How to Troubleshoot & Replace Samsung AP5800406 / DD81-01544A Dishwasher Door Seal Sensor

Replaced ECS sensor 1) turn off water and electric. 2) unhook water and electric from the dishwasher 3) pull Dishwasher out and lie dishwasher on its back 4) take out the two screws on the bottom 5) pry off section that the screws attached to(not the whole big black plastica bottom just a section of it). 6) locate ECS sensor twist ECS sensor and unhook from Electric 7) place new or old seal on new ECS sensor 8) twist in and hook up to Dishwasher 9) replace panel place dishwasher upright and slide back into place 10) hook up water and electric turn both on and Go and Pray! 

Had the first two lights blinking (Smart Auto and Normal buttons) which according to the owner's manual indicates high temperature heating error. I fixed this by replacing the ECS sensor. However it may have been as easy as cleaning the existing ECS already in the dishwasher. When I pulled the old one out, it had "gunk" on it. I didn't think about cleaning it and trying it until after the fact, but might be worth a shot if you are getting that error. Also, I had a Sears repairman come out first and he told me I needed a whole new control board. That was not the problem at all. Also was told I likely need a new "brake". But I didn't replace that. Installation was pretty simple. Turned dishwasher on its back to get to the bottom. Two screws to take off the cover. Then it's a matter of finding the existing sensor, disconnecting it, then twisting it out. No screws to mess with there. A very easy fix. Wish I would have found this site before I paid the repairman to give me the wrong diagnosis. 

After researching the error code I forum the part at appliancepros.com and ordered the part and the o-ring that was recommended. The repair was pretty straight forward I removed the dishwasher form the cabinet and then removed the right side panel. I located the defective sensor and replaced it after I vacuumed out the dishwasher tub that was full of water. Upon removing the sensor there was still some water in the lower casing of the dishwasher that could not be vacuumed out. After replacing the sensor I powered the dishwasher on and the first error code cleared but a second appeared. As it turns out the dishwasher has a anti flood feature in the event of a water leak it shuts down and the pump comes on to prevent the unit from flooding your kitchen. I had to turn the unit on its side and remove the water sensor and dry it off. All is fine now. 

Replaced A/S Assy-Sensor ECS;DW80 and its seal. 

Followed YouTube video instructions, replaced the ECS sensor. Took 5-6 minutes start to finish with a phillips screwdriver & needle-nosed pliers. Very easy! New sensor install was a breeze. Turned everything back on and it works like new. 

1. Disconnect power 2. Remove drain hose from garbage disposal 3. Remove 2 screws anchoring dishwasher to counter 4. Remove kick panel 2 screws 5. pull out dishwasher and lay on back 6. remove 2 screws black plastic panel middle of bottom of dishwasher, pry off panel by going around edge and popping out each side. Do not remove overflow sensor in panel you are removing. 7. Locate ECS sensor loosen by hand or small pump pliers, remove. 8. Replace ECS sensor and gasket. 9. Reverse steps to reinstall dishwasher and power up. It took me about 15-20 minutes max. 

It took a total of 30 minutes to fix my dishwasher. Turn of circuit breaker, turn off water to dishwasher, disconnect both from dishwasher. Then pull out and turn it on its back. Two screws to remove the bottom panel and then it's a quick swap of 45degree turn parts and reverse your disassembly. 

Unhooked dishwasher, pulled it out and placed it on it's back, unscrewed cover panel, found sensor and associated plug, turned sensor counter clockwise with needle nose pliers and placed new sensor and o-ring in and turned clockwise, attached cover panel and installed dishwasher, enjoyed with cold beer in hand that I only spent $40 to make the repair myself! Thank you for the fast shipping and helpful tips. I will definitely be using you guys again when another repair is needed! 

Followed advice from AppliancePartsPros.com and was an easy fix. I ordered the recommended parts and the repair was a breeze. 

Unplugged unit. Removed all the water out of the internal pan. Took of outer panel on right side of unit facing unit Removed sensor and O-ring.- they are attached to the bottom of the central drain pan. sensor is hand tightened 1/8 turn. very simple to remove. Replaced with new part. Reassembled - it runs great. Hardest part is my hands were large for small space.