Samsung dishwashers display a variety of error codes, and most of them point to an issue you should fix almost immediately. One such code is the Samsung dishwasher error code OC, which may appear as 0C or OE, depending on the model.
Generally, the OC error code on a Samsung dishwasher appears when the appliance senses more water than it should. That often points to a drain issue, which you must address.
It could be that the dishwasher won’t drain because of a blocked drain hose, filter, sump (or drain pump), sink-drain connection, or water inlet valve. But still, it could be a result of a defective water-level switch or electronic control board.
Once you recognize and fix one of those issues, you should be able to clear the OC error code from your dishwasher’s display, and I’ll walk you through the fixes in this guide. But first, let me explain what the OC error code means and its causes.
Let’s dive in!
In a hurry? Below is a quick troubleshooting guide for the OC error on Samsung dishwasher:
Quick Troubleshooting Guide for the Samsung Dishwasher Error Code OC
| – | Likely Cause | Applicable Fix |
| 1. | Blocked Drain Hose | Straighten out kinks, bends, and twists from the drain hose and vacuum it to eliminate clogging. |
| 2. | Blocked Filter | Clean the filter with soapy warm water and a soft-bristle brush or cloth. |
| 3. | Obstructed Drain Pump | Clean the drain pump with soapy warm water. |
| 4. | Clogged Sink-Drain Connection | Check the sink-drain connection for clogging and unclog it. |
| 5. | Clogged Water Inlet Valve | Take out the water inlet valve and thoroughly clean it. |
| 6. | Defective Water-Level Switch | Replace the water-level switch if it won’t pass the multimeter continuity test. |
| 7. | Defective Electronic Control Board | Change the electronic control board as your last option. |
What Does the Code OC Mean On a Samsung Dishwasher?
The error code OC is an over-level water error code that appears when the washer detects excess water. Sometimes, this error code is accompanied by a beep to show its seriousness and often relates to a drainage problem.
It means that your dishwasher can’t drain properly, and so much of the water is retained, surpassing the expected levels. But still, as we’ll see next, there are other non-draining issues you can’t overlook.
What Causes the Error Code OC On Samsung Dishwasher?
Generally, here are the most likely triggers of the error code OC on a Samsung dishwasher:
1. Blocked Drain Hose
If there’s a blockage within the drain hose, water won’t drain and will remain in the dishwasher, triggering the OC error code. Overall, the drain hose blockage could be due to any of these issues:
- Clogging by debris or dirt
- Kinking or bending due to insufficient clearance between the dishwasher back and the wall
- Pinching by an object
2. Blocked Dishwasher Filter
Your dishwasher might also fail to drain properly due to a clogged filter. The filter is likely to accumulate food, debris, and other clogs over time, and to avoid clogging; it’s advisable to clean it as often as possible.
If you don’t, the dishwasher will have difficulty draining, and more water will remain in the tub, prompting the OC error code. You may need to remove the dishwasher filter to check it for obstruction.
3. Obstructed Drain Pump
The drain pump’s role is to pump out water from the dishwasher. If it doesn’t, the undrained water will remain in the tub, which could trigger the OC error code to pop up.
Over time, however, the drain pump accumulates dirt and detergent residues, clogging it and interfering with its pumping performance. So, you ought to check it for clogging.
4. Clogged Sink-Drain Connection
Another area where food debris is likely to accumulate and interfere with drainage is the connection between the sink and the dishwasher drains. Hence, you’ve to check this connection.
The OC error may appear once the dishwasher sensors detect that this connection is blocked and the water won’t drain.
5. Clogged Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve may also clog up with dirt or food debris, and when it does, it restricts water movement out of the dishwasher. Once that happens, the water level in the dishwasher surpasses the accepted limits, which triggers the error code OC.
6. Defective Water-Level Switch
The work of the water-level switch is to monitor the dishwasher’s water level and regulates its internal temperature. That doesn’t happen, however, when the button starts to malfunction.
The problem with a malfunctioning water-level switch is that it cannot control how much water goes in and out of the dishwasher, and sometimes the dishwasher may over-fill or drain, prompting the OC error code.
7. Defective Electronic Control Board
The last consideration is the electronic control board (ECB). Though this has nothing to do with drainage directly, the fact that the ECB controls all other functions means it’s likely to trigger an error code when it malfunctions. Sometimes the OC error code indicates you should replace the ECB or call a pro.
