Water Level Sensor Error

What it means

This code appears on Samsung front-load and top-load washing machines when the main board gets an illogical reading, or no reading at all, from the water level (pressure) sensor; older models show the same fault as 1E. The washer cannot tell how much water is in the tub, so it stops or does not start filling. The same code can mean something else on other brands.

Models covered: Samsung front-load and top-load washing machines; newer models show codes ending in C (e.g. 4C), older ones end in E (e.g. 4E) with the same meaning.

Related codes: 4COC5CLC

Symptoms4

• 1C appears at the start of the cycle or right after power-on.
• The washer fills with more or less water than usual before stopping.
• The cycle does not start even though water is available.
• The code may appear after the washer has been moved or tilted.

Possible causes5

• Blocked or kinked thin hose between the tub and the water level sensor.
• Water or debris inside the sensor hose after the washer was tilted or moved.
• Loose or corroded connector on the sensor wiring.
• Failed water level (pressure) sensor.
• Main board fault (less common).

How to diagnose5

1. Unplug the washer for a few minutes, then restart it on a short program.
2. If the washer was recently moved or tilted, leave it standing level for a while before running it.
3. Drain any remaining water through the pump filter with a towel and shallow tray, then try again.
4. A technician unplugs the washer before opening it, then checks, cleans and straightens the sensor hose.
5. The technician measures the sensor signal against the manufacturer specification and checks the wiring back to the main board.

How to fix6

1. Restart the washer after unplugging it and leaving it level.
2. Clean the water level sensor hose, or replace it if cracked or kinked.
3. Repair the loose or corroded connector on the sensor wiring.
4. Replace the water level sensor if confirmed faulty.
5. Check the main board only if the sensor and wiring are good.
6. Run a full cycle and confirm the water level is normal and the code does not return.

Repair cost

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low when cleaning the sensor hose or fixing a connector solves it, and reaches the high end when the water level sensor is replaced with a technician visit.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions