Samsung dishwashers are one of the most popular on the market. They are stylish, modern, and come with various features that set them apart from other dishwashers.
However, these stylish dishwashers are prone to various problems.
The most common Samsung dishwasher problems include cleaning issues, not draining, not filling with water, display panel problems, and not starting at all.
Not all of these problems are very serious, some of them require a little repair if you know how to troubleshoot.
So, today I will let you know the Samsung dishwasher troubleshooting steps with a list of their common issues.
Related:
Table of Contents
- Samsung Dishwasher Troubleshooting
- 1. Samsung Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes
- 2. Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining
- 3. Samsung Dishwasher Not Filling With Water
- 4. Samsung Dishwasher Touchpad Not Working
- 5. Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Start
- 6. Samsung Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes
- 7. Samsung Dishwasher Buttons Not Working
- 8. Samsung Dishwasher Turning On & Off
- 9. Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Turn Off
- 10. Samsung Dishwasher Heavy Light Blinking
- How to reset Samsung dishwasher
- Conclusion
- Christopher Evans
Samsung Dishwasher Troubleshooting
Check out 10 common Samsung dishwasher problems and ways to repair them.
1. Samsung Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes
This problem arises because knives, forks, and spoons are not placed on the utensils holder correctly. The solution is quite simple, as mentioned below.
- The first thing you want to do is open the dishwasher and make sure that dishes are not blocking the drain.
- Also, check if there are any glasses or cups that are stacked on top of each other. This can also obstruct the water flow.
- Empty your dishwasher and rinse it with a mixture of vinegar and water to remove any built-up residue in your appliance.
2. Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining
The Samsung dishwasher’s design prevents water from draining and can cause water to remain in the bottom, which eventually leads to mold growth or a water leak.
Samsung has issued a voluntary recall for certain models of dishwashers due to draining issues.
The reason why a Samsung dishwasher might not drain could be due to a CLOG in the PUMP FILTER or DRAIN HOSE. You should do a cycle with no dishes inside it, and then inspect the bottom of the washer for any obstructions and then clear those obstructions.
Hence, by following these steps, you can fix your Samsung dishwasher and prevent it from flooding your kitchen with dirty water.
We have also covered this topic in detail here: Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining
3. Samsung Dishwasher Not Filling With Water
Samsung is a leading manufacturer of dishwashers. It is a well-known brand that produces high-quality appliances.
However, one issue that owners might face is that their dishwasher doesn’t fill with water, or it takes an unusually long time for dishes to dry.
This common issue can happen due to several reasons.
- One possible cause is the water valve which may not be open or positioned properly. So, the water can’t reach the inlet screen and fill with water.
- Another potential cause could be that the inlet screen itself may be clogged, preventing any water from reaching it and filling it up inside the machine.
- Yet another cause could be a leak in either the line that takes water to the dishwasher or leaks on the outside of the dishwasher.
- But, if you are experiencing continuous problems, then make sure to contact a technician so they can diagnose your appliance for you.
4. Samsung Dishwasher Touchpad Not Working
The touchpad is a critical part of the dishwasher. It is where you control most basic functions, such as the wash cycle and rinse options.
Samsung’s touchpads have a display panel that shows you all of your wash options. It also displays the remaining time in each cycle.
If you are facing a problem with a Samsung display or the touchpad is not working, it means the display is malfunctioning. So, in this scenario, you need to call the Samsung service center to fix the problem.
5. Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Start
This is a guide to troubleshooting a Samsung dishwasher that won’t start.
Start by checking if one of the following problems may have caused the trouble:
- The power cord has been unplugged or disconnected from the dishwasher.
- The water supply for your dishwasher is turned off.
- There might have been a power outage or storm in the area recently.
- You may have left the door open after using it.
- The dishwasher’s circuit breaker may have tripped and needs to be reset.
- The electrical outlet you plug your dishwasher into may need to be checked.
6. Samsung Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes
It is another prevalent Samsung dishwasher problem that many people are facing these days.
There are some ways to fix it. One of the easiest and quickest ways is to run it on the air-dry setting, which will dry your dishes in an hour or two.
However, there are many reasons why your dishwasher might not be drying your dishes.
From something as simple as running it on the wrong cycle to something more complex like a faulty heating element, there can be many different reasons for this problem.
