How To Reset Samsung Dishwasher

If your Samsung dishwasher is malfunctioning, becomes unresponsive, isn’t draining, or returns an error code, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s broken and requires service. Weird electronic glitches, such as those that can occur after a power outage, can be fixed with a simple reset. Instead of rushing to call a repair technician or GE for help, spend a little time troubleshooting the machine on your own. Resetting a Samsung dishwasher is fast, easy to do, and won’t damage the appliance.

Whenever I get called to service a broken dishwasher, I almost always start the diagnosis with a reset. By resetting the appliance first, you can find out if the problem is software or hardware related.

Here’s how to reset a Samsung dishwasher:

Turn it off and unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker.
Allow it to remain powered off for approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
Restore power to the dishwasher.
Turn it on and run a test cycle to find out if the reset helped.

If the issue persists, don’t worry. There are more troubleshooting steps you can try.

Resetting your Samsung dishwasher can help resolve a variety of problems and will erase error codes, but it won’t fix mechanical issues or repair broken parts. However, it’s worth trying before you resort to more expensive repairs because it’s very effective.

How To Factory Reset A Samsung Dishwasher

A factory reset returns the dishwasher to its original, out of the box state. It completely reboots the system’s software, erases all error codes, and clears up glitches and bugs in it’s memory.

To factory reset a Samsung dishwasher, turn it off and unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker > wait 1-5 minutes for residual electricity to drain from its circuits > restore power to the appliance > turn the dishwasher on and run a short test cycle to see if the reset worked.

After the factory reset is complete, the dishwasher should be working normally. But keep in mind, any custom programming or saved settings will be lost.

If the problem persists or you get an error code during the test cycle, there’s a hardware issue with the appliance. Look up the error code and fix the issue before performing another reset.

How To Reset A Samsung Dishwasher Without Unplugging It

Some Samsung dishwasher models can be reset without unplugging them or turning off the circuit breaker. This method is worth a try if your plug dishwasher’s plug or the circuit breaker are hard to reach.

Here’s how to do it:

Look for the “AP” button on your dishwasher’s control panel. If present, press and hold it for 3 seconds. You should see “AP” displayed on the screen.
Next, press and hold the “Hi-Temp Wash” button for 7 seconds. You should hear a sound from the dishwasher telling you that you input the command correctly.
Wait about 30 seconds.
Turn off your dishwasher, then wait for about a minute before turning it on again.
Run a short test cycle to confirm the reset worked.

This procedure initiates a software reset, but remember, it only works on specific models equipped with the mentioned buttons and a display screen.

During the test cycle, monitor the dishwasher for error codes or malfunctions of any kind.

Tips For Troubleshooting A Samsung Dishwasher

Resetting your dishwasher will clear out all the error codes in its memory and will fix malfunctions caused by software issues. However, it won’t fix hardware problems, wiring issues, or a malfunctioning part.

Some error codes are sent in error, but most signify an issue with your dishwasher that you need to fix. Performing a reset without fixing the cause of the error code usually results in the code coming back again.

Here’s a few examples of common dishwasher issues that a reset won’t fix:

If the dishwasher doesn’t start, it could be because the door isn’t closing properly. Check the door latch, make sure the dishwasher trays are installed properly, and inspect the door gasket.
When a brand new dishwasher won’t turn on at all, it’s usually caused by an installation error. In this case, review the installation step by step and make sure the machine has sufficient power to operate.
Drain issues can return error codes like 5C, 5E, OC or OE. This usually means there’s something wrong with the way the drain hose is installed.
If you receive an error code, check your manual, contact Samsung, or search online for its meaning. Then address the issue before trying another reset.

Whenever I inspect a malfunctioning dishwasher, I write down the error codes it’s giving and then typically reset the machine and run a test cycle. If the same error codes come back again, there’s generally a hardware problem. However, if the error codes don’t come back and the appliance works fine, it was a software glitch.

Understanding Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

If a reset doesn’t fix your dishwasher’s issues, you’ll have to do some troubleshooting to find out what’s causing the problem. Error codes are an invaluable tool to help you do it. They’re a way for your dishwasher to tell you what’s wrong with it. However, if you don’t now what the codes mean they’re not going to be much help.

To find out what an error code means, check your user’s manual, contact Samsung, or look the code up online.

Here’s a list of common error codes and what they mean:

OC (Over-level water check): This means there’s more water in the dishwasher than what’s needed. Usually this is caused by a drainage issue.
LC (Leakage Check): This code means there’s a leak somewhere. Start troubleshooting by checking all your connection hoses.
4C (Water Supply Check): The dishwasher may not be getting enough water. Check all your supply lines.
5C, E, OC or OE (Drain Check): Inspect clogged/folded drain hose, unclog sump drain hole.
HC (High Temperature Heating Check): Check the water temperature coming into the dishwasher.
3C (Pump Operation Check): Reset and restart the machine. Then inspect the dishwasher’s pump.

If you receive any of these codes, it usually signifies a hardware issue that needs to be fixed. However, I would still reset the dishwasher one time and run a test cycle to see if the problem persists before making repairs.

Why Does A Reset Fix Dishwasher Issues?

Modern dishwashers have a built in computer called a control board, software, sensors and wiring. They’re complex machines that can suffer from software issues like glitches and bugs. These types of issues are very common after a power outage or a surge.

If your dishwasher is malfunctioning, becomes unresponsive, won’t drain properly, won’t start a cycle, or has some other electronic issue, it could be due to its software. In these cases, rebooting the system’s software back to a default state can sometime help.

In cases where a dishwasher’s problems are caused by software, a reset can help.
If the issue is hardware related, a reset won’t fix it.

Even if your dishwasher’s problem are caused by malfunctioning hardware, a reset can still be a part of the troubleshooting step. I typically reset the machine to clear error codes, then run a short test cycle to see if the codes comes back.

If the same codes show up more than once, there’s likely a hardware problem to fix. But if a code shows up once and never again after a reset, it was a software problem.

How To Network Reset A Samsung Dishwasher

A network reset erases all WiFi and network information from the dishwasher, but it doesn’t reset the entire appliance. This is only applicable to Samsung dishwashers with WiFi capability.

Hold Smart Control until AP displays (about 3 seconds).
Hold Hi-Temp Wash until the dishwasher chimes (about 7 seconds).
Turn off the dishwasher.

When you turn the dishwasher back on, it’s WiFi settings will have been erased. You’ll have to reconnect it to WiFi if you want to use its connectivity functions.