What error code OE means on a Samsung washing machine

Is your Samsung washer displaying error code OE? Don’t worry, this is a problem that you can fix yourself without the need for a costly service call and we’re here to help you do it!

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What the error code means

The washing machine has detected a problem with the water level sensor. This sensor is responsible for monitoring the water level during the wash cycle.

The water level sensor is reporting that the water level has reached or exceeded the overflow level. This can happen if there is an issue with the water inlet valve, a blockage in the drain line, or a problem with the water level sensor.

When the OE error is detected, the washing machine will automatically start draining the water from the tub to lower the water level below the reset level.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 

Troubleshooting steps

Check the water inlet valve

1. Locate the water supply valve(s) on the back of the washing machine.
2. Using a multimeter, check the resistance across the terminals of the water supply valve.
3. The expected resistance should be between 1.0kΩ to 1.2kΩ.
4. If the resistance is outside this range, the water supply valve may be faulty and need replacement.
5. Visually inspect the valve filters and fill hoses for any foreign material or debris.
6. If you find any obstructions or damage, clean it thoroughly or replace the water supply valve.

Test the water valve at the board

1. Locate the water valve coil connector (CN2) on the main control board.
2. Measure the resistance between pin #1 of CN2 and pins #1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 of the CN3 connector.
3. The expected resistance should be around 1.18kΩ.
4. If the resistance is significantly different, the water valve coil is faulty and needs replacement.

Inspect the water level sensor

1. Check the wiring and connections between the water level sensor and the main control board.
2. Ensure that the sensor is not obstructed and can freely move within the tub.
3. Use a multimeter to test the resistance of the water level sensor at different water levels. The resistance should change as the water level changes.
4. If the sensor is not functioning properly, it will need to be replaced.

Check the drain line

1. Inspect the entire length of the drain line for any damage, clogs, or blockages that could be preventing the water from draining properly.
2. Clear any obstructions found in the drain line.
3. Ensure the drain line is properly secured and routed to allow for unobstructed water flow.

Reset the washing machine

1. If the above steps do not resolve the OE error, try resetting the washing machine by unplugging it from the power source for a few minutes, then plugging it back in.
2. This can sometimes clear any temporary errors or glitches in the system. Otherwise, the main control board may need to be replaced. 

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Samsung washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

Be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!