Samsung Washer DC Code: Unbalanced Load or Door Error?
Most pages online pick one meaning and ignore the other, which is why people end up rearranging laundry to fix a lid latch, or replacing a lid lock to fix a lopsided load. Start with the quick test below.
Which DC do you have? Match what you see
| What you notice | Most likely meaning | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Washes fine, then DC appears when it tries to spin; laundry still wet | Unbalanced load | Rearrange the load |
| Loud banging or the washer “walks” before the code | Unbalanced load or washer not level | Level the washer |
| DC as soon as you press Start, or the cycle won’t begin | Door or lid not detected as closed and locked | Door or lid fixes |
| DC on a washer that isn’t running, with water in the tub | Child Lock on with water in the tub | Child Lock |
| DC on a new washer’s first spin, with heavy shaking | Shipping bolts or base still fitted | Brand-new washer |
Samsung’s code list also shows the unbalanced error as Ub, U6, Ur, UE or 1 Ub, and the door error as dE, dE1, dE2, dL, LO, FL or 1dC4. Ur is not a fault: the washer adds water, rebalances and tries the spin again by itself.
1. If it’s an unbalanced load: rearrange the laundry
Samsung’s steps: “Untangle and rearrange the laundry to be more balanced within the tub.” Then “Close the door and restart the cycle (push the Start button).” What actually causes it:
- A single heavy item (bath mat, one pair of jeans, a hoodie) that bunches on one side. Add two or three similar towels to even it out.
- Sheets wrapping around everything else. Spread them out by hand and lower the spin speed.
- Too much or too little. Samsung defines “A small load is 3-5 pounds (or 1/3 full), and a large load is 6-16 pounds (or 3/4 full).” Very small loads gather on one side; overfilled ones can’t move.
- Items Samsung says not to wash, such as floor mats, pillows or dog beds, which hold water unevenly.
2. Level the washer
A washer that rocks on one corner will throw DC on almost every load. Leave about an inch of space around the washer, then push down on each corner to find the one that rocks. Samsung: “Turn the adjustable legs clockwise to raise that corner of the washer.” On front loaders, loosen the lock nut first and tighten it afterwards. If the washer sits on a pedestal, level the pedestal first. Test with a small load of towels.
3. Run Samsung’s calibration (Cb)
Many Samsung top loaders and some front loaders have a calibration mode that relearns the empty tub. With the washer empty and powered on, Samsung’s sequence for many models is: “Simultaneously press and hold Temp. and Delay End for 3 seconds until Cb appears on the display.” If your buttons are different, check your manual. Samsung: “If the tub did not spin when attempting Calibration Mode, visit our Support Center to request service.”
⚠️ Caution: don’t force the door or defeat the lock
Never pry open a locked door, tape down a lid switch or bypass the door lock to make the washer spin. The lock keeps hands out of a drum that can spin at high speed. If the door won’t open, wait for the washer to drain and unlock, or unplug it and call for service.
4. If it’s a door or lid error
Samsung’s door error means “The door is not detected as closed and locked.”
- Close the door or lid firmly and check nothing (a sock, a sleeve) is caught in the seal or the latch.
- Look at the latch and the hook on the door or lid for cracks or bends. Samsung says to request service if the door or latch is damaged.
- Child Lock: Samsung notes the code “may appear even if you are not running a cycle, if Child Lock is enabled and water is in the tub.” Turn Child Lock off (your manual shows which buttons to hold). If the door isn’t closed or Child Lock isn’t turned off within about 30 seconds, the washer drains the tub.
- FlexWash models: 1dC4 means the small rubber button beside the upper door latch is missing. Samsung says replacing that button fixes the code.
5. Brand-new washer showing DC
If the washer is new and shakes hard on the first spin, check the transit bolts were removed. Samsung’s support (Hong Kong) says for front loaders: “Check the Shipping Bolts (Make sure they have been removed),” and for top loaders: “Check the shipping base.” The installation section of your manual shows where they are.
What a DC repair usually costs
| Repair | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Door lock (front load) | $110 to $400 | Fixr (Jan 2025), HomeAdvisor (June 2026) |
| Lid switch (top load) | $85 to $160 | Fixr (Jan 2025) |
| Shock absorbers | $150 to $300 | Fixr (Jan 2025) |
| Diagnostic visit | $50 to $100 | Fixr (Jan 2025) |
When to call a technician
Call if DC comes back with a normal, balanced load on a level washer, if calibration won’t spin the tub, if the door or latch is cracked, or if you hear loud banging even with small loads (worn suspension or shock absorbers). Note which kind of DC you get (during spin or at start) and give that to the technician with the model and serial number. Print the checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What does DC mean on a Samsung washer?
On some models it’s an unbalanced load; on others it’s a door that isn’t detected as closed and locked. Samsung’s error list says exactly that and points you to your manual.
Why does my Samsung washer keep saying DC?
If it’s during spin: an uneven load, a washer that isn’t level, or worn suspension. If it’s at the start: the door or lid isn’t latching, or Child Lock is on with water in the tub.
How do I clear DC on my Samsung washer?
Fix the cause, then power the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes, power it on and restart the cycle, as Samsung advises for its error codes.
Is DC the same as UE or Ub?
On models where DC is the unbalanced error, yes. Samsung lists dc, Ub, U6, Ur, UE and 1 Ub together as “Unbalanced Load Error.”
Can a lid lock problem cause DC on a top loader?
Yes, on models where dC is the door error. On top loaders with a lid lock, a bent lid hook or a failed lock shows DC at the start of the cycle.
Sources: Samsung: washer error codes · Samsung: washer spins poorly · Samsung: UE or DC error · Fixr: washer repair cost · HomeAdvisor: washer repair cost.
Updated October 23, 2026. Written and edited by Jordan Hale. Steps checked against Samsung’s support pages; no hands-on test is claimed. Buttons and codes vary by model, so follow your owner’s manual.
