Last updated: 2026-10-30 · By Fix It or Replace editorial team

Samsung Washer Not Starting? Child Lock, Door Lock, dC/dE/LO Codes, 4C No Fill, Power and Reset β€” Fixes, Costs, Repair vs Replace (2026)

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Quick answer

Most Samsung washers that "won't start" have nothing broken. Samsung's own support pages list these checks:

  1. Child Lock. Samsung says a washer that won't start, has dead buttons, or a knob that won't change setting is usually in Child Lock. Look for a smiley-face or baby icon, or CL. Press and hold the two buttons labeled for Child Lock until it chimes. If the icon flashes, hold them again.
  2. Door or lid. Close it firmly with nothing caught. A door code such as dC, dE, dS, d5, LO, FL means the latch isn't secure. Child Lock also locks the door on front-loaders.
  3. Power. A grounded 120 V three-prong outlet, ideally on its own 20-amp circuit. No extension cord, no surge protector. Test the outlet with a lamp. A tripped breaker can look "on": switch it off, then on.
  4. Wait. If a top-loader lost power mid-cycle, Samsung says it can take up to 5 minutes to unlock and resume. A dn code means it's downloading an update (about 15 minutes); the buttons won't respond until it's done.
  5. Water. A 4C, 4E, or nF code means no water: open both taps fully and check the hoses.
  6. Reset. Unplug for 60 seconds (or switch the breaker off), then try again.

If those don't fix it, the parts that usually fail are the door lock (front-load) or lid lock (top-load), the control or display board, the water inlet valve, or the drive motor.

Need a repair pro?
Our partner pro call line is coming soon. Until then: if your appliance may still be under warranty, contact the manufacturer first. Otherwise, get two or three written quotes from local appliance repair companies, and ask about the diagnostic fee and the parts-and-labor warranty.

Verdict at a glance

Your situationWhat it usually meansOur verdict
Smiley/baby icon or CL lit; buttons dead; breaker or outlet off; extension cord; 4C with taps closed; dn code; top-loader just lost powerChild Lock, power, water, an update, or a waitβœ… Free fix
A door code (dC, dE, dS, LO) that returns with the door shut firmly; one button stuck (E2/bE2); 4C with taps openDoor lock or lid lock, a button, or the inlet valveπŸ”§ Usually worth repairing
Completely dead with power at the outlet; 3E/3C motor code; AE or SF/IE system code; washer 7+ years old and this is the second big repair in about 2 yearsBoard, motor, or wiringπŸ”§ for a lock or valve; ♻️ lean toward replacing for a board or motor on an older washer

Safety check before any DIY (30 seconds)

Stop and don't start the DIY steps below if any of these is true:

If none of these apply, the free checks below are safe for most owners.

Fix order at a glance (cheapest first)

OrderWhat to tryCostDIY tier
1Turn off Child LockFreeEasy
2Close the door or lid firmly; nothing caughtFreeEasy
3Outlet (lamp test), breaker off then on, no extension cord or surge protectorFreeEasy
4Wait: up to 5 minutes after a power loss (top-load); about 15 minutes for dnFreeEasy
5Taps fully open; hoses not kinked; clean the inlet filtersFreeEasy
6Unplug 60 seconds (or 2–3 minutes for other codes)FreeEasy
7Free a stuck button (E2 / bE2 / 6E2)FreeEasy
8Front-load with water inside: drain via the emergency hoseFreeModerate
9Door lock (front-load) or lid lock (top-load)Part, or pro visitModerate β†’ Advanced
10Water inlet valvePart, or pro visitAdvanced
11Display board or control boardPro visitAdvanced β†’ Pro only
12Drive motor or motor sensorPro visitPro only

DIY tiers: Easy (no tools) Β· Moderate (unplugged, basic tools) Β· Advanced (panels off, multimeter) Β· Pro only (boards, motors, or still under warranty).

Which Samsung washer do you have?

Look at the model label (check your manual for its location). Samsung's 2016 recall list shows top-load model numbers starting WA.

Model starts with (check label)TypeWhat matters for a start
WATop-loadChild Lock may not lock the lid on some top-loaders; if you open it mid-cycle, Samsung says it drains to a safe level. Up to 5 minutes to resume after a power loss
WF (check label)Front-loadChild Lock locks the door. A door lock that won't release can need an emergency drain first
FlexWash modelsTwo washers in oneSeparate Child Locks for each control panel
Samsung "2-in-1" modelsβ€”Two Power buttons; turn on the side you want to use

For other problems on the same washer, see Samsung washer not draining, Samsung washer not spinning, and Samsung washer leaking.

