Causes of error 5e in a Samsung washing machine and how to resolve them

Samsung washing machines are distinguished by a clear interface, stylish design and high reliability.

But, despite all the advantages of this South Korean technology, sooner or later it will fail. The fact that a failure has occurred can be determined by an unusual code that will appear on the display.

The article will discuss the correct interpretation of error 5e (se) of a Samsung washing machine; it will tell you when you can fix it on your own, and when you need to seek help from a specialist.

What does this mean?

Error 5e indicates that there is a breakdown in the system responsible for draining water. This code most often appears suddenly, during the washing process. The device simply stops working, the machine does not drain the water, and a corresponding entry is displayed on the screen.

Other 5E error symbols that will characterize a failure in the drainage system:

• SE;
• E2.

Code E2 indicates a similar breakdown, but it appears on the display of those units that were produced before 2007.
If the washing machine is not equipped with a display, then error 5e will be indicated by the following signal combination: the water temperature indicator of 40 degrees lights up, and the LEDs of all washing modes begin to blink in parallel.

Decoding

Error 5E or SE is a signal that there is a breakdown in the water drainage system . The device cannot continue washing, which is why it forcibly stops its operation.

The code does not appear immediately. The unit will issue it if, 10 minutes after the water should have left the tank, its level has not decreased (or the intelligent system thinks that it has not decreased).

This code appears frequently. There is no need to panic; in 50% of cases you can cope with the problem yourself. The main thing is to correctly determine the cause of its occurrence.

Explanation of the error, its causes, briefly

Typically, a notification appears on the display at the moment when the machine has finished washing and should go into rinse mode. To do this, dirty water is poured out and the tank is filled with clean water. If there is a malfunction, the washing machine cannot remove waste liquid. This problem is indicated by code 5E, SE, 5C, E2 on different models.

The reasons are various:

Malfunction can be easily prevented if, before washing, remove keys and small change from pockets and fasten clothes with buttons.

Why does Samsung issue this code?

Reasons that lead to error 5E:

1. The water drain filter is clogged. Water will seep through it in small portions, or will stop flowing at all.
2. A blockage has formed where the hose connects to the sewer drain. Often, dirt and foreign objects clog the siphon to which the washing machine drain hose is attached. Also, a blockage may form at the junction.
3. The clog is located in the drain hose itself. Even with careful operation of the washing machine, it is impossible to avoid dirt and foreign objects getting into the system. If they accumulate in the drain hose, the device will stop pumping water and display an error.
4. The drain hose is kinked. Sometimes the cause of the malfunction is trivial and comes down to pinching or kinking of the water drain hose.
5. Control board malfunction. It may be random, or it may indicate a serious malfunction.
6. The contacts of the pump responsible for pumping out water have come loose. We are talking about those wires that go from the drain pump to the control board. Most often this happens when the washing machine is moved, for example, when moving.
7. The drain pump is broken.
8. The drain pipe through which dirty water flows from the washing machine into the pump is clogged. It may contain coins, rubber bands, seeds and other solid debris.
9. The wiring that connects the pump to the electronic module is damaged. Wires may burn out or be broken. In country houses they are often damaged by rodents.

Diagnosis stages

The following activities are carried out in advance:

• the pump is visually inspected. You should make sure that there are no obstacles to work, the working element rotates as usual;
• The drain hose and its connection to the siphon are checked. In this case, you need to make sure that there are no kinks;

• The filter on the pump is checked. It must be cleared of foreign objects;
• the air chamber and the sensor indicating the pressure at the inlet to the hose are inspected;
• using an electrical tester, check the wiring of the drain pump;
• The rotor is diagnosed and the connection points are checked.

When performing such work, the machine must be disconnected from the supply voltage. After completing the work, the unit should be reassembled and run through a full rinse cycle to ensure that the water is completely drained.

How to fix the problem yourself?

You can try to find and eliminate the cause of error 5E yourself. If it appears during washing, first perform an emergency drain of water.

Sequencing:

• remove the hose from the pipe if it is connected to the sewer;
• place it so that it is below the level of the tank along its entire length;
• lower its end into the prepared container;
• wait for the water to come out.

If there is a blockage in the path of water flow, it will come out gradually, in a thin stream. Provided that the liquid does not drain, the hatch is opened directly. To do this, the device is tilted back, with the emphasis on the wall, so that when the door is opened, water will not spill onto the floor and it can be scooped out with a ladle.

