Complete Dishwasher Error Code Guide: Bosch, Samsung, LG, Whirlpool & More

When your dishwasher displays an error code, it's actually trying to help you diagnose the problem. These diagnostic codes are built into modern dishwashers to pinpoint exactly what's wrong—saving you time and potentially expensive repair costs.

At JK Appliances Toronto, we've compiled the most comprehensive dishwasher error code reference guide based on thousands of repairs across the Greater Toronto Area. Whether you have a Bosch E24, Samsung 5E, LG OE error, or codes from any other major brand, this guide will help you understand what's wrong and how to fix it.

How to Read Dishwasher Error Codes

Before diving into specific codes, here's how to identify and interpret them:

Where to Find Error Codes:

• Digital display panel (most common)
• Blinking LED lights in specific patterns
• Beeping sequences (count the beeps)
• Hidden in diagnostic mode

Error Code Formats:

• Letter + Number: E24, F5, OE
• Numbers Only: 5E, 1E, 21
• Blinking Patterns: 3 blinks = error 3

Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes

Bosch is one of the most popular dishwasher brands in Toronto homes. Here's a complete guide to their error codes:

Bosch E-Series Error Codes

| Error Code | Description | Causes | Solutions | |------------|-------------|--------|-----------| | E01 | Heating error | Failed heating element, faulty thermistor, control board issue | Test heating element continuity; replace if no continuity | | E02 | Thermistor fault | Temperature sensor malfunction | Replace NTC thermistor sensor | | E03 | Fill timeout | No water entering dishwasher | Check water supply valve, inlet hose, water inlet valve | | E04 | Water flow sensor | Flow switch not detecting water | Clean or replace flow sensor | | E05 | Overfill condition | Float switch or fill valve stuck | Check float switch movement; inspect fill valve | | E06 | Door switch error | Door not closing properly | Inspect door latch and door switch | | E07 | Drying fan issue | Fan motor failure | Replace drying fan motor | | E09 | Heating circuit fault | Heating element shorted | Professional diagnosis required; control board may need replacement | | E14 | Flow meter error | Water flow not detected properly | Clean inlet screen; replace flow meter | | E15 | Water in base pan | Leak detected in base | Check door seal, hoses, pump seals; tilt unit to drain base pan | | E16 | Unexpected water fill | Fill valve leaking | Replace water inlet valve | | E17 | Overfill condition | Excessive water entering | Check float switch and water inlet valve | | E18 | Flow sensor issue | Low water flow detected | Check for kinked inlet hose; clean inlet filter | | E19 | Heat pump error | Circulation pump heating fault | Professional repair required | | E21 | Drain pump blocked | Pump cannot expel water | Clean filter, check drain hose, inspect pump impeller | | E22 | Filter clogged | Debris blocking filter system | Remove and thoroughly clean all filters | | E23 | Drain pump issue | Pump motor failure | Replace drain pump assembly | | E24 | Drain problem | Water not draining properly | Check drain hose for kinks; clean filter; inspect air gap | | E25 | Drain pump blocked/cover | Pump cover not secure or impeller blocked | Reseat pump cover; remove debris from impeller |

Most Common Bosch Error: E24

The Bosch E24 error is one of the most frequently searched dishwasher problems. Here's a detailed troubleshooting guide:

Step 1: Clean the Filter System

1. Remove the bottom rack
2. Turn the cylindrical filter counterclockwise
3. Remove and clean both the fine filter and coarse filter
4. Rinse under running water with a soft brush
5. Reinstall and ensure proper seating

Step 2: Check the Drain Hose

1. Pull the dishwasher out slightly (disconnect power first)
2. Inspect the drain hose for kinks or bends
3. Ensure the high loop is properly installed
4. Check the connection at the garbage disposal or air gap

Step 3: Inspect the Drain Pump

1. Access the pump through the bottom of the unit
2. Check for foreign objects (glass, bones, labels)
3. Verify the impeller spins freely
4. Listen for grinding sounds during drain cycle

Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

Samsung dishwashers use alphanumeric codes that are relatively easy to interpret:

