Samsung DE Error
The DE error code on Samsung washing machines typically means the machine believes the door is open – even when it is visibly closed. This guide explains what causes the DE error and how to diagnose whether the door lock, door latch, wiring, or PCB is responsible before replacing any parts.
DE on a Samsung washing machine means the machine thinks the door is open – it is not getting power passed through the door lock. The cause may be a faulty door lock, a worn or broken door latch, a loose wire connection, or in rare cases a PCB fault. Check the simpler causes first before replacing parts.
Mains voltage is present at the door lock. Always disconnect from the mains before handling any internal component.
Does a DE Error Mean the Door Lock Is Faulty?
Not necessarily. Replacing the door lock does not always resolve a DE error. The Washerhelp forum contains a documented example of this: Samsung washing machine DE error discussion.
Before replacing the door lock, work through the possible causes systematically.
What to Check Before Replacing the Door Lock
Is the Door Closing and Latching Properly?
When the door closes, the latch on the door pushes into the door lock body and should click firmly. This physical action operates a component inside the lock that activates it – simultaneously locking the door and passing power through to the rest of the machine. If the door latch is worn, broken, or has a spring displaced, it may not push the lock mechanism far enough to activate it – even if the door appears to close normally.
A door that has dropped slightly at the hinge due to wear may also fail to align properly with the lock, preventing reliable activation. Check whether the door latch aligns squarely with the lock opening when closed.
Is the Lock Mechanism Stiff or Sticky?
It is possible for a door to close and latch mechanically without fully activating the electrical lock inside. If the lock mechanism has stiffened over time, a small amount of WD40 sprayed into the lock opening may free it. It is also worth trying to gently wiggle the door up and down once closed – on some machines this can engage a partially stuck lock mechanism.
Is There a Wiring or Connection Problem?
A DE error can also be caused by a loose, broken, or corroded wire on the door lock – either on the supply feed to the lock, the neutral return, or the wire carrying power from the lock to the rest of the machine once it has activated. Check all connections to the door lock for security and any visible damage before replacing the lock itself.
Could It Be a PCB Fault?
In some cases the fault lies in the main PCB rather than the door lock. However, PCBs are expensive and non-returnable if the fault is elsewhere. Do not replace the PCB without being certain it is the cause of the fault – exhaust all other possibilities first.
Main PCBs are very expensive and non-refundable if the part turns out not to be the fault. Only replace the PCB after all other causes have been ruled out by systematic testing.
Further help
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the DE error code mean on a Samsung washing machine?
DE means the machine believes the door is open – it is not receiving the confirmation signal from the door lock that the door is properly closed and locked. This can happen even when the door appears fully shut, because the error refers to the electrical state of the door lock, not the physical position of the door.
Will replacing the door lock fix the DE error?
Not always. A DE error can be caused by a worn door latch, a misaligned door, a connection or wiring fault, or a PCB issue – none of which will be resolved by fitting a new lock. Check all other possible causes systematically before purchasing a replacement. See the Washerhelp forum discussion for a documented case: Samsung washing machine DE error.
Could the DE error be caused by the door hinge?
Yes. A door that has dropped at the hinge due to wear may no longer align accurately with the door lock, preventing the latch from fully activating the lock mechanism. If the door appears to close but the latch does not click firmly into position, check whether the door is sitting level and whether the hinge shows signs of play or wear.
Is it safe to check the door lock myself?
Visual inspection of the door lock and latch with the machine unplugged is safe. Do not reach into the machine to touch the door lock while it is connected to the mains – mains voltage is present at the lock. Always disconnect from the power supply before handling any internal component.
12 Comments
Grouped into 9 comment threads.
1 reply Hi! I have a Samsung WF0500NXW Wash Machine with dE Error. The Door Switch was ok but i changed it anyway, check and misured wire from connector to PCB main control, check Drain Pump, Water Main and Pre Valve, Motor Brush, Replaced PCB Sub (Display) card and check Door Relay contact on Main PCB Card... but Fauly remain the same...
1 reply Hi my is a top loader and i get this DE error on the screen, some one could help me please?
Hi my is a top loader and i get this DE error on the screen, some one could help me please?