When there is no liquid left in the machine, begin to eliminate the cause of error 5E:

1. Check the passage of the hose and make sure it is not kinked. To do this you need to blow it out. If air flows freely, there is no blockage.
2. Assess the permeability of the drain filter. To get to it, you need to open the hatch, which is located in the lower right corner of the front wall of the machine. Before unscrewing the filter, you need to place a rag on the floor. Remove debris from the filter, rinse it under running water and return it to its place.
3. Check the patency of the siphon. The problem can be detected at the stage of draining the water. If it flows freely into the bathtub or basin, the reason is a clogged siphon.
4. Try to restore the wash cycle by restarting the unit. There is no need to drain the water. The machine is simply unplugged, left for 15 minutes, after which power is supplied again. If the wash cycle continues, then the reason is a malfunction of the control module.
5. Check the contacts of the control board and drain pump. If they have moved away, this measure will help cope with the problem.

If there are no blockages and the wires are securely connected, you need to call a technician, since you won’t be able to handle it on your own.

Troubleshooting methods

It is no secret that there are no hopeless situations. For this reason, you should not be upset when the alphanumeric signal 5E appears on the machine display. Almost all the causes of this problem can be eliminated on your own, and your reliable assistant will resume her duties.

Cleaning the filter and hose

To solve this problem, it is necessary to examine the pump filter. It is quite clear that there is no need to disassemble the machine to carry out such a procedure when the water drains normally. Such actions are considered appropriate when the error known to us lights up, and one can clearly see that the bulk of the water remains in the drum. You just need to clean the filter or replace it with a new element so that the problem no longer bothers you.

Control board failure

This is already the jurisdiction of a small computer device, with the help of which the entire unit is controlled. Its breakdown means that you should contact a specialist workshop, because such a problem cannot be solved on your own. You can carefully remove the board yourself and resolder the tracks. Perhaps they have worn out from long-term use and do not provide contact.

Failure of the water drain pump

It is necessary to check whether any debris in the form of a coin, paper clip, or hair clip has entered the pump. Over time, any of these items begins to become overgrown with fibers from threads and fabrics, which creates a significant problem for the proper operation of the entire unit.

You just need to remove all the debris and allow the pump to work normally. If this does not happen, you need to check the power supply to the unit. If the voltage is normal, there is only one thing left to do - replace the pump itself.

In the event that the liquid level still remains below the reset value, this error will occur after a ten-minute interval from the start of water reset. After completing all the above steps, try to clear the error by pressing the Start/Pause button. After such a command, the machine will reboot and try again to drain the water.

When should you contact a specialist?

You should seek the help of a specialist if you are unable to cope with the problem on your own. Also, you should not try to fix the error on your own if the machine is new and under warranty. In this case, you need to call the Samsung service center, or contact the store where the purchase was made.

Approximate cost of repair services necessary to eliminate error 5E:

• 
  replacing the pump (drain pump) - the cost of work is 1900 rubles, the price of the part is 1600 rubles;

• cleaning the drain pipe and disconnecting it from the pump – 1300 rubles;
• repair of the control module with replacement of burnt-out microcircuits and soldering of contacts - 2,400 rubles, if the module is faulty (this happens rarely), it needs to be replaced, the price of the part starts from 4,500 rubles and above, it all depends on the model of the machine;
• replacement of the wire loop that connects the pump to the control module - 1800 rubles.

The price for the services of a master may differ, depending on the city and the chosen service, but not 2-3 times. Therefore, if a specialist demands a large amount for his work, most likely he is a fraudster.

To avoid meeting with unscrupulous craftsmen, you need to contact trusted organizations . They have their own well-designed website, which presents the price list and contains reviews from customers. When ordering services from private masters, the risk of fraud is higher.

When the repairman completes the repair, you need to check the operation of the washing machine. The specialist must document the fact of provision of the service, indicating its price and warranty obligations.

Solution algorithm, sequentially

Troubleshooting begins with diagnosis. They check the simplest elements that are easy to fix yourself.

When a Samsung washing machine issues the SE code and stops, the possibility of a leak is first warned. Turn off the device, open the hatch at the bottom, pull out the emergency drain hose and drain the water (detailed instructions). Things are taken out of the drum. Now you can look for the causes of the breakdown.

