Error code · Dishwasher

Samsung Dishwasher Codes 5C1 to 5C5: Drain Pump Retries

Medium · inspection needed

Code: 5C1 - 5C5
Appliance: Dishwasher
Brand: Samsung
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What 5C1 - 5C5 means

On Samsung DW80R and DW80T series dishwashers, including the DW80T5040US, the 5C1 through 5C5 codes are the drain pump check results broken out by retry. The control tried the drain pump again after a failure, and the number after 5C shows how far into the retry sequence it got. They are diagnostic codes that appear only on some units, usually as part of a recall display instead of the normal screen. The plain-language result is the same: the dishwasher is struggling to drain.

Common causes of 5C1 - 5C5

Where the drain path stops: hose, filter, sump or pump
Drain pump drive circuit
How many retries the control completed before giving up
Whether water remains in the tub

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Look at the tub floor for standing water. 2. Check the filter and clear any debris. 3. Make sure the drain hose under the sink has no kinks. 4. Confirm the disposal and sink drain are clear. 5. Run a short cycle, and if the code returns, call us.

! Why to stop there

The digit tells us how far the retries went but not why the pump failed to move water.
We test the pump and its circuit after confirming the drain path is open.
You approve the written price first, and 30 days of workmanship coverage backs the work.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Dishwasher codes

SRSamsung Dishwasher Code SR: Water Not Draining Out 1E / IE (rotary models)Samsung Dishwasher Code 1E / IE on Rotary Models: Heater Overheating Blinking: Heavy (without Express 60) / NormalSamsung Dishwasher Heavy or Normal Light Blinking: Leak Detected Blinking: Normal, Delicate + Quick / Normal, Delicate + Smart Auto / Normal, Quick+ + Smart Auto / Smart Auto, Normal + DelicateSamsung Dishwasher Normal Light Trio Blinking: Supply Water Too Hot Blinking: Normal + HeavySamsung Dishwasher Normal and Heavy Lights Blinking: Thermistor Reading Blinking: Normal, Heavy + Express 60Samsung Dishwasher Normal, Heavy and Express 60 Blinking: Thermistor Short Blinking: Normal, Heavy + Quick / Normal, Heavy + Smart AutoSamsung Dishwasher Normal, Heavy and Quick Lights Blinking: Low Water LC / LESamsung Dishwasher Code LC / LE: Leak Detected

5C1 - 5C55C1 - 5C5 questions

What do the digits after 5C mean?

They show the retry stage of the drain pump check. We read the full code to see how far the dishwasher got before it stopped.

Why is my display different?

These appear only on some units and may show through a recall display instead of the regular screen. The meaning is still a drain pump check.

Is it a pump problem every time?

No. A clogged hose or filter can look just like a weak pump, which is why we test the whole drain path. Once the path is open, any remaining code points to the pump.

Book a visit

Still seeing 5C1 - 5C5?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 561-5298