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How to Enter Diagnostic Mode on a Samsung Washing Machine

Samsung washers display error codes automatically on the front panel when a fault occurs. Calibration mode and the SmartThings app provide deeper diagnostics.

Step-by-Step: Samsung Washing Machine Diagnostics

  1. 1

    Read the current code directly from the display — Samsung washers show active faults without entering any special mode.

  2. 2

    Run Calibration Mode after moving the machine or replacing parts: with the washer on and empty, hold Temp. and Delay End together for about 3 seconds until 'Cb' appears, then press Start. The drum runs empty for 2–3 minutes and shuts off when done.

  3. 3

    For models with SmartThings (most 2018+ units), open the app and run the washer self-check — it reports fault history in plain English, which is the easiest way to see intermittent codes.

  4. 4

    On many models, pressing and holding the Start/Pause button right after a cycle aborts will re-display the last error code.

  5. 5

    Exact service-mode button combinations vary by model series. The tech sheet (inside the lower front panel or taped behind the top lid on top-loaders) lists the sequence for your specific model.

💡 Good to know: Samsung service mode (fast-track test) is model-specific and intended for technicians. For DIY troubleshooting, the displayed code plus the SmartThings self-check covers nearly every case.

Found a Code? Look It Up

Once diagnostics shows you a stored code, find its meaning and fix guide in the full Samsung washing machine code list. These are the highest-priority codes on this platform:

OE
Drain failure — water not draining
⚠ High Severity
LE
Motor locked — drum cannot rotate
⚠ High Severity
HE
Water heater error — water not heating to target temperature
⚠ High Severity
CE
Over-current motor protection — motor drawing excessive current
⚠ High Severity
3E
Motor drive error — motor cannot reach commanded speed
⚠ High Severity
SE
Motor tachometer / hall sensor error
⚠ High Severity

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I see the last error code on a Samsung washer? +
Active codes show automatically on the display. For fault history, run the self-check in the SmartThings app — most 2018-and-newer Samsung washers support it.
Does unplugging a Samsung washer clear error codes? +
Yes. A 60-second power cycle clears the displayed code. If the fault is still present, the code reappears as soon as the washer retries the failed operation.
How to Reset a Samsung Washing Machine → ← All Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes