What does DE mean on a Samsung washer? (And How to Fix It Fast!)

Is a DE error code appearing far too often on your Samsung washer? Like getting stuck in traffic on the way home, it often feels like some things are inevitable and out of our control.

Not to worry, we’ll delve into the causes of the Samsung washer DE code and the different methods for troubleshooting the error. Most of the time, it happens when laundry gets caught in the door, which you can easily resolve by removing it.

In some cases, a good cleaning or component replacement is necessary to resolve the error code. We’ll walk you through all of the steps in our guide below.

Let’s get into it.

What does a DE error code mean on a Samsung washer?

A DE code on a Samsung washing machine indicates a door error. It may occur when the door isn’t closed properly, such as when laundry is caught in the door or the rubber seal is filthy.

If the door is closed, a DE code might be caused by a faulty door switch, door strike, gasket, or control board.

On other Samsung washer models, the door error code may appear as dE1, Ed, dC, DC, or DC1. No matter what code shows on your display, you can use our guide to identify the root cause of the error and troubleshoot it yourself.

Troubleshooting a Samsung Washer DE Code

Try resetting your Samsung washer to clear a DE code, especially when it appears after power interruptions and fluctuations. If the code persists, check if an object is caught in the door.

Inspect the locking mechanisms and control board. If a component is defective, replace it to clear the DE code.

Below, we listed the most common causes of a Samsung washer DE error. We also provide step-by-step instructions to help you troubleshoot a variety of door issues.

Causes	Solutions
The door is not closed properly.	• Open the washer door and make sure that nothing is stuck in between. • Close the door until it latches. Turn off the washer and unplug its power cord. Or, turn it off at the circuit breaker. • Restore power to the washer. • Check if the error code is resolved.
The door strike is broken.	• Unplug your washer, or turn it off at the circuit breaker. • Open the door and unthread the mounting screws on the door strike. • Tilt the door strike up and release the locking tab to remove it from the washer. • Get the new door strike. Slide the locking tab into the opening and align the mounting holes to install the new part. • Reinstall the Phillips screws to secure the new door strike. • Close the door, and plug the washer back in. Check if the DE error code is resolved.
The door gasket is dirty.	• Unplug the washer or turn it off at the circuit breaker. • Open the door and inspect the door gasket for obstructions and stains.  • Carefully pull back the seal and look for foreign objects that could be lodged inside.  • Remove any possible obstructions stuck between the door seal. • Use a dry cloth and toothpaste to get rid of stains, and clean it thoroughly with a damp cloth. • Wipe the seal with a dry cloth. Keep the door open and let it air dry before operating the washer. • Close the door once the seal is fully dry, and reconnect the power to your washer. • Check if the fix cleared the DE error.
The door gasket is damaged.	• Unplug the washer and disconnect it from the water supply. • Move the washer to access the back panel. Unmount the top panel and set it aside. • Unthread the screws mounting the control panel. • Pull out the detergent drawer and remove the screws around its opening. • Disconnect the control panel and set it on top of the washer.  • Move your hand around the door seal and feel for a spring.  • Insert the flathead screwdriver between the seal and the spring and remove the outer clamp. • Unthread the door lock screws, and gently push the door lock in. • Pull the rubber gasket away from the edges and push it back into your washer.  • Unmount the front panel. Then, loosen the screw on the inner door seal clamp and remove the clamp. • Remove the damaged gasket, and install the new seal with the arrow positioned at the center.  • Push the gasket in and work your way around it to install it securely. Reinstall the inner cramp and secure its screws. Mount the front panel and replace its top screws.  • Reinstall the door lock and the control panel. Then, refit the screws on the detergent drawer, and push the drawer back into place. • Pull the lip of the gasket and fit it around the edges of the door. • Fit the outer clamp into the groove of the rubber seal. • Mount the top panel to complete the repair. • Plug in your washer and turn on the water supply. Check if the fix cleared the DE code.
The door lock switch is faulty.	• Unplug the washer and turn off its water supply. Umount the back cover. • Use a putty knife to pry the locking tabs and remove the cover. • Unplug the electrical connector and remove the noise filter cover. • Lift the hose on the right to release it from the slot. Lift the wire to release it, and push the wire into the hole. • Unthread the screws on the top cover and insert the putty knife into the seam of the top cabinet.  • Repeat the process on the left and right sides to open it. • Unmount the door switch underneath the cover. Remove it and release its wire from the retaining clip. • Install the new switch with the wires facing to the right and the lock sticking out at the top.  • Insert the wire into the clip and the electrical plug at the opening.  • Lower the cover back down. Push down on the front clips to lock the cover into place. • Reinstall the mounting screws on the top cover. Reconnect the electrical plug. • Tuck the wire back into its slot, and insert the plug into its holder. • Push the hose back into place. Reattach the noise filter cover and control panel cover. • Plug in the washer and turn on its water supply. Power up your unit and check if the error is resolved.
The main control board is malfunctioning.	• Unplug the washer and turn off its water supply. Move the washer around to unmount the back cover. • Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the locking tabs. Unthread the screws on the panel, and flip it forward. • Place both of your thumbs on the cover and the rest of your fingers on the locking tabs.  • Push down with your thumbs and pull up with your fingers. • Take a photo of the electrical connectors before unplugging them.  • Disconnect the electrical connectors and the wiring harness. • Unthread the mounting screws of the main control board. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the tabs on the panel. • Remove the main control board. Repeat the same step to remove the interface board. • Align the knob shaft on the new interface board with the hole and gently push it down. • Align the new main control board with the screw holes and press down until the locking tabs snap back into place. • Reinstall the screws mounting the main control board. • Reconnect all the electrical connectors. Use the photo reference as your guide for this step. • Insert the wiring harness back into its retainer, and reattach the control board cover.  • Flip the control panel back into place and reinstall its screws. Mount the cover panel to complete the repair. • Plug the washer back in. Turn it on, and check if it DE code is fixed.