• They start with the most obvious. The water in the drain hose passes through a filter located at the bottom of the machine. Turn the filter unit screw half a turn, take it out and inspect it. If it is dirty, remove all debris, rinse under running water and install it back (how to clean the filter).

  
  Close the hatch and start the car again. If the cause of the breakdown is a clogged filter, the device turns on.

• Code 5E may indicate a clogged drain hose. You need to do the following: find the place of connection to the siphon or sewer pipe, loosen the clamps and unfasten the device. The end of it is lowered into the bathtub, simultaneously bending and unbending so that the mud plug pops out faster. Then clean the hose with water under high pressure. If a blockage occurs in the siphon, you should clean it manually.

Drain pump failure

It is better to entrust pump repair to a specialist. However, the cause of machine failure may not be damage to the device, but its contamination.

• The pump is pulled out, the bolts holding the housing together are unscrewed (how to remove and replace the pump).
• Clean the impeller and volute from wound threads, fluff, and wool.

  

• The pump is assembled and installed in place.

If the pump is faulty and cleaning does not help, contact a workshop. The part may need to be replaced.

What to do to prevent the problem from occurring?

The main preventative measure to prevent error 5E from occurring is to carefully prepare items before washing. Before placing things in the drum, you need to check all the pockets and remove not only large items, but also small debris.

Pillowcases and duvet covers are turned inside out and shaken out , as debris often gets stuck in the seams. It is recommended to clean items from long hair. They not only retain dirt, but also form clumps themselves, causing blockages.

Clean the filter according to the instructions

How to correct error 5E yourself if the water does not drain due to a clogged filter. This is the most common reason for lack of water drainage in modern models. The cleaning algorithm is described in the instructions, but it’s easy to do it yourself:

• Find the cover in the right corner that protects the filter and drain hose. Open it.
• Place a container where dirty water from the drum will flow.
• Pull the plug out of the hose and drain all the water from the drum.
• Turn the filter screw a little and remove it.
• Check the hole and clean it of all foreign objects, hair, threads.
• Screw the part into place, place the plug in the emergency drain hose and close the lid.

If the problem was in the filter, then after such actions it will be completely resolved, and the machine will start working in standard mode. If the drain is blocked by a blockage in the hose, it must be disconnected and washed under strong water pressure. Then reconnect to the machine.

In order for the plug to pop out of the dirt as quickly as possible, it is recommended to bend and unbend the hose when washing it.

It will be much more difficult to remove the problem if it is associated with a blockage in the siphon or sewer. Here you may need to call a plumber or use a specialized solution for blockages in pipes.

Did you manage to fix the error?

Not really

If a Samsung machine produces error 5E, it’s not a big deal, since in most cases you can correct the situation yourself. For prevention, it is enough to thoroughly clean your pockets before washing and clean the filter a couple of times a year.

Read: 948

Helpful information

Tips for resolving error 5E:

1. 
   Error 5E and E5 should not be confused. 5E is a signal of a malfunction of the drain system, and E5 is a code indicating a malfunction in the heating circuit (most often the heating element fails), which requires radically different measures.

2. Before you try to independently find the cause of the malfunction of the device, you need to disconnect it from the network.
3. If a blockage has formed in the hose or filter, remove them yourself and wash them under strong pressure of water.
4. To clean the hose, do not use metal wire to avoid damaging its integrity.

You can learn more about error codes for Samsung washing machines here.

What does the error mean and why does it occur?

Error 5E in Samsung machines is a common occurrence. In 50% of cases, solving the problem does not require the involvement of professional craftsmen. This is what the appearance of error 5E on the display means - there is a problem with draining the water.

If you have an older model of machine, do not confuse the drain error with a problem in the heating element - E5.

The washing machine interrupts the wash and does not drain the water if:

• The drain filter is clogged with debris, as a result of which water is not able to pass into the drain hose;
• The drain hose is clogged, or there is a lot of debris clogged at the junction with the filter or siphon;
• The drain hose is bent;
• The contacts of the drain pump have come loose;
• A failure has occurred in the electronic controller;
• The pump responsible for drainage has broken down.

When the washing machine shows error 5E, you need to find out why the water cannot be drained - only then will it be possible to remove the error and resume normal operation of the washing machine.

Carefully check the drain filter and hose - straighten it if it is kinked.