Samsung Error Code Reference

| Error Code | Description | Causes | Solutions | |------------|-------------|--------|-----------| | 1E | Water supply error | No water flow detected | Check supply valve, inlet hose, water pressure | | 3C/3E | Motor error | Wash motor failure | Professional motor diagnosis required | | 4C/4E | Water fill problem | Insufficient water supply | Verify water valve open; check inlet hose | | 5C/5E | Drain error | Water not draining | Clean filter; check drain hose and pump | | 7C/7E | Waterwall reflector | Reflector motor issue | Reset washer; may need motor replacement | | 9E | Water level error | Abnormal water level detected | Check float switch and pressure sensor | | bE | Switch fault | Button stuck on control panel | Clean around buttons; replace control panel if needed | | CE | Communication error | Control board signal issue | Reset power; may need control board replacement | | dE | Door error | Door not properly closed | Check door latch and switch | | HE/HC | Heater error | Water not heating properly | Test heating element and thermostat | | IE | Water inlet error | Similar to 1E; water not filling | Check inlet valve and supply | | LC/LE | Leak detected | Water in base pan or moisture sensor activated | Inspect door seal, hoses, pump seals | | OC | Over-water level | Too much water inside | Drain manually; check inlet valve and float | | oE | Over-level water | Similar to OC | Same resolution as OC | | PE/PC | Half-load error | Partition sensor issue | Reset cycle; check partition sensor | | tC/tE | Temperature sensor | Thermistor malfunction | Replace temperature sensor |

Samsung 5E/5C Error Deep Dive

The Samsung 5E error (drain error) is extremely common. Follow these steps:

1. Cancel and restart the cycle - Sometimes a simple reset clears the error
2. Check the drain filter - Located at the bottom inside the tub
3. Inspect the drain hose - No kinks, proper high loop
4. Clean the garbage disposal knockout - If connected to disposal
5. Test drain pump operation - Listen for humming during drain

LG Dishwasher Error Codes

LG uses a straightforward two-character error code system:

LG Error Code Reference

| Error Code | Description | Causes | Solutions | |------------|-------------|--------|-----------| | AE | Leak sensor activated | Water detected in base pan | Check all seals, door gasket, and hose connections | | bE | Button error | Control panel button stuck | Clean control panel; may need replacement | | CE | Motor error | Circulation motor issue | Professional motor testing required | | CL | Child lock active | Control lock engaged | Press and hold child lock button to deactivate | | E1 | Leak detected | Similar to AE | Same resolution as AE | | FE | Fill error | Overfilling detected | Check inlet valve and float switch | | HE | Heater error | Heating element fault | Test heating element; replace if faulty | | IE | Water inlet error | No water entering | Check supply valve, inlet hose, and inlet valve | | LE | Motor error | Pump motor locked/overloaded | Check for obstructions; may need motor replacement | | nE | Vario motor error | Spray arm motor issue | Professional diagnosis required | | OE | Drain error | Water not draining properly | Clean filter, check drain hose and pump | | PF | Power failure | Power interruption during cycle | Press START to resume after power restored | | tE | Thermistor error | Temperature sensor fault | Replace thermistor sensor |

LG OE Error Troubleshooting

The LG OE error indicates drainage problems. Here's how to resolve it:

Quick Fixes:

1. Run the garbage disposal to clear the drain path
2. Check if drain hose is kinked
3. Clean the drain filter (bottom of tub)

Advanced Fixes:

1. Disconnect and clean the drain hose
2. Check the air gap (if installed)
3. Inspect the drain pump for debris
4. Test drain pump motor for proper operation

Whirlpool, KitchenAid & Maytag Error Codes

These brands share similar diagnostic systems since they're all under the Whirlpool Corporation umbrella:

Whirlpool-Family Error Codes

| Error Code | Description | Causes | Solutions | |------------|-------------|--------|-----------| | F1E1 | Control board error | EEPROM communication fault | Reset power; replace control board if persists | | F1E2 | Motor control error | Motor circuit issue | Professional diagnosis required | | F2E1 | Stuck button | Button on control panel stuck | Clean panel; replace if needed | | F2E2 | UI board error | User interface fault | Replace UI board | | F3E1 | Thermistor/OWI fault | Temperature sensor issue | Replace thermistor | | F3E2 | Shorted thermistor | Temperature sensor shorted | Replace thermistor sensor | | F3E3 | Wash temperature error | Water not heating properly | Check heating element and inlet water temp | | F4E1 | Pump motor error | Drain pump not operating | Check pump; replace if faulty | | F4E2 | Pump overload | Pump motor overheating | Check for obstructions; replace pump | | F5E1 | Door not closed | Door latch not engaging | Check latch, strike plate, and door switch | | F5E2 | Door switch error | Door switch malfunction | Replace door switch | | F5E3 | Door unlock error | Door won't unlock | Check latch mechanism | | F6E1 | Water inlet valve | Valve not filling properly | Check valve and water supply | | F6E2 | Float switch stuck | Float detecting high water | Clean around float switch | | F6E3 | Water inlet issue | Similar to F6E1 | Check inlet valve, filter, supply | | F6E4 | No water flow | Water not entering | Verify supply valve open; check hose | | F7E1 | Flow meter error | Water flow not detected | Clean or replace flow meter | | F8E1 | Slow drain | Drain taking too long | Clean filter; check drain path | | F8E4 | Water not draining | Drain completely blocked | Thorough drain system cleaning required | | F8E6 | Fill timeout | Water not filling in time | Check inlet valve and supply pressure | | F9E1 | Diverter error | Spray arm diverter issue | Check diverter motor and mechanism | | F9E2 | Diverter position | Diverter stuck | Clear any obstructions |

