The self-diagnosis system of an automatic washing machine checks the components and assemblies of the device in real time and, if a malfunction is detected, displays an error message. Knowing the fault code, it is easy to identify the problem unit and take measures to correct the situation. A fairly common error, which is more familiar to residents of remote parts of the country, is the UC error. The main reason for its appearance is the instability of power supply. Most often, the problem can be fixed on your own, however, in particularly difficult cases it will not be possible to do without calling a specialist.
UC error code, what does it mean?
The UC error on a Samsung washing machine indicates problems with the power supply of the device. Most often, this message appears on the screens of relatively new models released after 2012. This is due to the fact that older machines had less finicky surge protectors and worked stably with a network voltage range from 175 to 250V or more.
Thanks to this very controversial advantage of new machines, the UC error code is one of the most common faults with Samsung washing machines. At the same time, the frequency of its occurrence increases noticeably with distance from large cities; after all, in remote regions, unstable voltage is practically the norm.
It is worth noting that in the event of a short-term surge in voltage, this error may disappear by itself. Immediately after the power supply is normalized, the device will continue to operate according to the washing program.
Malfunction Uc, 9C, 9E1, 9E2, how to fix it without professional help
- Power outages. If the jump occurs once, and then the voltage becomes normal (210-220V), then the fault will correct itself. You just need to wait and the machine itself will start working normally after the programs are paused.
- Lack of stable voltage in the electrical network. This malfunction is displayed provided that there are constant voltage surges in the network in your apartment (house). Or the power supply, which is supplied from the transformer, is constantly below the nominal value. As a result of the presence of low voltage, your machine will not perform the selected modes, because for adequate execution of programs you need certain indicators of power supply, i.e. it should be about 220 V. If the network is overloaded in the morning or evening, when there is a very large load on the network, then it is better not to wash during these periods of time. A special voltage control sensor will block the operation of your device. To avoid this problem you need to use a voltage stabilizer.
- Incorrect operation of the voltage control sensor in the network. If there is a software failure and the sensor does not work adequately. Therefore, the controller cannot determine the current voltage in the network, therefore, due to the transmission of unreliable information to the control unit, the operation of the device is blocked. To resolve this problem, you need to perform a forced reboot. Disconnect the device from the power supply for plus or minus 15 minutes. Restart the machine. After resetting the current programs, it should begin to work adequately.
- Problems with the power supply directly to the house or apartment. When connecting the device, the condition of the existing wiring should be taken into account. If it is not able to provide the necessary voltage to the device for its adequate operation, it is best to replace it. Then, when the speed increases or the heating element is turned on, the machine will not operate, and the wiring will cope with supplying the required voltage of 210-220V. And the device will not be locked. If the socket into which the machine cord is connected is faulty, it needs to be replaced. Then the cause of the breakdown will be corrected and the machine will work adequately at any time of the day.
- Connect your device only directly using a voltage stabilizer. Do not connect the device through tees or carrying cables (extensions).
Have you followed all of these detailed recommendations yourself? Does the fault still appear on the screen? The machine still hasn't started working? Then you need to seek professional help. As a result of performing a specialized test using professional equipment, our technicians will determine the cause of the Uc malfunction and eliminate it.
In what cases do errors appear?
With the question of what the UC error means, everything is clear - a problem with the power supply has been detected. But this is a fairly general formulation; in order to understand what exactly the problem is, you need to follow the exact moment at which the message appears. This will help to more accurately identify the problem area and take measures to normalize the operation of the machine.
- Most often, the error appears at the beginning of washing. Immediately after the loading hatch has been closed, a program is selected and started.
- The message may appear during operation, for example, as soon as water is filled into the tank.
- Often the error appears immediately after the water starts heating, after the heating element is connected. It is likely that the machine will work fine on the cold wash program.
- The error may also appear at the very end of the wash, when the device switches to spin mode. In this situation, the most common case is when an error occurs at the moment of maximum spin of the drum.
It should be noted that on some models this error may be hidden behind other codes, for example, 9C, 9E1, 9E2 - almost complete analogues of UC.
Types of errors
Some factors that cause the error can be eliminated yourself. In most cases, repair of the SMA by a highly qualified technician is necessary. The problem may lie either in incorrect loading of laundry or in a module error, which is why it is so important to know what kind of problem the displayed codes indicate. The table below shows all Samsung SMA errors.
| Error code | Her description |
| 1E | Impaired functioning of the water level control device. |
| 3E, 3E1, 3E2, 3E3, 3E4 | Incorrect operation of the tachometer. |
| 4E, 4E1, 4E2 | There is no water supply. |
| 5E | Problems with drainage: clogged filter, sewer, or drain pump failure. |
| 8E | Engine error. |
| 9E1, 9E2, Uc | Unstable power supply, less often – module error. |
| A.E. | Communication error, determined by the absence of a signal between the indication and the control module. |
| bE1, bE2, bE3 | Unstable shutdown (pressing the shutdown button, problems with the relay). |
| C.E. | Cooling does not work. |
| dE (door), dE1, dE2 | The hatch locking device is faulty. |
| F.E. | Poor ventilation (damage to ventilation wiring or faulty starting capacitor). |
| HE, HE1 (H1), HE2, HE3 | Tubular electric heater error. |
| LE (LE1) | Water leak. |
| OE (OF) | Overflow sensor error. |
| tE1, tE2, tE3 | Partial or complete breakdown of the temperature sensor. |
| UE | Laundry is loaded incorrectly (laundry imbalance). |
| E.E. | For machines with drying, overheating error. |
| 5d (Sud or Sd) | Excessive foaming. |
The most common causes of the UC error
Having figured out what this error means and at what point it appears, it’s time to think about what to do and what actions to take. There seem to be two options for resolving the issue: you can call a technician or try to repair it yourself. The choice is up to the owner, but before making a final decision, it’s a good idea to make sure that the problem is really serious and lies in a malfunction of the washing machine. It is quite possible that calling a specialist will not be necessary.
