Error codes are the dishwasher’s way of letting you know that something is not right inside the dishwasher. The LC error code is one of the most frustrating codes on a Samsung dishwasher. Sometimes your dishwasher display will show an LC error code even when there is no serious leakage in the dishwasher. Worry not, this kind of problem can be solved easily with the following steps.
What does the LC/LE code mean?
The LC or LE error code usually means that the leak sensor of your Samsung dishwasher has sensed a leakage inside the dishwasher.
It is frustrating because the dishwasher keeps on trying to drain out the water and you can neither start nor finish a wash cycle. Sometimes the dishwasher’s sensor will pick up a fake signal and other times it will be right and you may have a leakage. Any slight moisture or water on the floor of the dishwasher could be detected by the sensor even when it’s not a serious leakage.
First Quick Steps
When your dishwasher is displaying an error code of LC or LE, a quick solution is to reset the dishwasher. To do this, just unplug the dishwasher from the wall socket or turn it off from the circuit breaker. Wait for about 17 minutes and switch it back on. This kind of reset can be your quick solution.
If the error code comes back then perhaps you have a leakage.
For a quick fix, you have to unscrew the dishwasher from the cupboard. Pull it out and remove the right-side metal plate. You can now quickly access the drain pump. Look inside and touch the pump to make sure that it is not leaking. Inspect the dishwasher for any leaking water inside. If any part is leaking, replace it with a new one and the error code will be gone when you restart the unit.
Reasons and fixes
Recent Installation process
There are several reasons why you are getting an LC/LE error code.
One of the reasons could be that you have just installed your dishwasher. In the process of installing the dishwasher moisture or water could’ve gotten into contact with the leak sensor. This could’ve triggered the error code.
If you have also recently moved your dishwasher, the leak sensor could’ve come into contact with some water or moisture.
The solution here is to wait it out for about 20 minutes or so. This is to allow the water or moisture to dry.
Detergent overfill
The LC or LE error code could be triggered when the detergent dispenser has been overfilled with detergent. This kind of overfill can lead to a leakage of dishwasher detergent.
When the leak sensor detects any leakage in the dishwasher, it will display the error code.
The solution is to put an appropriate amount of detergent. Run the unit and check if the error code has been cleared.
Another problem that could be caused by detergent could be the use of dish soap instead of dishwasher soap. When dish soap is used in the dishwasher, it creates a lot of suds that penetrate the dishwasher seals and trick the sensor into reporting a leakage error code. Always ensure that you’re using dishwasher detergent and not any other detergent.
New Garbage Disposal installed
If you have just installed your garbage disposal, chances are high that you will get an LC/LE error code.
This is because disposals have an inlet that the manufacturers seal with a cap to prevent leakages. If you have a dishwasher you are supposed to connect your dishwasher to the garbage disposal through this inlet. On new garbage disposals, you have to remove this. Locate it with your user manual and knock it out using a hammer and a screwdriver. Run your dishwasher and the error code should’ve been cleared.
How to remove the garbage disposal plug: //youtu.be/Ma1onauylIU
Leak sensor issues
The leak sensor is located at the bottom of your dishwasher. It is usually white in color. You can also locate it using the user manual.
As mentioned above, it is meant to detect any leakage in the dishwasher.
If the sensor is having issues, it won’t do it job very well. It might report a false leakage. This will cause an LC/LE error code on your display. if you check your dishwasher and you’ll find that there is indeed no leakage, your leak sensor might be faulty. In this case you have to replace it with a good one.
Water under the dishwasher or moisture
Another reason why your Samsung dishwasher is displaying an LC/LE error code is that the leak sensor has detected water or moisture on the floor of the dishwasher. Most times it’s not a big problem because it’s common for water to collect around the bottom of the dishwasher but it usually dries up in no time. This happens due to the condensation that happens in the dishwasher during the wash cycle.
You could wait for about 19 to 20 minutes to let the dishwasher dry and then try to use the machine again when the error code has cleared.
Last resort
If you have tried all the above troubleshooting steps and the error code has refused to clear, you need to open up the dishwasher.
Unfortunately, which involves uninstalling your built-in dishwasher from the cabinet.
Firstly, remove the plug of the dishwasher from the wall socket and turn the dishwasher off via the circuit breaker.
Find the screws that hold the dishwasher onto the wooden cabinet and unscrew them to let it free.
Gently pull your dishwasher out and create a large space for you to be able to work on it well.
Gently let the dishwasher rest on its left side and pop off the bottom plate using a flatbed screwdriver. It should be easy to remove.
Get a towel and dry any water or moisture that you can see inside the dishwasher. Also, make sure that there is nothing else leaking inside the dishwasher.
Using your owner’s manual, you can identify the leak sensor. It is usually white and located at the bottom of the dishwasher.
You may need to adjust the sensor’s location. If it’s too close to the bottom, it will unnecessarily detect water and moisture that has no harm to the unit. Put it a little bit above where it was before.
Put back the metal plate that you removed with a flatbed screwdriver. Gently put the dishwasher back into its original place and start your dishwasher. The error code should be cleared now.
Conclusion
If you see an error code LC or LE displaying on your Samsung dishwasher, do not panic.
It can be frustrating but it can also easily be fixed by a simple reset or waiting for the dishwasher for a couple of minutes to dry. Check if the error code has cleared and if it has not, please seek the help of a qualified technician.
