Editorial & technical review
- Written by ApplianceWorth Editorial Team
- Technically reviewed by Victor — appliance technician
- Last reviewed 2026-07-12
- Applies to Samsung washers
- Confidence medium
- Also displayed as DC, DE, DE1, DL, DS, FL, LO
- Sources Manufacturer service documentation and field-repair experience · Methodology · Report a correction
What this code means
The control did not receive the expected closed, locked or unlocked signal from the washer door or lid. On some older top-load models, lowercase “dc” can instead refer to load imbalance, so the model number matters.
Applicability
Applies to Samsung washers displaying dC, dE, FL, LO, dL or dS. These share a door/lid-lock family but differ by platform; confirm the complete model number.
Symptoms
- The washer will not start, or stops and displays the code immediately after the door is closed
- This can happen even when the door appears to close normally
Most likely causes
- Clothing or debris is preventing the door or lid from closing
- The strike, hinge, latch or lid magnet is misaligned or damaged
- The lock assembly or reed switch has failed
- A loose harness or main-control problem is interrupting the lock signal
Diagnostic logic
If the door physically feels loose or does not seat flush in the frame, a mechanical latch or striker-alignment issue is more likely than an electrical fault. If the door closes and seats normally but the code still appears, the door-lock switch or its wiring is the more likely cause.
Safe checks for the owner
- Remove anything trapped in the opening and close the door or lid firmly without slamming.
- Inspect the strike and latch area for detergent buildup or visible damage.
- Unplug the washer for several minutes, then retry a short cycle with an empty drum.
Estimated U.S. repair cost
$180–$390, depending on model, access, parts availability and local labor.