How to Fix Samsung Dishwasher 5C Error Code?

The Samsung dishwasher 5C error code is one of the most frequently encountered issues with those appliances.

The primary meaning of the 5C error code on the Samsung dishwasher indicates the drainage issue, which depends on many surrounding factors!

The Samsung dishwasher 5C drainage error occurs due to a clogged drain hose, blocked drain connection, or a dirty filter and sump area.

The solution requires inspecting each of the components individually, in order to determine and apply the correct approach!

Let’s jump straight into the solutions!

Samsung Dishwasher 5C Code Fix – Easy Methods!

Tip: Follow the steps in chronological order!

1. Reset The Samsung Dishwasher

A quick and super-efficient method is to reset the Samsung dishwasher before implementing any technical steps.

As appliances’ systems occasionally develop glitches, sometimes there is no mechanical issue with the device, rather it’s a simple software error.

Note: To avoid losing time, test hard resetting the machine first!

Hard Reset the Samsung Dishwasher:

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the wall outlet.
2. Wait for about 10-15 minutes for the refresh.
3. Plug the dishwasher into the power socket.

System Reset the Samsung Dishwasher:

1. Check the Smart Control button from the control panel.
2. Hold down the Smart Control button for 2 seconds.
3. Keep pressing the button until “AP“ flash on the panel.
4. Next, press the Hi-Temp Wash button for about 5 seconds.
5. Keep pressing the button until the dishwasher chimes.
6. Then unplug the dishwasher from the power source.
7. After some while, turn the Samsung dishwasher back on.

Note: Test whether error 5C would occur upon starting a wash cycle!

2. Inspect the Drain Connection!

If your Samsung dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal or directly connected to the sink, then double-check your dishwasher’s connection with them.

Maybe your dishwasher is not draining because the garbage disposal is full or the sink is completely clogged. 

Here is how to check the Samsung dishwasher drain connection:

1. Locate the dishwasher drain hose connection from the back of the unit.
2. Check whether the drain hose is attached to the garbage disposer or sink drain.
3. If it is connected to Garbage Disposer, then fully empty the garbage disposer.
4. Also, make sure the cap of the garbage disposer is removed.
5. In case it’s connected to a Sink Drain, then inspect for any visible blockages.
6. If there are any blockages, remove the obstruction to clear the drain pathway.

Note: Proceed only if you’re certain that the drain connection is not clogged!

3. Check the Dishwasher Drain Hose

As we’ve mentioned, the 5C on Samsung dishwasher appears when your appliance is not draining, so the next component you have to check is the drain hose.

This component carries out the water from the dishwasher and occasionally gets clogged, kinked, or bent over time.

Here is how to inspect the Samsung dishwasher drain hose:

1. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source.
2. Turn off the water supply, thus valve to your appliance.
3. Locate the drain hose at the back of the dishwasher.
4. Remove the drain hose from the sink or garbage disposal. 
5. Inspect the drain hose for any clogs, bends, and defects.
6. Tip: Use a flashlight to have a clearer look inside the hose. 
7. If the hose is dirty, then wash the drain hose with lukewarm water.
8. Optional: Also, pour a mix of vinegar and water to clear the hose.
9. Next, using a long soft bristled brush, clean the hose’s inner area.

Important!

If you recently installed your dishwasher or the drain hose is not clogged, then make sure the drain hose is connected to an air gap and it has a high loop by connecting to the sink.

Also, ensure that the drain hose is not pressed under the dishwasher and causes a path blockage.

4. Clean the Drain Filter & Sump

If you still get the Samsung dishwasher 5C error code, perhaps the reason is due to clogs and obstructions in the filter and sump area.

This one is important to check because all sorts of food particles easily clog the filter holes that prevent the water from draining.

Here is how to clean the Samsung dishwasher drain filter and sump:

1. Turn off the dishwasher and open the door panel.
2. Gently, take out the lower rack from the dishwasher.
3. Find the filter mesh on the bottom of the appliance.
4. Hold the filter mesh and rotate it counterclockwise.
5. Losen the filter mesh and take it out of the cabinet. 
6. You can now also remove the internal filter as well.
7. Clean the dishwasher sump hole and take out the debris.
8. Tip: Wear rubber gloves!
9. Wash both filter and mesh under lukewarm water.
10. Optional: Scrub the filter using the brush to unclog it. 

When you’re ready, reinsert the components back into the Samsung dishwasher and check whether the 5C error would occur.

If yes, then proceed with the next method in the guide!

5. Inspect the Drain Pump Motor

It’s possible that your Samsung dishwasher’s drain pump motor is not working properly, and that’s why the standing water in the tank can’t be drained.

Hence, error 5C is most-certain to appear if that’s the actual problem with the appliance.

Here is how to inspect the Samsung dishwasher drain pump motor:

1. Turn off the power supply to the Samsung dishwasher.
2. Undo the screws to remove the bottom device panel.
3. Find the drain pump motor, located at the bottom.
4. Inspect the motor for any visible damage, such as cracks.
5. Next, turn the motor shaft to see if it moves freely or is stuck.
6. If it is stuck or hard to move, replace the drain pump motor.
7. If the drain pump motor is moving, then test it for continuity.
8. Tip: Use a Multimeter to test the drain pump motor at home!

• If there is no continuity or infinite on the multimeter, replace the motor.
• If there is continuity and has no visible damage, set up the motor back.

Tip: If the drain pump motor is faulty, check whether your warranty is intact!

6. Inspect or Replace the Drain Impeller!

The drain impeller in the Samsung dishwasher helps and pumps the water from the dishwasher to the drain pump, which then drains from the hose.

In case that link is clogged or blocked, then that’s the reason for the 5C error code Samsung dishwasher.

How to Find the Drain Impeller?

To inspect the drain impeller, you would need to stop the power to the dishwasher, open the door remove the racks and detach the water supply tube.

Then remove the spray arms from the bottom and unscrew the pump cover to pull off the pump and release the impeller.

• Check the drain impeller for blockages, cracks, breakage, or defects!

When you’re ready, simply put all of the components back together and start a wash cycle on your Samsung dishwasher.

In case the 5C error is still there, proceed with the final solution!

7. Replace Dishwasher’s Drain Solenoid

The final method against error code 5C on the Samsung dishwasher would be to replace the drain solenoid, which is the last thing you could perform at home.

A defective solenoid often causes drainage issues with the appliance since it’s responsible for opening the drain valve!

Here is how to inspect and replace the Samsung dishwasher drain solenoid:

1. Turn off the Samsung dishwasher power supply.
2. Unscrew the bottom panel of the appliance.
3. Locate the drain solenoid of the dishwasher.
4. Disconnect the wire harness from the solenoid.
5. Release the spring connected with the solenoid.
6. Next, unscrew the solenoid bracket screws.
7. Take out the solenoid bracket from the dishwasher.
8. Set up and embed a new drain solenoid in its place.
9. Secure it by connecting it to the spring and wires. 

Info: Without technical knowledge, this is as far as the average users gest in terms of technical steps and replacing components. 

Consult with the user’s manual for more!

Need More Help?

In case nothing in this guide helped, your Samsung dishwasher is likely facing a more complex hardware-related issue.

For further help feel free to contact Samsung Support and share what you’ve attempted here for quick and adequate suggestions for the next steps!

Quick Recap:

To fix the Samsung dishwasher 5C error code, hard and soft reset your appliance and also inspect the machine’s drain connection.

In case that doesn’t remove the 5C error, proceed by cleaning the filter, sump, and drain hose prior to testing the components!

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