Samsung Dishwasher LC Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It
Updated · from manufacturer service documentation
The LC code on a Samsung dishwasher shows up during the built-in Service Inspection self-test, and it means a spray nozzle isn't injecting water — the circulation motor runs the test but the machine doesn't detect water actually spraying. LC (paired with "LL") is one of several self-check steps built into the dishwasher's diagnostic mode, not a fault that appears mid-cycle on its own.
What Causes the LC Code
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY difficulty | Related part |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not enough water in the tub before the circulation self-test runs | Most common | Easy — re-run test after full fill | — |
| Spray nozzle blocked or arm obstructed (no water injected) | Common | Easy — inspect/clean nozzle | Spray nozzle / wash arm |
| Circulation motor (No.2, ~190W) not driving properly | Less common | Moderate — technician test | Circulation motor assembly |
| Low-level water sensor triggering early ("LL" + "LC" together) | Less common | Moderate — check sensor | Water level sensor |
How to Fix the LC Reading, Step by Step
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Enter Service Inspection Mode
Press and hold Heavy + Delicate + Power together for two seconds (DMT800/DMT610/DMT350/DW80F800 series) — or Heavy + Quick + Power on the DW80J3020 series. All LEDs light for two seconds, then the software version shows.
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Advance to test No.2 (the LC step)
Press the Normal button to step through the modes until the circulation-motor test (displayed as Lc) runs. The dishwasher runs Circulation Motor 2 and checks whether a nozzle is actually spraying water.
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Check water level first
If "LL" blinks together with "LC", the low-level sensor was triggered before the circulation motor started — meaning the tub didn't have enough water yet. Let the dishwasher finish filling and re-run the test.
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Inspect the spray nozzle and arm
With the tub empty and safe to access, check the lower spray arm/nozzle for a clog or obstruction that would stop water from being injected during the test.
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If water level is fine and the nozzle is clear — circulation motor
A motor that isn't turning correctly won't produce spray even with water present; this is a parts-and-multimeter job better left to a technician.
Which Models This Applies To
Documented across Samsung's dishwasher self-test procedure for the DMT800, DMT610, DMT350, DW80F800 series (LC = mode No.2, Circulation Motor 2 / 190W) and the DW80J3020 series (same "Lc" self-test step, Circulation Motor 2 on that platform).
Related self-test codes on the same screen: Ld — the second circulation motor (150W) fails the same nozzle-spray check; Hd — heater error found in the heating self-test step. Full list: all Samsung dishwasher error codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LC mean my dishwasher is broken?
Not necessarily. LC shows up while running the built-in self-test, often because the tub wasn't fully filled yet when the test reached that step — re-running the test after a full fill clears many LC readings.
Do I need to run Service Inspection Mode myself to see LC?
Yes — LC is part of a manual diagnostic sequence (Heavy + Delicate + Power, or Heavy + Quick + Power depending on model), not something that appears during a normal wash cycle on its own.
What's the difference between LC and Ld?
Both flag the same "nozzle isn't spraying" condition — LC checks Circulation Motor 2, Ld checks Circulation Motor 1 (a different motor on dual-motor models).
How do I clear the LC reading?
Exit Service Inspection Mode (power off/on), confirm the tub can fill fully, and re-run the self-test. If LC reappears with a full tub and clear nozzles, the circulation motor needs professional inspection.
Based on the Samsung service documentation for the DMT800 series and the DW80F600/DW80F800/DW80J3020 series. Last updated: .