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Washer troubleshooting guides

Washer guides are grouped two ways. If the display shows a code, use the brand sections below: each code page explains what the manufacturer says the code means, ranks the likely causes, and separates the checks you can do at the machine from the repairs that need a technician. If there is no code, start from the symptom: the washer will not drain, will not spin, leaks, or smells.

The symptom guides are written for any brand. Where manufacturers give different instructions, the guide names each one rather than averaging them, and it tells you to follow the figure in your own manual. Where the repair is documented, a cause carries a difficulty rating and a part cost band marked as an estimate.

Washer problems without a code

  • Washer won't spin A code on a GE washer can say nothing more than that someone opened the lid.
  • Washer leaking water The single most common leak has a part that costs almost nothing: the rubber washer inside each fill hose coupling.
  • Washer not draining On an LG washer a drain failure shows as the OE code, LG's "Water Outlet Error": the water is not leaving the drum.
  • Washer smells The single most common cause is a habit, not a fault.

LG washer error codes

All 6 LG guides are collected on the LG washer error codes page.

  • LG washer CL error (also written CHILDLOCK, CLCODE, CLERROR, CONTROLLOCK, LGCL) CL is the one thing on LG's error-code list that is not a fault: LG states that CL is not an error code, but an indicator that the child lock feature is active, and that while it is active the control panel is disabled and settings cannot be adjusted.
  • LG washer dE error (also written DE1, DE2, DE3, DE4, DECODE, DEERROR, DEL, DOORERROR, E01, E30, LGDE) dE is a door-lock report, not a wash fault. LG's error-code list states that dE means the washer is unable to lock its door, and LG's front-load article puts it as the washer door was unable to lock.
  • LG washer IE error (also written 1E, IECODE, IEERROR, LGIE, WATERINLETERROR) On LG's error-code list IE means the water supply is inadequate.
  • LG washer LE error (also written LECODE, LEERROR, LGLE, MOTORLOCKERERROR) LG's error-code list gives LE in six words: the motor is overloaded and locked.
  • LG washer OE error (also written 0E, LGOE, OECODE, OEERROR) LG's error-code list defines OE in five words: the water cannot drain. LG's fuller name for it is the Water Outlet Error, shown when water is not leaving the drum.
  • LG washer UE error (also written LGUE, UB, UECODE, UEERROR) LG's own error-code list defines UE in four words: your laundry is unbalanced.

Samsung washer error codes

All 4 Samsung guides are collected on the Samsung washer error codes page.

Samsung-specific symptom guides

  • Samsung washer won't drain Samsung does not have one drain code, it has six spellings of the same one.
  • Samsung washer won't spin Samsung's SUd or 5UD code, shown on some displays as Sd, 5d, SUdS or 5Ud5, means the washer has sensed too much foam and is pausing the cycle for the suds to dissipate rather than reporting a mechanical fault, which is why the spin never starts.

GE washer guides

  • GE washer not draining On the GE Profile UltraFast Combo washer/dryer, an '18' fault code (and the related 'Check and Clean Drain Pump Filter' message) means the pump filter needs cleaning; GE ties this same fault to very wet loads at the end of a wash cycle or longer than usual dry times.

Whirlpool washer guides

  • Whirlpool washer not draining Whirlpool defines F21 and F02 on a front load washer as a long-drain fault: the machine took longer than expected to pump the water out.

Washer work almost always means water and mains power in the same place, so each guide opens with the same precautions: unplug the machine or switch off its breaker, close the supply valve before touching a hose, and let a hot cycle cool. The sources block at the end of each guide lists every document behind it with the date we retrieved it.

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