Error code · Washer

Samsung Washer Code SDC / 5DC: Detergent Drawer Open

Low risk · DIY check OK

Code: SDC / 5DC
Appliance: Washer
Brand: Samsung
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What SDC / 5DC means

Samsung washers with a digital display and an auto-dispense drawer show SDC or 5DC when the detergent drawer is not completely closed. The WD53DBA900H is an example that shows SDC. The drawer clicks when it is fully closed, and the washer waits for that closure before it runs. It is not a failure code, since the washer is only telling you the drawer is not in place.

Common causes of SDC / 5DC

Drawer not pushed fully in
Obstruction at the drawer rails
Drawer seating after refilling
Drawer closed-position reading

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Pull the drawer out slightly and push it back in until it clicks. 2. Check that nothing blocks the rails. 3. Restart the cycle. 4. If SDC stays with the drawer clicked shut, request service. 5. Wipe away any detergent residue from the drawer rails so it slides freely.

! Why to stop there

If the drawer clicks shut and the code stays, the closed-position reading is next.
We test the reading and the drawer seating.
A cracked drawer can also prevent proper closing, which we check.

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 Washer codes

Cold / Eco WarmSamsung Washer Cold or Eco Warm Lights Blinking: Stuck Button Extra Large / Extra High / Large / High blinkingSamsung Washer Extra Large, Extra High, Large, or High Lights Blinking: Water Not Filling Hot & Cold / Hot & Eco WarmSamsung Washer Hot and Cold, or Hot and Eco Warm Lights Blinking: Motor Error Hot / Hot & Extra Large / Hot & Extra High / Hot & Large / Hot & HighSamsung Washer Hot, or Hot with a Level Light Lights Blinking: Door Not Locked Hot & Medium / Hot & MidSamsung Washer Hot and Medium, or Hot and Mid Lights Blinking: Heater Error Hot & Small / Hot & LowSamsung Washer Hot and Small, or Hot and Low Lights Blinking: Hoses Swapped Hot & Tap Cold / Hot & CoolSamsung Washer Hot and Tap Cold, or Hot and Cool Lights Blinking: MEMS Sensor Error Hot & WarmSamsung Washer Hot and Warm Lights Blinking: Unbalanced Load

SDC / 5DCSDC / 5DC questions

Is SDC a real error?

It is a prompt that the drawer is not fully closed, and the washer will not run until it is. Pushing it until it clicks usually clears it.

Is 5DC the same as SDC?

Yes. The display can show the letter S as a 5, so they mean the same detergent drawer condition. Either way, push the drawer in until it clicks and the message clears.

The drawer is closed. Why is it still showing?

Pull it slightly and push it in again until you hear the click. If it stays, the closed-position reading needs testing, and we can do that.

Book a visit

Still unsure about SDC / 5DC?

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

(713) 561-5298