Five-minute checks before you call anyone

  1. Icons: smiley or baby = Child Lock. Padlock = door locked (normal while running). Clock = Delay Start (it's waiting).
  2. Child Lock off: hold the two labeled buttons until it chimes; hold again if the icon flashes.
  3. Door: open, check for clothing in the seal or latch, close firmly.
  4. Power: plug a lamp into the same outlet. Breaker off, then on. Unplug any extension cord or surge protector.
  5. Water: both taps fully open.
  6. Moisture: Samsung says moisture inside the control panel (for example, from a humid laundry room) can stop buttons working; let it dry.
  7. Reset: unplug for 60 seconds, plug in, power on, and listen for the door click.

How to know it's fixed: you hear the door lock click and water starts to fill.

What Samsung's own pages say vs. each other

Samsung's support pages give different steps for the same problem:

Samsung buttons, power, and start/fill pages (TSG10007308, TSG10007300, TSG10007105)Samsung error-code page (TSG10000997) and Child Lock page (ANS10001017)
How long to unplug60 seconds1 minute for a 4C no-fill code; 2–3 minutes for other codes
Turning off Child LockPress and hold both Child Lock buttons until it chimesOn models with "Temporary off", the first hold only flashes the icon and unlocks for 1 minute, then re-locks; hold again to turn it off fully
Does Child Lock lock the door?Front-loaders: yes; restarting doesn't turn Child Lock offSome top-loaders: no, but the washer drains to a safe level if you open the lid
What "dC" meansDoor error (dC, dC1, dC* on some models)On some older models, an unbalanced-load code; ddC/dC3 is the Add Door on models that have one

Our take: start with a 60-second unplug; if a code is showing, use 2–3 minutes. For Child Lock, hold the two buttons and watch the icon: if it flashes, hold again. Always read dC against your own manual, because Samsung uses it for different things on different models.

Samsung washer codes and signs that stop a start

Code / signWhat Samsung saysFirst fix (free)If it continuesDIY tier
Smiley/baby icon, CLChild Lock onHold both labeled buttons until chime; again if flashingDisplay boardEasy β†’ Advanced
dS, d5, FL, LO, L0, dE, dE1, dE2, dC, dC1, dL, 1dCDoor not secure (with Child Lock on and water in the tub, it drains if not fixed in 30 seconds)Re-close; clear the seal and latchDoor lock / lid lockEasy β†’ Moderate
ddC / dC3Add DoorClose the small Add DoorAdd Door switchEasy
4C, 4E, nFNot fillingBoth taps fully open, hoses not kinked; unplug 1 minute; clean inlet filtersInlet valveEasy β†’ Advanced
9C1, 9C2, PF, 3E, UCVoltage problemOwn circuit; no extension cordElectrician / boardEasy β†’ Pro
E2, bE2, 6E2A button stuckPower off; press each button to free itDisplay boardEasy β†’ Advanced
dnDownloading an update (about 15 minutes)WaitService if over 30 minutesEasy
3E, 3C, E3Motor errorPower off 2–3 minutesMotor or wiringPro only
bE / 6EMotor speed sensorPower off 2–3 minutesSensorPro only
AECommunication errorPower off 2–3 minutesBoard / wiringPro only
SF, IESystem errorPower off 2–3 minutesBoardPro only
Clock iconDelay Start setCancel the delayβ€”Easy

Which part each symptom points at:

SymptomPart most often involvedDIY tier
Door code returns with the door firmly shutDoor lock (front-load) or lid lock (top-load)Moderate
One or more buttons dead, Child Lock offDisplay (control panel) boardAdvanced
Washer completely dead with power at the outletControl board, after a power checkPro only
4C with taps open and clean filtersWater inlet valveAdvanced
3E/3C/bE codes after a resetDrive motor or motor sensorPro only

Codes and checks from Samsung US support pages (sources 1–5). The part mapping is our own from these sources and the Sears PartsDirect catalog.

Diagnose by symptom β†’ likely part

Before you touch parts: Unplug the washer. Turn off both taps. Front-loader with water inside: drain it from the emergency hose first.

1. Door code with the door firmly closed

Likely cause: a failed door lock (front-load) or lid lock (top-load).

DIY difficulty: Moderate.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Door lock (front-load)Locks the door and tells the board it's lockedModerate
Lid lock (top-load)Same, for the lidModerate

2. Buttons dead, Child Lock off, panel dry

Likely cause: the display (control panel) board, or a button stuck down (E2/bE2).