Main stages of diagnosis

• Visually inspect the pump and make sure there are no obstructions and the impeller rotates freely.
• Check the drain hose and its connection to the bathroom drain, if there is one.
• Make sure the drain hose is not kinked
• Check the drain pump filter, making sure there are no coins or debris, clean if necessary
• Check the air chamber and pressure sensor in front of the hose
• Check the drain pump with an electrical tester
• Check the drain pump rotor
• Inspect the connection to the drain pump.

Important:

Before performing any work on the device, disconnect it from the power supply!

After all these manipulations, reassemble the washing machine and run it through the rinse cycle to check the machine and make sure that it drained all the water as expected. If everything is fine, the problem is solved.

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How to remove a blockage in a drain and sewer hose

If fault code 5E occurs, which is associated with a blockage in the drain hose, proceed as follows:

• Disconnect the drain hose from the washing machine;
• Rinse it with a powerful stream of water;
• Bend and straighten the hose while flushing to remove all dirt and reset the error.

If the SE error appears on the display, this may be due to a large amount of dirt and debris in the sewer pipe. This is indicated by the fact that water does not leave not only from the washing machine, but also through the sink. To fix this problem you need to do the following:

• Remove the siphon plug and rinse all its “insides”;
• Pour a substance into the sewer pipe to remove blockages;
• Clean the drain with a wire bent at the end.

When to call a professional

If 5E is displayed when the washing machine is operating, then sometimes the code indicates:

• Problems with the drain pump. It will need to be replaced;
• Broken electronic controller. It is necessary to replace the burnt elements of the microcircuit or solder the burnt contacts;
• Damage to the wiring connecting the drain pump and the controller. The break point is restored or the cable with wires is completely changed.

If the machine shows code 5E on the display, then you can eliminate the cause of the malfunction yourself. But in the event of a serious breakdown, you cannot do without the help of a professional.

Ways to resolve the error

Usually, when the display shows error 5E, the washing machine stops working, leaving laundry and a large amount of water inside the drum. To diagnose the breakdown yourself, you need to drain the water and empty the drum.

Before you begin forced draining, you should disconnect the washing machine from the power supply, prepare a container for water and several rags. The easiest way to drain is through a drain hose. It must be disconnected from the sewer and placed below the level of the washing machine tank, pointing the end into the basin. After such simple manipulations, the water should pour out of the drum into the prepared container; all that remains is to carefully remove the wet laundry.

For forced draining, you can also use an emergency pipe (if the washing machine comes with one) or a drain filter.

Once the machine drum is freed, you can begin inspecting and troubleshooting.

First of all, you should check the drain filter for blockages. For those who do not know what this part is and where it is located, a small cap at the bottom on the front side of the automatic washing machine will be a clue. The drain filter and emergency drain hose are usually located behind this door. You can open it with a screwdriver or other thin tool. The filter is unscrewed, removed and cleaned of contaminants under running water.

If no blockage is found in the filter, you need to check the drain hose by disconnecting it from the sewer and washing machine, and then pouring water inside. If water does not pass through, you need to clean the hose with a special cable.

A blockage can form in the siphon , where the drain hose connects to the sewer. of clogging the sewer itself cannot be ruled out . To check its permeability, the drain hose is disconnected from the pipe, and the end is lowered into the toilet or bathtub, after which the drain on the washing machine is turned on. If there are no problems with draining through the hose, then the sewer pipe is clogged. You can clean it yourself or call a plumber.

If the drain hose of the washing machine is long, then during operation it may become bent , which will make it difficult to drain the water in the future. This problem is very easy to fix yourself.

The next check point is the drain pump. Often during transportation or movement of the machine, contacts break, which disrupts the connection between the installation control unit and the pump. If a loose or broken wire is detected, the contacts are returned to their place and pressed tightly. The pump may fail completely - this is also a very common reason for the appearance of error code Se (5E) on a Samsung washing machine. In this case, you will need to call a technician and replace the part.

How to fix a failure in the control module of a washing machine? The only thing you can do yourself is turn off the machine and turn it on again after 10-15 minutes. If the error code does not disappear from the display, and all other possible breakdowns are excluded, you need to call a specialist.

In the table below, we have listed the main malfunctions associated with the appearance of information code 5E (SE), the reasons for their appearance and methods of elimination.