The UC error can appear due to a number of reasons:
- faulty socket;
- poor quality or damaged extension cord;
- The power cable or plug is damaged;
- voltage surge or sudden drop;
- serious voltage deviation from the norm;
- failure in the machine control unit;
- failure of the electronic components of the control circuit.
Some of the above points are not related to the machine itself, therefore, before disassembling the device or calling a technician, you should make sure that there is normal voltage and the integrity of the cables through which it is supplied to the machine.
Restarting the washing machine
One of the likely causes of the error may be a short-term surge in voltage. In this situation, there is a high probability of a program failure, which resulted in a UC error. The answer to the question of how to fix the situation is simple - you just need to restart the machine. The reboot procedure is a universal method; it is suitable not only for Samsung devices, but also for machines from other manufacturers. To reboot you need to follow a few simple steps:
- turn off the machine using the button on the control panel and remove the plug from the socket;
- wait at least 5 minutes;
- turn it on again and try to start the washing program.
In the event that the problem was caused by a short-term voltage drop, the machine will start normally and work according to the program without failures.
What to do
Faulty wiring and power failures immediately affect both the Samsung washing machine and similar equipment from other brands. You can often fix a UC error yourself.
If there is a one-time voltage drop, you need to reboot:
- Turn off the device and remove the plug from the socket.
- Wait at least 5 minutes.
- Select the program again and start the washing process.
If the power surge was a one-time event, the equipment starts again and erases completely. When the failure recurs, the error is already systemic in nature, so it is necessary to completely check the electrical network for faults. First, the unit is turned off, after which you need to carefully inspect the plug and socket. If there is high humidity and dampness in the room, oxidation of the contacts is possible. If the socket is faulty and comes into contact with moisture, there is a risk of electric shock.
Another likely source of the problem is a damaged or low-quality extension cord.
It may have kinks or damaged insulation if the cable has been frequently stepped on or pressed under heavy objects. This extension cord should be thrown away immediately.
The situation may be more complicated when the machine is connected in an old house, and there have been no repairs for many years. Here the cause is often general wear and tear of the electrical wiring. It may need to be completely checked and replaced with the help of a technician.
With high-quality and uninterrupted operation of the electrical network, the UC code indicates a malfunction of the washing machine itself. Moisture can seep in through the front panel and cause a short circuit. The consequences can be different - from blown fuses and other individual elements to complete failure of the control board. In this case, you need to call a specialist for repairs.
Checking the electrical wiring
Another common reason for this error to appear is a mismatch in power supply parameters caused by a number of factors. Problems can arise either due to the fault of the electricity supplier or due to poor-quality wiring inside the apartment.
First of all, you need to turn off the machine and remove the plug from the socket. Carefully inspect the outlet for oxidation of contacts, which often happens in damp rooms, absence of mechanical damage, and darkening caused by overheating. If there is the slightest doubt about the reliability of the device, the socket is changed. It is important to choose a high-quality socket that is protected from moisture; using a simple household one can result in an electric shock.
If the washing machine is connected through an extension cord, it must be unplugged and visually inspected for kinks in the cable; often, due to an oversight, heavy pieces of furniture are placed on it or stepped on. It is not allowed to operate an extension cord that has external damage to the insulation and traces of pressure on it. In addition to an external inspection, it is worth ringing the cable; quite often you can find cheap carriers made of low-quality materials, in which the voltage is literally “lost.”
In addition, it would be useful to check the voltage in the network. It should be 220V, the deviation should not go beyond the tolerances specified in the documentation for the washing machine. To check, use a voltmeter or multimeter switched to the voltage measurement position. It is important to remember to select AC, range up to 500V or more.
If this error appears spontaneously, but quite often the cause may be the poor condition of the electrical wiring as a whole. This is typical of old houses in which the wiring has not been updated for decades. It makes sense to invite a professional electrician to carry out a full check of the apartment’s electrical equipment. This procedure will not only ensure trouble-free washing, but will also protect against accidents caused by short circuits.
Preventing the appearance of the UC error
The main reason for this error is various problems with the power supply. Reducing the likelihood of its occurrence is quite simple - you need to connect the machine through a voltage stabilizer. First of all, this is relevant for people living in villages and small towns; here it is better not to use a car without a stabilizer.
It is not difficult to choose such a device; in specialized stores there are devices for every taste and budget. When choosing, the most important thing is to pay attention to the power for which the device is designed. It must exceed the power consumption of the machine or the total power of the devices that will be powered through it.
