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Appliance and device error codes, explained

Error code tables for washers, dishwashers, robot vacuums, pressure cookers and more, with the fix to try first.

6Answers
6Brands

An error code is the appliance telling you which sensor noticed something wrong. It rarely means the machine is broken. The most common codes on washers, for example, point to a drain that is blocked or a load that is out of balance, and both take a few minutes to sort out.

The same code can mean different things on different brands, so always match the code to your exact model. The tables below come from each model's own documentation.

InfographicSix kinds of appliance error codeAlmost every code on a washer, dishwasher or fridge fits one of these groups
DIY
Water supplyNot filling fast enoughCheck taps, hoses and inlet screens
DIY
DrainWater isn't leavingClean the filter, straighten the hose
Often DIY
Door or lidNot closed or not lockingLook for anything caught in the seal
DIY
BalanceLoad uneven during spinSpread the load, remove single heavy items
Sometimes
TemperatureToo hot, too cold or sensor faultPower cycle, then book service
Technician
Motor or boardInternal hardware faultNote the code and call for service

Error codes by product

LG WM4000HWA Front-Load WasherWM4000HWA
The code you are most likely to see: OE. OE means the washer could not drain in time. Nine times out of ten the drain pump filter is clogged with lint, coins or a sock, or the drain hose is kinked behind the… 5 steps
Samsung WF45T6000AW Front-Load WasherWF45T6000AW
4C and 5C: the two codes behind most calls. 4C (shown as 4E on older displays) means the washer isn't getting enough water. 5C (5E) means it can't drain. Both usually have simple causes. 5 steps
iRobot Roomba i3 Robot VacuumRoomba i3 (3150)
Understanding spoken errors. The robot says the error out loud and the app shows the same message with a picture. The app wording is the most reliable guide for your firmware, so check there first.
Dyson V11 Cordless VacuumV11 (SV14, SV28)
Pulsing on and off. When the motor surges on and off, the machine is detecting a blockage or a filter problem.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure CookerDuo 7-in-1 (3, 6, 8 qt)
Burn or OvHt on the display. This message means the bottom of the pot is overheating, usually because food is sticking or there isn't enough thin liquid.
Keurig K-Classic Coffee MakerK55 (K-Classic)
Add Water light stays on. Usually the reservoir isn't seated fully, or the magnet that tells the brewer the reservoir is there is stuck.

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