DIY difficulty: Advanced.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Display boardReads the buttons and knobAdvanced

3. Completely dead, outlet tested good

Likely cause: the main control board, or wiring between the plug and the board.

DIY difficulty: Pro only.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Control board (main PCB)Runs the motor, valves, lock, and pumpPro only

4. 4C/4E/nF with taps open and filters clean

Likely cause: the water inlet valve.

DIY difficulty: Advanced.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Water inlet valveLets hot and cold water inAdvanced

5. Fills, then a motor code (3E/3C/E3, bE)

Likely cause: the drive motor, its sensor, or the wiring.

DIY difficulty: Pro only.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Drive motorTurns the drum or pulsatorPro only

Child Lock, door, power, taps, and the reset all done, still won't start? A technician can test the lock, boards, valve, and motor in one visit.
Partner pro call line coming soon. See “who services” below for your options.
Independent partner service, not Samsung. We may be paid when you call.

Recalls

We checked the CPSC site on 2026-10-30:

This recall isn't about starting, but if your washer is on the list, use the recall remedy rather than paying for an unrelated repair on the same machine. Search your exact model at cpsc.gov/Recalls.

Prevent it next time

Related guides: Samsung washer not draining Β· Samsung washer not spinning Β· Samsung washer leaking Β· Samsung dryer not starting Β· Whirlpool washer not starting Β· Samsung microwave not heating

What Samsung's warranty covers on a washer

Per Samsung's US home appliance warranty page (see Sources); terms vary by model and purchase date, so check your own warranty card:

PeriodWhat's coveredWho pays labor
Year 1Parts and laborSamsung
10 years on the Digital Inverter MotorFor washers bought on or after April 1, 2026; receipt requiredCheck the terms
Year 2 (promotion)Samsung advertises a free "2-year" manufacturer warranty for eligible purchases July 9 – December 31, 2026 at participating retailers; the fine print says this is a one-year extension of the standard one-year warranty, claimed online (redeemed through SmartThings)Per the promotion terms

What this means for a washer that won't start: in year 1, a failed door lock, board, valve, or motor is covered. Samsung's exclusions include improper installation, power surges, misuse, routine maintenance, unauthorized repairs, and commercial use, so a problem caused by the outlet or wiring usually isn't a warranty repair. Keep your proof of purchase.

β†’ Samsung support: 1-800-726-7864

Before you pay for any repair: a 4-point check

  1. Warranty: year 1; the 10-year motor term if your washer qualifies; the 2026 one-year extension promotion; retailer or credit-card extended protection.
  2. Recalls: check the 2016 top-load recall, then search cpsc.gov/Recalls.
  3. Free fixes done: Child Lock, door, outlet and breaker, taps, wait times, reset.
  4. Written quote: ask for part, labor, and trip fee separately, and which part tested bad.

What it costs: repair parts and pro service (2026)

How we price this table: DIY part prices are Samsung-format (DC-prefix) part numbers listed on Sears PartsDirect public search pages for "samsung washer …" searches (S-list under Sources), USD before tax and shipping. Strikes, hinges, dryer parts, and other-brand numbers were excluded. Pro costs tagged [GUIDE] come from two US cost guides (Fixr = G1, HomeGuide = G2): national averages for washers in general, not Samsung-specific quotes.

RepairPart cost (DIY)Typical pro cost (parts + labor)Notes
Child Lock, door, power, taps, wait, reset$0β€”Do these first
Door lock (front-load)$31.03–$204.06 (DC34-00026B to DC64-02032A) [S1][GUIDE] door lock $110–$200 (G1); door lock or lid switch $100–$300 (G2)Match your model
Lid lock (top-load)DC34-00025E $141.42, DC34-00025G $188.24 [S2][GUIDE] lid switch $85–$160 (G1); door lock or lid switch $100–$300 (G2)
Display (control panel) board$61.80–$374.91 (DC92-01862B to DC92-01311B) [S3b]Varies β€” get a quote (not itemized separately in G1/G2)
Main control board$225.63–$480.13 (DC92-00736A to DC92-02862B) [S3, S3b][GUIDE] motherboard $250–$400 (G1); control board $350–$550 (G2)Diagnose first
Water inlet valve$81.26–$209.11 (DC62-30314K to DC33-01002A) [S4][GUIDE] inlet valve $95–$190 (G1); water inlet valve $100–$300 (G2)Only if it won't fill
Drive motor$235.20–$486.65 (DC93-00309B to DC31-00002D) [S5][GUIDE] motor $300–$500 (G1); motor $300–$700 (G2)
Motor sensor (hall sensor)Varies β€” get a quoteVaries β€” get a quoteModel-specific
"Won't start" repair, overallβ€”[GUIDE] washer won't start $200–$400 (G1)Fixr's problem-based figure
Service visitβ€”[GUIDE] diagnosis $50–$100 (G1); minimum fee $70–$130, then $50–$125/hr (G2)
New washerβ€”[GUIDE] replacement $650–$2,100 (G1); new washer $700–$1,300 (G2)

