Washer error codes
Updated November 2026 · Sherman Oaks Appliance Repair Co.
Common codes by brand
| Problem | LG | Samsung | Whirlpool / Maytag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not draining | OE | 5C, 5E, SE, nd | F21, F9 E1 |
| Not filling | IE | 4C, 4E, nF | F8 E1, LF, LO FL |
| Unbalanced load | UE, uE | UB, UE, Ub | F0 E5, uL |
| Door or lid lock | dE | dC, dE, dL | F5 E2, dL |
| Motor | LE | 3C, 3E | F7 E1 |
GE top-load washers usually do not show codes on the display. They store them in a service mode and show them with a pattern of cycle lights, which a technician reads during diagnosis.
What to try first
- Drain codes. Check the drain hose for kinks and clean the pump filter. More on the washer not draining page.
- Fill codes. Open both water valves fully. Unscrew the hoses at the washer and clean the small screens in the inlet ports. Hard-water scale and sand collect there.
- Unbalance codes. Redistribute the load and check that the washer is level. If the code returns with normal loads, see washer shaking or banging.
- Door codes. Check that nothing is caught in the door and that the latch is clean. Close it firmly.
- Reset. Unplug the washer for five minutes. This clears a one-time glitch. It does not fix a failed part.
When the code comes back
A code that returns after you have done the basic checks means a part has failed. One code can have several causes. A drain code can be a clogged pump, a dead pump, a broken wire or a faulty pressure sensor that thinks the tub is still full. An unbalance code can be worn suspension. A motor code can be the motor, its sensor or the control board. This is where testing replaces guessing.
How we diagnose it
We put the washer in service mode, read the full fault history and run the built-in tests for each component. Then we test the suspect part directly with a meter. You get the cause and the repair price before any part is replaced.