How to Fix Samsung Dishwasher Error Code OC?
Now that you know the possible causes of the OC error code on a Samsung dishwasher, you can go ahead with the fix, and here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1 – Check the drain hose for blockage
Carefully examine the drain hose for kinks, bends, and pinches, and straighten it out. It may mean moving the dishwasher slightly away from the wall to create enough clearance between them.
And if the drain hose is clogged, clean it, preferably using a vacuum cleaner.
Step 2 – Inspect the dishwasher filter for clogging
If nothing is wrong with the drain hose, check the dishwasher filter for clogging and clean it. Preferably, use warm water with dishwasher soap and scrub it using a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush.
Step 3 – Examine the drain pump for obstruction
The drain pump could also be dirt-obstructed. If so, clean it using warm water with dishwashing soap and a soft-bristled brush. Where applicable, use a low-pressure vacuum cleaner.
Step 4 – Clean the sink-drain connection
Given that food debris may hide at the connection between the sink and the dishwasher drain, consider checking it out and cleaning it. Ensure you remove all the clogs before running the dishwasher.
Step 5 – Unclog the water inlet valve if it’s clogged
Don’t forget to check the water inlet valve for clogging too. If the valve is dirt-clogged, clean it. You’ll need to remove the valve to check and clean it.
Step 6 – Test the water-level switch for continuity
If you still cannot find the fault up to this point, consider checking the water-level switch for continuity using a multimeter. If the water-level switch has no continuity, replace it. But if it does, move to step 7 (the last step).
Step 7 – Replace the electronic control board
What remains now is the electronic control board, which you must replace if it’s defective. Naturally, this comes as a last resort – after ruling out all the other issues.
People Also Ask
1. Why Is My Samsung Dishwasher Beeping and Saying OC?
Your Samsung dishwasher is beeping and saying OC because it’s detecting excess water. This over-level water error code mostly points to a drainage issue. In that case, check your dishwasher for drain clogging and clean it to clear the fault code.
2. How Do I Reset My Samsung Dishwasher Code?
You can reset an error code on a Samsung dishwasher by unplugging the appliance for 1-5 minutes. If that doesn’t work, hold down ‘Start/Reset’ for a few seconds to clear the code.
3. How Do I Turn Off the Control Lock On My Samsung Dishwasher?
You can turn off Control Lock on a Samsung dishwasher by closing its door while plugged in and pressing the Control Lock or Multi-tab button for about 3 seconds. If that doesn’t work, hard reset (plug it out for 1-5 minutes) the dishwasher.
4. How Do I Clean the Filter On My Samsung Dishwasher?
You must take out the filter on your Samsung dishwasher before cleaning it. Once you determine it’s clogged, use warm water with dish soap to clean it and scrub it with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush. You’ll need to dry it out before reinstalling it in the dishwasher.
5. Why Is My Samsung Dishwasher Beeping and Won’t Turn Off?
Your Samsung dishwasher only beeps but won’t turn off because something is amiss. This error code indicates that the leak sensor is detecting moisture, and if so, the detected moisture is preventing the dishwasher from running normally.
You’ll need to check the dishwasher for leakage and fix it to fix this error, but an expert can help you if you can’t do it.
6. Do Samsung Dishwashers Have a Filter That Needs to Be Cleaned?
Like other brands, Samsung dishwashers have filters that need cleaning when clogged. That is something to do routinely to prevent any draining or cleaning issues. If you don’t clean the filter, your Samsung dishwasher may fail to clean the dishes properly or drain wastewater.
7. Why Does My Samsung Dishwasher Shut Off After a Few Minutes?
Because of a short fuse, your Samsung dishwasher may shut off after a few minutes. That could result from a loose connection, breakage, or excess clogging, which you must check out and replace the fuse.
8. Why is My Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining at the End of the Cycle?
Because of the blockage, your Samsung dishwasher won’t drain at the end of the cycle. That includes a clogged, pinched, kinked, or bent drain hose, which you must unblock. But still, the drain pump could malfunction, perhaps from excessive clogging or an issue with the water inlet valve.
Closing Thought:
As shared, the Samsung dishwasher error code OC is an over-level water error that pops up when your Samsung dishwasher detects too much water. That often happens due to a drainage issue, such as the obstruction of the drain hose, sump (drain pump), sink-drain connection, or inlet valve. And if that’s not the case, it could be a malfunctioning water-level switch or electronic control board.
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