Troubleshooting
Dishwasher Error Codes Explained (By Brand)
A blinking error code on your dishwasher display is actually good news, in a way. Modern dishwashers are built with sensors that flag specific problems rather than just quietly failing, which means the code is trying to tell you exactly what's wrong. The catch is that every brand uses its own system, so a code that means one thing on a Bosch means something completely different on a Samsung.
Here's a plain-English translation of the codes we see most often, organized by brand. If your model isn't listed or the code doesn't match, it's worth checking your owner's manual or giving us a call.
A quick pattern to know: Across most brands, codes starting with letters like "OE," "5C," or "F9" usually point to a drainage problem, while codes involving "HE" or heating-related language point to a heating element or thermostat issue.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid
| Code | What It Means |
|---|---|
| F9 E1 | Drainage problem. The dishwasher isn't emptying properly, often due to a clogged filter, hose, or garbage disposal connection. |
| F8 E1 | Water fill or heating issue, sometimes related to the water inlet or thermistor. |
| 1-1 (relay) | An internal relay fault, generally a control board-level issue that needs professional diagnosis. |
GE
| Code | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Ftd / C4 | "Failure to Drain." Water isn't pumping out from the previous cycle, usually a clog in the filter or drain hose. |
| C1 | Water fill issue, often related to the inlet valve or float switch. |
| PF | Power failure detected mid-cycle, sometimes just a temporary glitch that clears with a reset. |
Samsung
| Code | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 5C / 5E | Drainage error, similar to Whirlpool's F9 E1. Check the filter and drain hose first. |
| LC | "Leakage Check." Sensors have detected moisture where it shouldn't be, which can range from a minor spill to a genuine leak. |
| 4C | Water supply issue, sometimes triggered by low household water pressure rather than a true component failure. |
LG
| Code | What It Means |
|---|---|
| OE | Drain error. Water isn't emptying within the expected time window. |
| FE | Water fill error, often linked to the inlet valve or supply line. |
| tE | Temperature sensor error, related to the heating system not reaching or confirming its target temperature. |
Bosch
| Code | What It Means |
|---|---|
| E15 | Water detected in the base flood tray, a built-in safety feature. Sometimes triggered by a single spill rather than an ongoing leak. |
| E24 | Blocked drain, similar to other brands' drainage codes. |
| E09 | Heating circuit failure, potentially the heating element, thermal fuse, or control board. |
About E15 specifically: If it appears once after you've spilled water while clearing the filter, tilting the machine back slightly for about 30 minutes to drain the tray and running a short cycle often clears it. If it comes back on its own, that usually means a genuine leak, from a worn door seal, a cracked pump housing, or a loose hose, and needs a technician.
Seeing a code you can't figure out?
We diagnose and repair all major dishwasher brands same-day across Clairton and the Mon Valley.
Before Calling a Technician: Try a Reset
For most brands, turning the dishwasher off at the circuit breaker for about 5 minutes, then powering it back on, clears temporary glitches and false codes. If the same code returns after a reset, that's a good sign the issue is real and worth having looked at rather than a one-time fluke.
See our dishwasher repair page for typical cost ranges, or browse brands we service for model-specific expertise.
Common questions
FAQs
My dishwasher's code isn't listed here. What should I do? +
Check your owner's manual first, most brands include a code reference chart. If you don't have the manual handy, give us a call with the code and model number and we can usually tell you what it means over the phone.
Is it safe to keep using the dishwasher with an error code showing? +
For drainage and water-related codes, we'd recommend holding off until it's checked, since running more cycles with standing water can lead to leaks. Codes that clear after a simple reset are generally fine.
Do error codes always mean a part needs replacing? +
No. Many codes, especially drainage ones, are caused by a clogged filter or hose rather than a failed component. That's why checking those first before assuming a part failure is worthwhile.
Why does my dishwasher show a leak code with no visible water? +
Leak sensors are quite sensitive and can be triggered by condensation, a single spill during filter cleaning, or a very slow, hard-to-spot leak. It's worth investigating even if you can't see obvious water.
Can low water pressure in my house cause a false error code? +
Yes, water fill and supply-related codes can sometimes be triggered by low household water pressure rather than an actual dishwasher component failure.
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