Error Code Library
Updated
A door lock code means the washer could not confirm the door or lid is closed and locked. Something caught in the door, water left in the drum or a worn lock assembly is usually behind it.
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A washer door lock error code means the control could not confirm the door was shut and locked, or could not release it, so the cycle stops for safety.
Front-loaders lock the door before water goes in and keep it locked until the drum is empty. If the lock switch does not report back, the control shows a code such as LG dE, Samsung dC or Whirlpool F5 E2 and stops the cycle.
Top-loaders with a lid lock do the same during the spin. Clothing caught in the door seal, a bent latch or water still in the drum explain most cases before the lock itself fails.
A door that stays locked because water will not leave the drum is really a drain fault, explained under LG OE and Samsung 5C washer drain codes. If the lock itself has failed, the repair falls to washer door lock repair across North Carolina.
LG dE, Samsung dC and Whirlpool F5 E2 are the door lock codes people run into most, and the number after the letters usually tells you whether the door, the switch or the lock motor is at fault.
| Brand | Code | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | dE / dE1 / dE2 | Door open or door lock switch fault | Check it yourself first |
| Samsung | dC / dE / dE1 | Door not closed or door switch not detected | Check it yourself first |
| Samsung | LO / FL | Door could not lock or unlock | Stop and call |
| Whirlpool / Maytag | F5 E1 | Door or lid switch problem | Check it yourself first |
| Whirlpool / Maytag | F5 E2 | Door or lid could not lock | Check it yourself first |
| Whirlpool / Maytag | F5 E3 | Door or lid could not unlock | Stop and call |
| Frigidaire / Electrolux | E41 / E42 | Door open or door lock fault | Check it yourself first |
Codes are listed for identification. Meanings vary by model, so confirm the code in your owner’s manual.
Door lock codes fall into two groups: the washer cannot tell the door is shut, or the lock motor cannot move the latch. The code number on most brands tells you which one you have.
LG dE means the door is open or not detected as closed. dE1 points to the door switch and dE2 points to the lock itself on many front-loaders.
A front-load washer pushed against cabinets can leave the door slightly ajar. Pull the washer out a few inches, close the door firmly and restart.
Samsung dC means the door is not closed, and older models show dE. LO or FL means the washer tried to lock or unlock the door and could not.
On top-load Samsung washers, a lid lock code often clears after the lid is lifted, closed firmly and the washer is restarted.
Whirlpool-built washers split the fault three ways: F5 E1 is the door or lid switch, F5 E2 means the lock could not engage, and F5 E3 means it could not release.
A bent strike on the door, or a lid hinge pin that has worn loose, can trigger F5 E2 without any electrical fault.
Frigidaire and Electrolux washers show E41 when the door is open or not detected, and E42 when the lock does not engage. Clean the door strike and the seal lip before booking.
Most door lock codes come from something caught in the door or water left in the drum, so clear those before suspecting the lock.
Book a repair when the door still will not lock or release after a drain cycle and a power reset, or when:
Error Code FAQs
Door lock questions usually come from a washer that will not open after a stalled cycle, which is normal while water is still inside.
dE means the washer cannot confirm the door is closed. Clear anything caught in the seal, shut the door firmly and restart. If dE1 or dE2 keeps returning, the lock switch may need replacing.
Run a drain and spin cycle, then wait a few minutes for the lock to release. Some models have a manual release behind the pump filter cover; check your manual before using it.
F5 E3 means the door or lid could not unlock at the end of the cycle. Unplug the washer for one minute and try again. If it stays locked, call for service.
dC means the door is not closed or the washer cannot detect it. Check for clothing in the seal and close the door firmly. If dC returns, the door switch or lock may need service.
Most washers keep the door locked until the drum is empty and the drum has stopped. Run a drain and spin cycle, then wait a few minutes before trying again.
Tell the company the code, the model number and whether water is still in the drum.
Not affiliated with any brand
Brand names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to identify appliances. Appliance Repair North Carolina is not affiliated with, endorsed by or authorized by any appliance manufacturer. Error code meanings can change between models and production years, and not every code here has been checked against the manufacturer’s manual yet, so confirm a code in your owner’s manual before acting on it.