The door is not closed properly.

If a DE code appears on the display, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s something wrong with your washing machine. Sometimes, your laundry can get caught between the door and the rubber gasket, preventing the washer from closing properly.

Solution: First, check if the door is latched properly. Then, reset your washer(how to reset samsung washer) to clear the code.

• Step 1: Open the washer door.
• Step 2: Remove the laundry that is caught in the door. 
• Step 3: Inspect the door gasket and make sure no foreign objects are caught between the rubber seal.
• Step 4: Close the door until it latches.
• Step 5: Turn off the washer and unplug its power cord. Or, turn it off at the circuit breaker.
• Step 6: Restore power to the washer after 1-5 minutes.
• Step 7: Turn on the washer and check if the error code is resolved.

The door strike is broken.

The door strike keeps your washer locked during operations, preventing water leakages and potential injuries. When you close the door, its latch pushes into the door strike and activates an electrical component inside that keeps your washer locked.

At the same time, it sends a signal to the control board to let it know that the door is locked.

If the door strike is defective, your door won’t latch properly, prompting your washer to display a DE error code when you attempt to run a cycle.

Unfortunately, a damaged door strike is not repairable. Once broken, you must replace the faulty component to clear the door error.

On the bright side, it is an easy fix, which requires little repair knowledge and a few tools. It should take only 5 to 10 minutes of your time.

What you’ll need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• New door strike

Solution: To replace a door strike on a Samsung washer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug your washer, or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
• Step 2: Open the door of your washer.
• Step 3: Unthread the screws mounting the door strike using a Phillips screwdriver.
• Step 4: Tilt the door strike up and release the locking tab to remove it from the washer.
• Step 5: Get the new door strike. Slide its locking tab into the opening and align the mounting holes to install the replacement part.
• Step 6: Reinstall the Phillips screws to secure the new door strike.
• Step 7: Close the door, and plug the washer back in.
• Step 8: Check if the DE error code is resolved.

The door gasket is dirty.

One of the most important parts of your washing machine door is the rubber gasket that seals the water inside the drum during cycles. It prevents water from leaking all over your floor. 

If you don’t clean the washer regularly, mold and dirt can accumulate in the rubber gasket. It can transfer onto your laundry, leaving stains and sewage odors all over your clothes.

In other cases, dirt build-up in the gasket can prevent your door from closing properly. If the seal is undamaged, a good cleaning should be enough to fix the problem and clear the DE code.

