Samsung Washer dE / dC Error Code (Door Lock Error)
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Quick answer: Samsung says dE, dE1, dE2, dS, dL, dC and dC1 (and similar codes) mean the door is not detected as closed and locked. Most often laundry is caught in the door or the door isn’t shut firmly. If it keeps coming back, check the door lock wiring, then the door lock/switch assembly, and the control board last.
Heads-up: on some Samsung models dC means an unbalanced load, not a door error (see Washer not spinning). ddC / dC3 is the separate Add Door error. Check your user manual. Work through the steps in order — the free checks come first.
Test order: easiest & free first
- Close the door firmly and clear the sealFREE · 2 min
Open the door, remove any laundry caught between the door and the machine body, and close it until it is secured. Samsung also advises not to overload the drum and to wipe the door gasket with a dry cloth after washing. Then press Start/Pause to restart. - Check Child Lock if there is water in the tubFREE · 1 min
Samsung says the door code can appear even when no cycle is running if Child Lock is on and water is in the tub. If the door isn’t closed or Child Lock turned off within 30 seconds, the washer drains the tub. - Look at the latch (a little play is normal)FREE · 2 min
Samsung says a loose-feeling door latch is normal: it is designed to move so the lock can grab it, and a rigid latch can actually cause dC. A damaged door or latch needs repair. On FlexWash models, 1dC4 means the rubber button next to the upper washer’s latch is missing; replacing the button fixes it. - Power off and restartFREE · 3 min
For dE1 / dC1 (main door lock/unlock not working), Samsung’s first step is to turn the machine off and restart the cycle. For codes without specific steps, Samsung suggests powering off for 2–3 minutes, then powering on and restarting. - Run the door lock test (WF42H-style panels)FREE · 10 min
iFixit’s guide for Samsung front-loaders with the WF42H* control panel: with the washer off at the console, press and hold Spin, Soil Level and Power together for about 5 seconds to enter quick test mode, then use the door lock test to see if the lock responds. Press Power to exit. Button combinations vary by model. - Check the door lock wiringTOOLS
Unplug the washer. Sears PartsDirect says to check the wiring harness connections between the door lock assembly and the main control board, reconnect any loose wires, and replace the harness if it is damaged. - Replace the door lock / switch assemblyPART
If the wiring is sound, Sears PartsDirect says to replace the door lock assembly. PartSelect lists a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver as the tools needed for DC64-00519B. See part numbers below. - Last resort: main control boardPART · $$$
If the code continues after a new door lock, Sears PartsDirect says to replace the main control board. Samsung recommends requesting service if the code can’t be corrected. Board voltage tests involve live power — consider a technician.
💡 Door stuck shut (LO code)? Sears PartsDirect describes LO as a door unlock error: the door fails to unlock after 7 attempts. Unplug the washer before opening it, and note that forcing the door often damages the door lock/switch assembly.
âš Safety: Unplug the washer and shut off both water taps before removing panels. Never force the door open while the drum is spinning or full of water. Only do live-voltage tests if you’re trained — 120 V can kill.
Door lock parts
| Part | Samsung # | Example models (per seller listing) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door switch / door lock assembly (front-load) | DC64-00519B | Some WF2, WF3, WF4 and WF5 series front-loaders, e.g. WF520ABP/XAA, WF448AAP/XAA, WF42H5200AF/A2 | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
| Door lock / lid lock (other models, incl. top-load) | Look up by your model number | Samsung uses several different lock assemblies | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
| Door lock wire harness | Look up by your model number | Only if the harness is damaged | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
Samsung uses many different door locks across models. Always look up by your model number or match the number printed on your old part.
💡 Find your model number: Check the sticker inside the door frame or on the back of the lid (top-load), or on the back panel. It looks like
WF45T6000AW/A5 — include the suffix after the slash when searching parts.Sources
- Samsung US – Washing machine information and error codes (door error, Child Lock, 1dC4)
- Samsung UK – Information codes on my washing machine (dC/dE, dC1/dE1)
- Samsung UK – Why is the door latch loose on my washing machine?
- Samsung India – How to fix DE / DC error
- iFixit – Check error codes and use test mode on a Samsung front-load washer
- Sears PartsDirect – Samsung front-load washer error codes (door lock, LO)
- PartSelect – DC64-00519B Door Switch Assembly
- Sears PartsDirect – DC64-00519B washer door lock (WF2–WF5 series)