Part prices checked 2026-10-30 on Sears PartsDirect public search pages (S1–S5). Pro-cost cells tagged [GUIDE] from G1 (Fixr) and G2 (HomeGuide), re-read 2026-10-30; [GUIDE] figures are national averages, not Samsung-specific quotes. Prices change; confirm with your model number.

Tip: tell the tech your model number, the exact code, whether the door clicks, and whether it fills.

Repair vs. replace calculator

1. What's the all-in repair cost? β†’ R = trip/diagnostic fee + part + labor + tax, minus anything Samsung's warranty (or a recall) covers
2. What does a comparable new washer cost, all-in? β†’ N = unit + delivery + installation + haul-away
3. How old is your washer, and how long should it last? β†’ Age and Life (HomeGuide says washers last 8–13 years; use 10 if you don't know)
4. How much have you spent on repairs in the last 2 years? β†’ Past

Step A β€” Cost ratio: R Γ· N
Step B β€” Life used: Age Γ· Life
Step C β€” Repeat-repair check: (R + Past) Γ· N

Life used under 50%Life used over 50%
Repair under 50% of newβœ… RepairπŸ€” Repair is usually fine. Check for other wear
Repair over 50% of newπŸ€” Get a second quote first❌ Replace

Repeat-repair rule: if Step C is over 50%, lean toward replacing. HomeGuide says replacing is usually cheaper for a washer 7–10 years old that needs frequent repairs. If the part is no longer available for your model, replace.

Worked example 1 (illustrative numbers): A Samsung front-loader's buttons do nothing and a smiley icon is lit. Holding the two Child Lock buttons until the chime fixes it. R = $0.
β†’ Not a repair.

Worked example 2 (illustrative numbers): A 4-year-old Samsung front-loader shows a door code every time, even with the door firmly shut. A tech replaces the door lock: R = $200; N = $1,000.
200 Γ· 1,000 = 20%; life used 4 Γ· 10 = 40% β†’ Repair.

Worked example 3 (illustrative numbers): An 8-year-old Samsung top-loader is completely dead with a good outlet. The control board quote is $520, a year after a lid lock ($200): N = $900.
520 Γ· 900 = 58% (inside the 50–60% second-quote zone); life used 8 Γ· 10 = 80%; repeat check (520 + 200) Γ· 900 = 80% β†’ Replace.

Tips toward replacing: a board or motor on an older washer, repeat repairs, or parts no longer sold for your model.
Tips toward repairing: it's a door lock, lid lock, or valve; the washer is under about 7 years old; or it's in year 1 or within the 10-year motor term.

Why 50%? It's the common rule of thumb for appliances. Some technician checklists draw the line a little higher, at about 60% of a new washer's price, so treat a repair that costs 50–60% of new as a second-quote zone, not an automatic replace.

Who services Samsung washers near you

1. Samsung (warranty). Call 1-800-726-7864 or start a request on Samsung's US support site. Have your model and serial number and proof of purchase ready.

2. A partner appliance pro (out of warranty).
Our call line connects you with an independent appliance repair provider in your area. Tell them your model number, the code, whether the door clicks, and what you've already tried.

Need a repair pro?
Our partner pro call line is coming soon. Until then: if your appliance may still be under warranty, contact the manufacturer first. Otherwise, get two or three written quotes from local appliance repair companies, and ask about the diagnostic fee and the parts-and-labor warranty.

Questions to ask any technician:

Optional: is an appliance warranty worth it?

A home warranty (service contract) can cover repairs for a yearly fee plus a per-visit service fee. Read the exclusions carefully: plans often exclude power surges, cosmetic parts, and pre-existing problems.

FAQ

Why won't my Samsung washer start?
Samsung says it's usually Child Lock. Also check the door or lid is latched, the outlet and breaker, that both taps are open, and any code on the display.

How do I turn off Child Lock on a Samsung washer?
Press and hold the two buttons labeled for Child Lock until it chimes. On models with "Temporary off," the icon flashes after the first hold; hold again to turn it off fully.

How do I reset a Samsung washer?
Unplug it, or switch off the breaker, for 60 seconds. Samsung's error-code page uses 2–3 minutes for other codes.