7. Samsung Dishwasher Buttons Not Working
If you find that buttons on your Samsung dishwasher have stopped working, don’t panic! There is an easy fix for the problem.
The Samsung dishwasher has a feature called the Half Load Option button, which lets you use less water and energy by running the washer on half the load size.
Buttons may stop working if they are accidentally pressed too hard or with too much pressure, or just dirty. When buttons become dirty, it affects their sensitivity and can cause them to stop working.
To solve this problem, simply take a cotton swab dipped in alcohol and gently clean each button individually. After cleaning each button, test it by pressing firmly on it to make sure that the buttons work again without any problems.
8. Samsung Dishwasher Turning On & Off
So, the first possible solution is to change the dishwasher’s power setting. Simply unplug it from its power source and plug it back in. The dishwasher should turn on after that.
Another solution is to change the connections at the motor. This will need to be done by a professional. It requires taking apart the dishwasher’s controls panel and working with high voltage wires.
The third possible solution is to replace or repair one of the circuit boards. This problem may be related to a faulty thermostat or a faulty relay switch (specifically, relay switch K1).
9. Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Turn Off
Samsung dishwashers are designed to turn off automatically after the wash cycle is complete. Occasionally, they might not turn off even after it has been finished washing.
Now you might be asking, what is the reason for this malfunction? How can I fix this issue?
The reason for the dishwasher not turning off is usually a faulty power supply or a faulty door latch assembly.
To fix this issue, make sure that you check if there’s any power going to the dishwasher and then check to see if it can be heard running through its cycles.
Also, check if the door latch assembly is misplaced or broken. If yes, you need to get it fixed through Samsung’s service center or any professional person.
10. Samsung Dishwasher Heavy Light Blinking
The blinking light is usually due to an improper installation of the dishwasher’s power cord or, in some cases, the water supply valve.
Samsung dishwashers have a heavy light that blinks in various patterns according to the error code it detects.
The problem could be caused by things like:
- Improper installation of the dishwasher’s power cord
- Water supply valve not working properly
- Blocked filter at the bottom of the appliance
If you suspect you have found out what is wrong with your Samsung Dishwasher and its blinking heavy light, check out our troubleshooting section for help on how to fix it and get back to regular washing.
How to reset Samsung dishwasher
This guide will help you to reset your Samsung dishwasher.
- Disconnect the power cord and water supply line from the dishwasher. On most models, this is a plastic piece that you can pull out of the back of the dishwasher. But it may be something else depending on the make and model.
- Wait for five minutes or until all hot water has drained away before continuing with any further work
- Press and hold the “POWER” button for at least 15 seconds to turn off the power completely
- Press the “RESET” button for at least 3-5 seconds, wait for the reset light to go off then replace the water supply line
- Plug in the power cord and turn on the power.
You may like to read:
Conclusion
If you want to get rid of all the hustle of handwashing your dishes, you should invest in a high-quality kitchen appliance. However, in today’s crowded market, finding the ideal appliance is difficult.
While reviewing, we have found that Samsung dishwashers are causing plenty of problems, ranging from minor to serious.
So, I have listed down the most common Samsung dishwasher problems to help you troubleshoot them quickly.
We hope you have found this guide useful. If you still have any issues, you can tell the problem in the comment. I will help you to fix them
Christopher Evans is a Mechanical Engineer and is a distinguished expert in tire and electronic appliance testing with over 15 years of experience. Holding certifications like Automotive Tire Service (TIA) and Certified Appliance Professional (CAP). He is also a member of the the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and has significantly contributed to safety standards and testing protocols in both industries. Evans is a respected speaker and award recipient.
Hi, I have a DW60M6050FS samsung dishwasher, after completeing a cycle the fault code HC came up, since then it fills and empties but will not work a complete cycle, have checked everthing and reset, no fault codes panel working fine.
I have a Samsung DW80R9950 with a bar sprayer on the bottom which appears designed to slide back and forth using pressure from spray nozzles on the inside wall. It’s practically new. The bar is not attached to anything, it rides easily on a center rail.
Items placed in the bottom rack upside down do not look like they’ve even been touched by spray. slightly oily air fryer parts which should be a breeze to clean look like they’ve never been touched.
Is my machine defective, or am I doing something wrong?
