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.
- Clothing caught between the door and the rubber seal
- Door or lid not pushed fully closed
- Broken or bent door strike (the hook on the door)
- Faulty door lock assembly
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Samsung washer door lock assemblyCheck prices
- Samsung washer door strikeCheck prices
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?
Other Samsung washer codes
dC on other washer brands
- LG washer dE: door open or door lock error