Likely replying to Roddy
Hello Roddy. If it is made by Samsung we can only assume the DE error is the same As the one described in the article. If it is then the help is in the article but to be honest it was written with frontloading washing machines in mind. The top loading washing machine is different but it still has an interlock telling the machine when the lid is properly closed.
1 reply I have just fixed the problem by taping a medium strength fridge magnet to the lid above where the magnet on the Inside right side of the front section of the lid is located. The extra magnet strength allowed the switch to be triggered when the lid closed.
I have just fixed the problem by taping a medium strength fridge magnet to the lid above where the magnet on the Inside right side of the front section of the lid is located. The extra magnet strength allowed the switch to be triggered when the lid closed.
0 replies Hi guys i have the front load samsung with the DE code i change tbe switch lock but the error still remains.I read Les says that a broken wire from the motor was the cause i alkready check continuity and semns to be ok.The fuse on the main board had continuity but not voltage at all.
Hi guys i have the front load samsung with the DE code i change tbe switch lock but the error still remains.I read Les says that a broken wire from the motor was the cause i alkready check continuity and semns to be ok.The fuse on the main board had continuity but not voltage at all.
0 replies Simple but stupid. The wire could be left unconnected. if you have removed the front panel and put it back together without reconnecting the wires the Dryer will turn on but will give you the DE error code.
Simple but stupid. The wire could be left unconnected. if you have removed the front panel and put it back together without reconnecting the wires the Dryer will turn on but will give you the DE error code.
0 replies Motor wire loom broken red or black wire will cause DE code just repaired look carefully not easy to spot if in doubt rewire . WF70F5E2W4W/EU also check motor rubber mounts common fault pron to wear thus causing wire problem After hrs of testing door lock heater valves etc the cause was broken wire how this relates to DE fault I don't know. Last month I also had DE code on Samsung 17kg washing machine caused by blocked pump that blew surface mounted fuse on main control PCB t 1.6am located in corner looks like small black chip Hope this info helps someone
Motor wire loom broken red or black wire will cause DE code just repaired look carefully not easy to spot if in doubt rewire . WF70F5E2W4W/EU also check motor rubber mounts common fault pron to wear thus causing wire problem
After hrs of testing door lock heater valves etc the cause was broken wire how this relates to DE fault I don’t know.
Last month I also had DE code on Samsung 17kg washing machine caused by blocked pump that blew surface mounted fuse on main control PCB t 1.6am located in corner looks like small black chip
Hope this info helps someone
0 replies Hello everyone i did have the similar problem of dE, then i read thsee post and suddenly trace my door hidge all with the mechanism of telling when the door is closed or not. I found a crawling insects inside trapped not allowing the mechanism to communicate proper.
Hello everyone i did have the similar problem of dE, then i read thsee post and suddenly trace my door hidge all with the mechanism of telling when the door is closed or not. I found a crawling insects inside trapped not allowing the mechanism to communicate proper.
0 replies If the door lock has burned out there is always the possibility that something shorted out and damaged the main pcb or some wiring somewhere.
If the door lock has burned out there is always the possibility that something shorted out and damaged the main pcb or some wiring somewhere.
0 replies Hi there, My Samsung front loader had the same problem. The door lock burnt out (literally black and melted) and the DE code was displayed. I replaced the interlock switch but it's still not working, the DE code is still there. I've tried resetting it etc... but still no luck. Does anyone have any more suggestions? Chris
Hi there,
My Samsung front loader had the same problem. The door lock burnt out (literally black and melted) and the DE code was displayed. I replaced the interlock switch but it’s still not working, the DE code is still there. I’ve tried resetting it etc… but still no luck. Does anyone have any more suggestions?
Chris
Hi! I have a Samsung WF0500NXW Wash Machine with dE Error.
The Door Switch was ok but i changed it anyway, check and misured wire from connector to PCB main control, check Drain Pump, Water Main and Pre Valve, Motor Brush, Replaced PCB Sub (Display) card and check Door Relay contact on Main PCB Card… but Fauly remain the same…
Likely replying to Salvo
Hello Salvo. Replacing parts hoping it will fix a fault can be very expensive and frustrating. Apart from a fault on the door latch not activating the door lock properly is seems like you’ve tried everything else. There’s nothing left to suggest except try an engineer I’m afraid.