What does the 7E error code in a Samsung dishwasher mean? 

What does the 7E error code in a Samsung dishwasher mean

The 7E error code is one of the 22 error codes on Samsung dishwasher models with digital displays. Not only does this error waste an entire cycle of hot water, but it also leaves your dishes half dirty.

So what does the 7E error code mean and how can you fix it? We’ll talk about that in this article.

What does the 7E error code in your Samsung dishwasher mean?

The 7E error code in your Samsung dishwasher means that the WaterWall isn’t moving. This can be caused by a blockage, incorrect installation, or a defective part.

To fix this, unplug your dishwasher and load the items on the lower rack correctly. Check the WaterWall assembly for damages as well.

If the error isn’t resolved after doing the above, try the following steps:

  • Turn off the dishwasher’s switch in the circuit breaker to do a power cycle. Wait for 2 minutes before switching it on again.
  • Inspect the position of the WaterWall reflector and make sure that the logo is facing forward and upward.
  • Test the WaterWall motor, sensor, and magnet if they are working correctly. Replace the entire assembly if necessary.

Do you need more guidance on how to perform these steps? Keep reading below!

Important Note: Before you inspect and test the WaterWall components, be sure to unplug your dishwasher for safety. 

What causes the 7E error code?

There are 6 possible causes of your dishwasher reading the 7E error code. They are the following:

  1. An item in the lower rack blocked the reflector.
  2. There was an error during the installation.
  3. The WaterWall vane motor is damaged.
  4. The sensor is faulty.
  5. The reflector magnet is weak.
  6. The control board malfunctioned.

With that in mind, here’s a quick overview of how to troubleshoot each issue.

CausesTroubleshooting
Blocked WaterWall ReflectorReload all the items in the lower rack. Look underneath the rack and make sure that nothing is sticking out that may obstruct the WaterWall reflector from moving in its trail.
Incorrect InstallationRemove the WaterWall reflector from the vane if it has been installed incorrectly. Reposition the reflector so that the logo is facing forward and upward.

Re-seat the WaterWall on the gray shuttle of the trail.
Weak WaterWall Vane MotorSelect a cycle and open the door slightly to check if the WaterWall arm is moving back and forth.

If the arm moves slowly or not at all, the vane motor is damaged and needs to be fixed or replaced.
Faulty WaterWall SensorUse a rare-earth magnet to test the sensor. If it’s working, your dishwasher should stop retracting the WaterWall arm to the back of the tub.

Replace the sensor if it is too weak to be set off by the tester magnet.
Weak WaterWall MagnetTest the WaterWall magnet’s force using a rare-earth magnet. Replace it if it doesn’t stick or attract the tester magnet during the process.
Faulty Control BoardPerform a power cycle on your dishwasher. Turn off its switch from the circuit breaker and switch it back on after 2 minutes.

How do you remove a 7E error code?

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to perform each troubleshooting method to remove the 7E error code.

Load your dishes in the lower rack properly.

One of the likeliest causes of the WaterWall reflector not moving is an item in your lower rack blocking the path of the reflector.

When you start a cycle in your dishwasher, the first thing it does is verify that the WaterWall arm can slide freely back and forth in its trail.

If a ladle, knife, or pot handle is sticking beneath the lower rack, this may prevent the WaterWall arm from moving. The sensor detects this and sends out the 7E error code.

Solution: To correct this, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Remove all the items in the lower rack and make sure to rearrange them properly. Place the items on the top rack if you are only washing a few dishes.
  • Step 2: Only load smaller items in the top rack such as glasses, cups, saucers, and dishwasher-safe plastic dishes. Place the larger items on the bottom rack properly.
  • Step 3: Use the cutlery basket or rack for utensils. Load your knives with the handles up but your spoon and fork the other way.

Correct installation errors on the WaterWall.

An installation mistake is another likely reason for the 7E error code. This can be caused by an unremoved packing tape or an inverted WaterWall arm.

If the packing tape on the trail hasn’t been removed, the WaterWall arm would not be able to move. 

This is also the case if the arm has been positioned incorrectly on the trail’s gray shuttle.

Solution: Here’s how you correct the error:

  • Step 1: Inspect the water reflector and make sure that it has been installed in the right position. You’ll know this if the WaterWall logo is facing forward and upward.
  • Step 2: Pull out the WaterWall reflector from the gray shuttle if it has been installed incorrectly.
  • Step 3: Remove the packing tape in the WaterWall trail if it’s still there. 
  • Step 4: Turn the WaterWall arm the other way and reseat it on the gray shuttle of the trail.  

