voltage member reported on dryer platforms: the control measured incoming voltage (or its own power rails) outside the safe window and stopped. Dryers are the highest-draw appliance in most laundry rooms, so weak circuits, worn outlets and shared loads show up here first. Rule out the installation before the machine.

Most likely cause: Low or unstable supply voltage — An overloaded circuit, long undersized run, or utility brownouts — the dryer draws hardest at heater-on, which is when dips bite.

First check: Inspect the outlet and plug for heat damage, looseness or discolouration — stop and call an electrician if you find any.

If it keeps coming back: 9C1 at the same daily times suggests utility/neighbourhood sag; 9C1 under the dryer's own heater load suggests its circuit or the board.

CL9 — Not a fault

Samsung dryers show CL (Child Lock) when the panel lock is active — the controls are disabled on purpose. There is no CL9 fault in Samsung's published dryer code list. What owners report as 'CL9' is usually the child-lock indicator plus a cycle digit, or a segmented display read at a glance. If the dryer 'won't respond', child lock is the first thing to rule out before any fault diagnosis: the machine is locked, not broken.

Most likely cause: Child Lock active — Activated deliberately or by a stray long-press; buttons beep but don't respond.

First check: Look for the child-lock icon (a small lock/child symbol) lit on the panel.

If it keeps coming back: If the lock re-engages by itself, a sticking panel button is likely — clean around the buttons; a technician can test the panel if it persists.

DC — Door error

DC (dC) on a Samsung dryer means the door switch is not reporting 'closed'. The dryer will not start, or stops, because tumbling and heating with the door open is unsafe. A door that isn't fully shut, a failed door switch, or a bent door catch are the causes — in that order of likelihood.

Most likely cause: Door not fully closed — Clothing caught at the latch or the door pushed to but not clicked.

First check: Open and close the door firmly; check for trapped clothing at the catch.

If it keeps coming back: DC that returns mid-cycle with vibration means the switch contacts or catch are marginal — replace rather than adjust repeatedly.

DE — Door error

DE (shown dE) is the door code on Samsung dryers that use the letter-style door designation (others show DC). The meaning and fix path are the same: the control cannot confirm the door is closed, so it will not start or it pauses. Door physically ajar, a worn door switch, or a damaged catch are the causes.

Most likely cause: Door not fully latched — Clothing at the catch; door closed to but not clicked.

First check: Close the door firmly and check the catch area for obstructions.

If it keeps coming back: Mid-cycle DE with vibration = marginal switch contacts — replace it.

HC — Heating error

HC belongs to Samsung's heating-fault family. On heat-pump dryers HC specifically reports a compressor/heating-system abnormality; on conventional electric models the HC-family covers heating checks where temperatures behave abnormally. Either way the dryer stops heating to protect itself. Restricted airflow is the environmental cause to rule out first in every heating code: a dryer that can't breathe runs hot regardless of which heater it uses.

Most likely cause: Restricted airflow — Clogged lint filter, crushed vent, long/blocked vent run — the universal first check for any heating fault.

First check: Clean the lint filter and check airflow at the outside vent while the dryer runs (strong warm flow = good).

If it keeps coming back: HC returning after an element change almost always means airflow is still restricted inside the machine or vent — replacing heaters into a choked vent just repeats the failure.

Less common and model-specific codes

Search data shows owners also meet these codes on Samsung dryers: A5, AP, AS, B3, BC, C3, CE, CL, D3, D80, D90, D95, Dryer, E0, E1, E2, E4, E5, E64, E9, EC, EE, F01, F1L, H01, HC2, HO1, L5, LC, LE, LE1, LO, NF, NG, NP, OD, OE, OT, P5, PF, SC, SE, T3, T4, TE1, TE4, U6, UB, UC, UE, UR. They are not part of the core code list Samsung publishes for most models — several are series-specific, abbreviated display readings, or codes carried over from a sister platform — so we do not publish meanings for them rather than guess. Treat them by symptom: note what the machine was doing when the code appeared (filling, draining, heating, spinning), run one full power cycle (5 minutes off), and if the code returns, match the symptom to the closest documented family in the table above and check the tech sheet stored inside your machine for the model-specific definition.

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Facts on this page were checked against manufacturer documentation: www.samsung.com · www.samsung.com · www.samsung.com · www.samsung.com