What you’ll need:

• Damp cloth
• Dry cloth
• Toothpaste

Solution: To clean a dirty door gasket on a Samsung washer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
• Step 2: Open the door and check the grey rubber seal for dirt and stains.
• Step 3: Carefully pull back the seal and look for foreign objects that could be between the rubber. Work your way around the door and make sure to cover all areas.
• Step 4: Remove any foreign objects stuck between the door seal.
• Step 5: Use a dry cloth and toothpaste to get rid of stains.
• Step 6: Clean the rubber seal with a damp cloth.
• Step 7: Wipe the seal with a dry cloth. Keep the door open to let the rubber seal fully dry.
• Step 8: Close the washer door, and power it up again.
• Step 9: Check if the fix cleared the DE error.

The door gasket is damaged.

Do you see signs of damage on the door gasket? Whether you have a front-load or a top-load washer, its door will not close properly if the rubber seal is loose, damaged, or deformed, which may prompt a DE code to prevent the unit from starting a cycle.

Washing items that are heavily soiled with oil or grease can damage the rubber parts of the gasket. If metal objects like zippers and buttons get caught between the seal, it can also cause tears and cracks.

If you see any signs of damage on the gasket, you must replace it to prevent water leakages and resolve the door problem. 

What you’ll need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• New door gasket

Solution: To replace a door gasket on a Samsung Ecobubble, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer and disconnect it from the water supply.
• Step 2: Move the washer around to access the back panel.
• Step 3: Use a Phillips screwdriver to unmount the top panel.
• Step 4: Remove the top panel and set it aside.
• Step 5: Unthread the mounting screws on the control panel.
• Step 6: Pull out the detergent drawer and unthread the screws near its opening.
• Step 7: Use a flathead screwdriver to disconnect the control panel.
• Step 8: Move your hand around the door seal and feel for a spring. 
• Step 9: Insert the flathead screwdriver between the seal and the spring. Then, move it around to remove the clamp.
• Step 10: Unthread the door lock screws, and gently push the door lock in.
• Step 11: Pull the rubber gasket away from the edges and push it back into your washer.
• Step 12: Tilt the washer back. Make sure it is supported by a solid stable surface.
• Step 13: Remove the screws at the bottom of the front panel.
• Step 14: Keep the washer upright, and remove the screws on the top part of the front panel.
• Step 15: Lift up the front panel and set it aside.
• Step 16: Loosen the screw on the inner door seal clamp and remove the clamp.
• Step 17: Pull out the damaged gasket.
• Step 18: Install the new door seal with the arrow positioned at the center. Keep it aligned with the main groove of the washer’s top center.
• Step 19: Push the seal in and work your way around it to install it securely.
• Step 20: Attach the inner clamp into the groove of the new door gasket. Then, tighten the screw to secure it in place.
• Step 21: Mount the front panel and replace the top screws. Tilt the machine back to reinstall the bottom screws.
• Step 22: Reinstall the door lock and its screws.
• Step 23: Reattach the control panel and its screws.
• Step 24: Refit the screws on the detergent drawer, and push the drawer back into place.
• Step 25: Pull the lip of the gasket and fit it around the edges of the door.
• Step 26: Fit the outer clamp into the groove of the rubber seal.
• Step 27: Mount the top panel to complete the repair.
• Step 28: Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply.
• Step 29: Check if the DE code is resolved.

The door lock switch is faulty.

Another essential part of your Samsung washer’s locking mechanism is the door lock switch. Located right behind your unit’s front panel, this component recognizes when the door is closed and keeps it secure during wash cycles.

If the door lock switch is malfunctioning, your washer won’t start a cycle even if the door appears to be closed. You will also see the door error code on your unit.

To fix the DE code, you must replace the entire assembly.

What you’ll need:

• Thin tool (e.g. putty knife or flathead screwdriver)
• Phillips screwdriver
• New door lock switch

Solution: First, perform a continuity test to confirm that the door lock switch is defective. If it shows no continuity, replace the faulty component with a new one. 

• Step 1: Unplug the washer, and turn off the water supply.
• Step 2: Move the washer around and unmount the back cover.
• Step 3: Use a putty knife to pry the locking tabs and remove the cover.
• Step 4: Unplug the electrical connector on the switch.
• Step 5: Push the tabs on the noise filter cover, and lift it to remove it.
• Step 6: Lift the hose on the right to release it from the slot.
• Step 7: Lift the wire to release it. Then, push the wire into the hole.
• Step 8: Unthread the screws on the top cover.
• Step 9: Insert a putty knife into the seam of the top cabinet to open it. Start in front of the washer and slowly work your way to the right side and left sides.
• Step 10: Carefully lift the cover and prop it open.
• Step 11: Unmount the door switch underneath the cover.
• Step 12: Remove the switch and release its wire from the retaining clip.
• Step 13: Rotate the multimeter dial to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance. 
• Step 14: Touch each probe to a terminal on the switch to check for continuity, and press the switch to get a reading.

