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Samsung washer dC code: door or lid not locked

Also shown as dE, dE1, dE2

Urgency
Medium
Who can fix it
Easy DIY
Time
About 15 min
Repair cost
$120–$250

The washer cannot confirm that the door or lid is closed and locked, so it will not start. Most of the time something is caught in the door or it is not shut firmly.

Likely causes

Listed from most to least common.

  1. Clothing caught between the door and the rubber seal
  2. Door or lid not pushed fully closed
  3. Broken or bent door strike (the hook on the door)
  4. Faulty door lock assembly
  5. Loose wiring to the door lock

How to fix the dC code

Unplug the washer or switch it off at the breaker before removing any panel or filter.

  1. Step 1: Check for trapped clothing

    Open the door and run your hand around the rubber seal. Push back any sleeves or socks caught in the gap.

  2. Step 2: Close the door firmly

    Shut the door or lid until you hear it click. On top-loaders, make sure nothing on the lid edge stops it from sitting flat.

  3. Step 3: Inspect the door strike

    Look at the hook on the door. If it is bent, cracked or loose, it will not engage the lock and must be replaced.

  4. Step 4: Reset the washer

    Unplug the washer for one minute, plug it in and start a cycle. Listen for the click of the lock engaging.

  5. Step 5: Replace the door lock if needed

    If the door closes properly but the code keeps returning, the door lock assembly is likely faulty. It is a common DIY part held in by a few screws behind the front seal.

You'll need: Flashlight, phillips screwdriver.

Parts that may need replacing

Check your model number on the label inside the door or on the back before ordering.

When to call a technician

If replacing the door lock does not clear the code, a technician should check the wiring and control board.

A typical repair for this code costs $120–$250 in the US, including parts and labor. Prices vary by area and model.

Models this applies to

  • Front-load washers (WF series)
  • Top-load washers (WA series)
  • FlexWash and washer-dryer combos

Codes can differ slightly between models. Your owner's manual is the final word and is available from Samsung support.

Common questions

›How do I open a Samsung washer door that is locked?

Wait two to three minutes after the cycle stops; the lock releases on its own once the drum stops and the water is drained. If it stays locked, unplug the washer for a few minutes.

›Is dC the same as dE?

Yes. Newer models show dC and older models show dE. Both mean a door lock problem.

Did this fix work?

All Samsung washer codes

dC on other washer brands