Why won't my Samsung top-loader start after a power outage?
Samsung says a top-loader that lost power mid-cycle can take up to 5 minutes to unlock and resume.

What does dn mean on a Samsung washer?
It's downloading a software update, which takes about 15 minutes. Samsung says to call for service if it lasts over 30 minutes.

Why are my Samsung washer's buttons not working?
Child Lock is the usual cause. Samsung also says moisture in the control panel can stop the buttons; let it dry. An E2 or bE2 code means a button is stuck.

How much does it cost to fix a Samsung washer that won't start?
Often nothing. When we checked Sears PartsDirect on 2026-10-30, Samsung front-load door locks listed at about $31 to $204. Fixr puts a "won't start" repair at $200 to $400.

About the author

Fix It or Replace editorial team β€” We research appliance repairs using manufacturer documentation, parts-supplier data, and current US cost guides, and we cite every source below. We are not appliance technicians; for electrical, board, or motor repairs, call a qualified pro.
Last updated: 2026-10-30.

Sources

  1. Samsung US support troubleshooting page TSG10007308, washer buttons not working ( won't start, buttons won't respond, or knob won't change = usually Child Lock; hold the two Child Lock buttons, hold again if the icon flashes; moisture in the control panel; some settings not available on every cycle; unplug 60 seconds). https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10007308/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  2. Samsung US support troubleshooting page TSG10007105, washer will not start or fill ( door locks; Child Lock locks the door on front-loaders; door can't be opened for 1 minute after a pause once water is supplied; top-loaders that lost power take up to 5 minutes to unlock and resume; listen for the click; front-loaders: drain from the emergency hose by the pump filter). https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10007105/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  3. Samsung US support troubleshooting page TSG10007300, washer power issues ( grounded 120 V three-prong outlet on a 20-amp circuit; lamp test; dedicated laundry circuit; tripped breaker can look on; no surge protector; 2-in-1 models have two Power buttons; unplug or breaker off 60 seconds). https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10007300/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  4. Samsung US support troubleshooting page TSG10000997, washer error codes ( door codes dS, d5, FL, LO, L0, dE, dE1, dE2, dC, dC1, dL, 1dC, drains if not fixed in 30 seconds; ddC/dC3 Add Door; 4C/4E/nF no fill, unplug 1 minute, clean inlet filters; 9C1/9C2/PF/3E/UC voltage; E2/bE2/6E2 stuck button; dn update about 15 minutes, service if over 30; 3E/3C/E3 motor; bE/6E motor speed sensor; AE communication; SF/IE system; other codes: power off 2–3 minutes; icons). https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10000997/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  5. Samsung US support answer ANS10001017, washer Child Lock ( two labeled buttons, hold until chime; smiling lock or baby icon; CL; Temporary off unlocks 1 minute then re-locks, hold again to turn off; front-loaders lock the door and restarting doesn't disable it; some top-loaders don't lock the lid but drain to a safe level; FlexWash separate locks). https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10001017/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  6. Samsung US home appliance warranty page (1-year parts and labor; 10-year Digital Inverter Motor for washers bought on or after 4/1/26 with receipt; limited-time "2-year" warranty for purchases July 9–December 31, 2026 at participating retailers, which the fine print describes as a one-year extension of the original one-year warranty; exclusions incl. improper installation, power surges, misuse, routine maintenance, unauthorized repairs, commercial use; 1-800-726-7864). https://www.samsung.com/us/home-appliances/warranty/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  7. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: "Samsung Recalls Top-Load Washing Machines" (November 4, 2016; recall 17-028; about 2.8 million; 34 models; top can detach; sold March 2011–November 2016; free in-home repair, rebate, or refund; 866-264-5636). https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/samsung-recalls-top-load-washing-machines (accessed 2026-10-30) Β· recalls search https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
  8. Federal Trade Commission: endorsement and affiliate disclosure guidance. https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking
  9. Part prices (Sears PartsDirect, S-list) and repair cost guides (Fixr G1, HomeGuide G2), see lists below (accessed 2026-10-30).

Part price sources (Sears PartsDirect public search results for "samsung washer …", USD, accessed 2026-10-30; Samsung-format DC numbers only; prices change, confirm with your model number):

Pro-cost guide sources [GUIDE] (US national averages, parts + labor, not brand-specific quotes; the guide pages carry 2023–2025 dates, so local quotes may differ):

Disclosure

Fix It or Replace is an independent site. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Samsung. "Samsung" is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to describe the products we cover.

We don't publish fake reviews or testimonials, and we never present a tracking phone number as a specific local business.