The switch has continuity if you see zero ohms of resistance on the multimeter. If it shows little to no change when actuated, your switch has no continuity and requires a replacement.

To replace a Samsung washer’s door lock switch, follow the steps below.

• Step 1: Unplug the washer, and turn off its water supply.
• Step 2: Move the washer around to umount the back cover.
• Step 3: Use a putty knife to pry the locking tabs and remove the cover.
• Step 4: Depress the tab on the switch’s electrical plug to disconnect it.
• Step 5: Remove the noise filter cover.
• Step 6: Lift the hose on the right to release it from the slot.
• Step 7: Lift the wire to release it. Then, push the wire into the hole.
• Step 8: Unthread the screws on the top cover.
• Step 9: Insert a putty knife into the seam of the top cabinet in front of the washer. Do this on both the left and right sides of the unit to open it.
• Step 10: Lift the cover and prop it open.
• Step 11: Unmount the door switch underneath the cover.
• Step 12: Remove the switch and release its wire from the retaining clip.
• Step 13: Install the new switch with the wires facing to the right and the lock sticking out at the top. Then, insert the wire into the clip.
• Step 14: Insert the electrical plug at the opening.
• Step 15: Close the cover and push down on the front clips to lock it shut.
• Step 16: Reinstall the mounting screws on the top cover.
• Step 17: Plug in the electrical connector.
• Step 18: Tuck the wire back into its slot, and insert the plug into its holder.
• Step 19: Push the hose back into place.
• Step 20: Reinstall the noise filter cover.
• Step 21: Reattach the control panel cover to complete the repair.
• Step 22: Plug in the washer and turn on its water supply.
• Step 23: Check if the fix cleared the DE code.

The main control board is malfunctioning.

The main control board is the most important component in your washing machine. It controls different sensors, which regulate a variety of functions, including water temperature, spin speeds, wash cycles, drain times, and more.

Compared to other issues listed in our guide, a faulty main control board is a less likely cause of a DE code. However, it can happen.

If the main control board is damaged, it might fail to acknowledge that the door is closed. To determine if it is defective, you must do a visual inspection of the component and look for signs of damage.

What you’ll need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Thin tool (e.g. putty knife or flathead screwdriver)
• New main control board

Solution: To replace a Samsung washer control board, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer, and turn off the water supply.
• Step 2: Move the washer around to access the back panel.
• Step 3: Unthread the screws on the back cover.
• Step 4: Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the locking tabs.
• Step 5: Tilt the cover upwards and lift it up to remove it. Then, set it aside.
• Step 6: Unthread the screws on the control panel.
• Step 7: Tip the control panel forward.
• Step 8: Put your thumbs on the cover and the rest of your fingers on the locking tabs. Gently push down with your thumbs and pull the cover up with your fingers.
• Step 9: Take a photo of the electrical connections. Use this as your reference during the reassembly process.
• Step 10: Push the tab on each connector and pull out the wire to disconnect it.
• Step 11: Remove the wiring harness from its retainer.
• Step 12: Unthread the mounting screws of the main control board.
• Step 13: Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the tabs on the panel and remove the main control board.
• Step 14: Pry the tabs around the interface board to release it.
• Step 15: Align the knob shaft on the new interface board with the hole and gently push it down.
• Step 16: Align the new main control board with the screw holes and press down along the edges until the tabs lock into place.
• Step 17: Reinstall the mounting screws of the main control board.
• Step 18: Plug all the electrical connectors. Use your photo as a reference.
• Step 19: Insert the wiring harness back into its retainer.
• Step 20: Reattach the cover of the control board.
• Step 21: Flip the control panel back into place and reinstall its mounting screws.
• Step 22: Mount the cover panel and secure it with its screws.
• Step 23: Plug the washer back in.
• Step 24: Turn on the washer and check if the DE code is fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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