Inspect the WaterWall parts for damage.

If the WaterWall reflector isn’t moving, one of the components in the assembly may be faulty or damaged. Here are the parts you should inspect:

WaterWall Vane Motor

The vane motor moves the WaterWall reflector back and forth along the trail. If the vane motor is weak or damaged, the WaterWall reflector will sit in one location on the trail.

Solution: Verify that the WaterWall vane motor is working by observing it during a cycle. Follow the steps below to perform this:

  • Step 1: Remove the items on the lower rack to give you a clear view of the WaterWall reflector.
  • Step 2: Trigger the door sensor by sticking a flathead screwdriver or butter knife in the latch.
  • Step 3: Choose any cycle on the panel and press the Start button. Keep holding the screwdriver so the control would detect that the door is closed.

Take note that you need to conduct your observation within the first 20 seconds after you have started the cycle so that water does not enter your dishwasher. 

  • Step 4: Observe the WaterWall reflector’s motion by opening the door slightly.
  • Step 5: Verify that the WaterWall reflector is moving back and forth along the trail. If the reflector slides slowly or not at all, then the motor is damaged.
  • Step 6: End your observation by removing the screwdriver or butter knife from the door latch.

If you want to replace the WaterWall vane motor yourself, here are a few steps you can take:

  • Step 1: Disconnect your dishwasher from the power supply.
  • Step 2: Unscrew your dishwasher from the cabinetry and pull it out gently.
  • Step 3: Unscrew the rear access panel and set it aside.
  • Step 4: Loosen the metal clips holding the hoses and pull the hoses down.
  • Step 5: Remove the wire connector of the WaterWall vane motor.
  • Step 6: Lay your dishwasher on its rear side and remove the bottom access panel.
  • Step 7: Disconnect the rest of the hose connections and set them aside. Take note of which tube each hose goes to.
  • Step 8: Remove the WaterWall vane motor by unthreading the screws that hold it in place.

You can choose to replace the old vane motor or simply bring it to your local appliance expert to be repaired.

The WaterWall Magnet and Sensor

The WaterWall magnet and sensor work in tandem. Their function is to stop the WaterWall reflector from being pulled too far towards the rear of the tub.

The magnet is located inside the WaterWall reflector. If the reflector is in the right position, the magnet will set off the sensor and stop the dishwasher from retracting the WaterWall reflector further.

However, if the magnet or the sensor is weak, the dishwasher will keep on pulling the WaterWall reflector even if it has reached the end of the trail.

Solution: Test both the WaterWall magnet and sensor using a rare-earth magnet. 

To test the WaterWall magnet, follow the steps below.

  • Step 1: First, pull off the WaterWall arm and locate the magnet.
  • Step 2: Use the tester magnet to verify that the WaterWall magnet still has enough force to trigger the sensor below.
  • Step 3: Check how strongly the WaterWall and tester magnet sticks to each other.
  • Step 4: Replace the old magnet if necessary or simply add a new one using epoxy or other adhesives.

Next, test the WaterWall sensor located below your dishwasher.

  • Step 1: Use the test magnet and hover it above the sensor.
  • Step 2: Check if the test magnet sets off the WaterWall sensor.
  • Step 3: Verify that the WaterWall reflector has stopped retracting to the rear end of the tub.
  • Step 4: Follow the steps on how to access the WaterWall vane motor above if you need to replace the sensor. The steps should apply since the two are located close to each other.

Perform a power cycle on your dishwasher.

The control board in your dishwasher is responsible for sending out commands and receiving signals from the sensors.

However, since the control board is a simple electrical component, it can be prone to lagging, malfunctioning, and damage.

In this case, the control board can misread signals even if the mechanical parts are functioning as they should. This is known as a false error.

Solution: If the 7E error code is a result of a malfunctioning control board, perform a power cycle in your dishwasher to flush out any residual commands and misread signals.

To perform a power cycle, follow the steps below:

  • Step 1:  Power off your dishwasher by flipping its switch off at the circuit breaker.
  • Step 2: Press any buttons in the panel to see if it lights up. This will help flush out any residual power in your dishwasher.
  • Step 3:  Wait for 2 – 5 minutes before flipping the circuit breaker switch on. Press the power button to reboot your dishwasher.

By performing the steps above, you’ll be able to clear the 7E error code and fix your WaterWall in a jiffy.

If some of the steps above are a little too complicated for you, ask someone for help or call your local appliance expert to do it for you!

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