Washing machine error codes: what they mean and what to do
Samsung · LG · Bosch / Siemens · Indesit / Ariston / Hotpoint · Beko / Arctic · Electrolux / AEG / Zanussi
Error codes Samsung
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| 4C / 4E / IE | No water coming in: tap closed, hose kinked, blocked filter screen or faulty inlet valve. |
| 5C / 5E / OE | Not draining: blocked pump filter, blocked hose or faulty drain pump. |
| UB / UE / Ub | The load is unbalanced. If it happens often: shock absorbers or sensor. |
| dC / dE / DE | The door is not closed or the door lock is faulty. |
| HC / HE / HE1 | Water heating problem: heating element, temperature sensor or control board. |
| LC / LE | Water leak detected or drain problem. |
Error codes LG
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| IE | Not enough water coming in: tap, hose, filter screen or inlet valve. |
| OE | Water is not draining: filter, hose or drain pump. |
| UE | Unbalanced load; if it persists, shock absorbers or sensor. |
| dE | The door is not closing properly or the door lock is faulty. |
| LE | The motor is locked or overloaded (Direct Drive): rotor, stator or Hall sensor. |
| FE | Too much water in the drum: inlet valve not closing or faulty pressure switch. |
| PE | The water level sensor (pressure switch) is not working properly. |
| tE | Temperature sensor or heating problem. |
Error codes Bosch / Siemens
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| E17 / F17 | Water comes in too slowly: tap, filter screen, inlet valve or low pressure. |
| E18 / F18 | Draining too slowly: pump filter, hose or pump. |
| E23 / F23 | Water in the base tray (Aquastop): a leak inside the machine. |
| E16 / F16 | The door does not lock: faulty door lock or door not closed. |
| E19 / F19 | Water is not heating: heating element or temperature sensor. |
| E21 / F21 | Motor problem: worn brushes, motor or control board. |
Error codes Indesit / Ariston / Hotpoint
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| F03 | The temperature sensor (NTC) is faulty or disconnected. |
| F05 | Not draining: pump or filter blocked. |
| F06 | Door lock problem. |
| F08 | Fault in the heating element or heating circuit. |
| F09 / F10 | Control board configuration or pressure switch (level sensor) error. |
Error codes Beko / Arctic
H codes (H1–H11) are Beko diagnostic codes, shown on the display or, on models without a display, as LED combinations. Arctic belongs to the same group (Arçelik) and many models use similar electronics, so an H code on an Arctic machine usually points to the same area; still check your model’s manual.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| H1 | The temperature sensor (NTC) is open-circuit or short-circuited. |
| H2 | The heating element is not detected (open circuit): the water is not heating. |
| H3 | The heating element stays powered and heats continuously (risk of overheating). |
| H4 | Fault in the water inlet valve control; the machine may take in too much water. |
| H5 | The drain pump is not working (open circuit or jammed pump): water is not draining. |
| H6 | Motor control fault: the drum does not turn. |
| H7 | The water level sensor (pressure switch) is not working properly. |
| H11 | The motor or tachometer sensor is open-circuit: the drum does not turn. |
Error codes Electrolux / AEG / Zanussi
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| E10 / E11 | Water supply: tap, filter screen, inlet valve. |
| E20 / E21 | Draining is not working: filter, hose or pump. |
| E40 / E41 | The door is not closed or the door lock is faulty. |
| E50 / E52 | Motor or tachometer sensor problem. |
| E60 / E61 | Heating problem: heating element or sensor. |
Codes may vary by model and year of manufacture. Check your machine’s manual too. Tell us the code on the phone and we will tell you whether it is a simple fix or needs a technician.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do when my washing machine shows an error code?
Unplug the machine for 5 minutes, check the water tap, the drain hose and the pump filter, then start it again. If the error comes back, you need a technician.
Can I fix a drain error myself?
Often, yes: clean the pump filter (the cover at the bottom front) with a tray underneath. If the water still does not drain, the pump or the control board needs to be checked by a technician.
Does an error code mean the machine needs replacing?
No. Most codes point to a part that is easy to replace: a sensor, the pump, the heating element or the door lock.
Washing machine broken?
Tell us the brand and the error code. Often we can tell you on the first call which part is to blame.
📞 Call now: 0786 857 753Call-out and diagnosis: €20 / 100 lei, free if you go ahead with the repair