My Samsung dishwasher is brand new when we bought the house in November 2021. It uses rinse aid every other cycle. And I have never heard of dishwasher salt until today when investing the rinse aid issue. Where do I purchase the salt and do I really need it?
hello. my samsung DW80J3020US begins to fill with water and stops and goes to auto without doing a cycle. I have changed the case assembly and water inlet valve but have no idea what else it could be
Hi Luis,
Your dishwasher’s thermal fuse may be to blame if it starts to fill with water but then stops. The thermal fuse is shorting out because it is fouled, unclean, damaged, or loosely attached, which is why the dishwasher stops mid-cycle.
sometimes the dishwasher does not advance from the wash cycle it keeps running on & on for hours but it is still in the wash cycle it doesn’t happen every time
Lower Rack won’t clean dishes
My Samsung dishwasher stopped cleaning the bottom rack , the water wall is moving but dishes stay dirty , l clean filter weekly
My dishwasher is showing E2 .I think it is the aqua stop . Can this be and the hose taken apart and cleaned
Our 2018 samsung dishwasher model dw8om9960ug doesn’t clean dishes in the lower basket water/wall left side , seems to me lacking water pressure , l clean filter all the time , ran straight vinegar nothing works .
Why is my dishwasher cutting off in the middle of the cycle with 51 mins left
Hi,
The thermal fuse is shorting out because it is fouled, unclean, damaged, or loosely attached, which is why the dishwasher stops mid-cycle. When the dishwasher becomes too hot, the thermal fuse, which is utilized as a safety switch if your dishwasher is older, will shut off the motor and circuit board.
My Samsung Dishwasher Model#DW80J3020US Will Start the cycle, ( Drain, Fill, then make 3 clicking noises) then just stop. The lights stay on but nothing happens until you hold the reset button. It will drain and end the cycle. Same results each time you try to run it.
Hi John,
I hope you are doing great!
This is probably caused by a clogged drain. Use an ungloved hand to feel around inside the bottom of your dishwasher, and remove any obstructions. Also, if you have a home warranty, contact their customer service to have them send a technician to check it out.
There is a lock that will not disappear and the dishwasher is not operate. How do I shut it off?
Hi Barbara,
I hope you are doing well!
The dishwasher may be in a locked cycle. This signal is usually initiated by the touch pad or button on the console, but can also happen during a power outage or if the door did not close correctly. To reset your dishwasher, press and hold the Cancel button for six seconds to unlock it.
My Samsung dishwasher model DW80J3020US will not release the soap capsule. How can I fix this? It is about 3 years old ? Thank you. Ron
Hi Ron,
If you are having problems with your dishwasher model DW80J3020US not releasing the soap capsule, you should check if the soap release door is open. If it is open, close it and try running the dishwasher again. If that doesn’t work, try switching off the machine or unplugging it.
This is a common problem with electronic devices, but also with dishwashers. Another simple way to fix this issue is to unscrew the front panel of the dishwasher and release the soap reservoir. You then need to manually pour some dish soap into it.
Hi Ron
I have had this issue as well. I discovered that the bottom rack will sometimes jam, leaving a slight gap between the back wall of the machine and the rack. Even though the it doesn’t interfere with the door closing properly the rack sticks out enough to keep tablet dispenser door from opening. I’ve also on occasion found that a pot on the bottom rack with the handles not parallel to the rack can extend past the rack just enough to prevent the dispenser door from opening but not interfere with the door closing as well. This was just my personal observation and it worked for me. I hope this simple solution works for you as well. Good luck
Our Samsung dishwasher will not drain. We have cleaned out dishwasher and also blown out the flexible drain hose, it still will not drain.
Model# DW80M202OUS
S/N B03ZG8DJC05064M
We have also reset the dishwasher like the trouble shooter said. Run it through numerous cycles without anything in the washer. Made sure our garage disposal is working properly, still will not drain. When it starts the drain cycle the water pours out of the dishwasher onto the floor.
Hi Susan
I hope you are doing well!
The Samsung DW80M202OUS washer is one of the most popular models that consumers were looking for during 2018 as they are equipped with a lot of features that consumers want from their washing machine.
The most common cause of not draining in the model is a clog in the drain line or a broken impeller. Samsung will have to find out which part is causing this problem and replace it as soon as possible to prevent further damage to this appliance.
Since you’ve tried every troubleshooting option and it’s still not draining, I recommend calling a Samsung service center if your model is still under warranty. Request them to provide professional assistance to resolve this matter.