GE Dishwasher Error Codes

GE uses a simpler code system:

GE Error Codes

| Error Code | Description | Solutions | |------------|-------------|-----------| | C1 | Stuck key | Check control panel buttons; replace if stuck | | C3 | Stuck key (specific) | Same as C1; specific button issue | | C4 | Stuck key | Clean or replace control panel | | C7 | Turbidity sensor | Clean optical sensor in sump | | C8 | Diverter error | Check diverter motor operation | | PF | Power failure | Reset and restart cycle | | 888 | UI/display test | Normal during diagnostics; reset if stuck | | Flashing lights | Door not latched | Ensure door is fully closed and latched |

Miele Dishwasher Error Codes

Miele dishwashers are premium appliances with sophisticated diagnostics:

Miele Error Codes

| Error Code | Description | Solutions | |------------|-------------|-----------| | F11 | Drainage problem | Clean filters, check drain hose and pump | | F12 | Water intake issue (start) | Check supply valve and inlet hose | | F13 | Water intake issue (mid-cycle) | Similar to F12; may indicate valve failure | | F14 | Circulation pump error | Professional repair required | | F18 | Water flow error | Clean filter; check flow meter | | F19 | Water flow meter | Replace flow meter | | F24 | Heating error | Check heating element | | F25 | Drying issue | Check drying fan and heating | | F26 | NTC (thermistor) error | Replace temperature sensor | | F32 | Door not closed | Check latch and door switch | | F40 | Control electronics | Professional control board diagnosis | | F47 | Communication error | Reset; may need main board replacement | | F51 | Pressure switch error | Check pressure sensor | | F52 | Salt lack indicator | Add rinse salt to softener | | F53 | Circulation pump | Professional repair needed | | F63/F64 | Spray arm error | Check spray arm rotation | | F67 | Flow meter pulse | Clean or replace flow meter | | F68 | Aquastop activated | Check for leaks; reset Aquastop | | F69 | Aquastop fault | May need Aquastop replacement | | F70 | Leak detected | Inspect all seals and connections |

Frigidaire & Electrolux Error Codes

These brands share control technology and error codes:

Frigidaire/Electrolux Codes

| Error Code | Description | Solutions | |------------|-------------|-----------| | E1/i10 | Water not filling | Check supply valve and inlet | | E2/i20 | Drain issue | Clean filter; check pump | | E3/i30 | Flood protection | Water in base pan; check for leaks | | E4/i40 | Flow error | Check inlet and flow meter | | E5/i50 | Motor error | Professional motor diagnosis | | E6/i60 | Heating error | Test heating element | | ER | EEPROM error | Control board reset or replacement | | HO | Water too hot | Allow to cool; check inlet water temp | | LO | Water too cold | Check water heater and inlet | | UO | Vent error | Check drying vent system |

How to Clear Error Codes

General Reset Method (Works for Most Brands)

1. Press the cancel/drain button
2. Turn off power at the breaker for 5 minutes
3. Restore power and try a new cycle

Brand-Specific Reset Methods

Bosch Reset:

1. Press and hold the Start button for 3-5 seconds
2. Wait for lights to stop flashing
3. Start a new cycle

Samsung Reset:

1. Turn off the dishwasher
2. Unplug for 5 minutes
3. Plug back in and restart

LG Reset:

1. Press and hold the Power and Start buttons together for 5 seconds
2. Wait for beep and restart

Whirlpool Reset:

1. Press High Temp + Air Dry + High Temp + Air Dry quickly
2. Enters diagnostic mode; exit by pressing Cancel

When to Call a Professional

Call JK Appliances if:

• Error code keeps returning after reset
• Multiple error codes appear
• You're uncomfortable with DIY troubleshooting
• The repair requires disassembly
• Electrical or motor components are suspected

Error codes requiring professional repair:

• Control board errors (F1E1, F1E2, CE)
• Motor errors (3E, LE, F4E1)
• Heating system faults (when element tests okay)
• Repeated leak detection errors
• Any code involving electrical components

Professional Dishwasher Service Toronto

Same-Day Diagnostics Available: At JK Appliances, our technicians have diagnostic tools to read and interpret all manufacturer error codes accurately.

Service Areas:

• Downtown Toronto
• North York
• Scarborough
• Etobicoke
• Mississauga
• Brampton
• Markham
• Richmond Hill
• Vaughan
• Ajax
• Oakville
• Burlington

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Need help decoding your dishwasher error code in Toronto? Contact JK Appliances at +1 647-560-8966 for expert diagnosis and same-day repair. We service all major brands including Bosch, Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and more!