Samsung · Dishwasher
Samsung Dishwasher FE Error Code
Line frequency or power anomaly
What this error means
FE is a Frequency Error—the control detects mains frequency outside expected range or the sensing circuit failed. Often appears alongside voltage faults after outages or on shared kitchen circuits.
How FE is detected
Samsung dishwasher models lock the door or lid before energizing fill, heat, or high-speed spin. FE means the latch switch never sent a "locked" signal to the main control, or the lock motor did not complete its travel. On Samsung DW80R7031US, Samsung DW80B7070US, and similar variants, clothing caught in the gasket, a misaligned strike, or a failed latch assembly are the most common mechanical causes—not the board itself.
Inspect the door gasket perimeter and strike alignment before replacing the latch. Shared circuit with microwave or disposal causing noise is reported frequently on this code. After correcting mechanical issues, plug directly into a dedicated 15 a kitchen circuit. If the latch clicks but FE persists, the door lock switch or wiring harness to the control board likely needs testing with a multimeter.
Do not force the door open during an active cycle; wait for the lock to release when the board de-energizes the lock motor—usually two to three minutes after canceling power on most Samsung units.
Common causes
- Shared circuit with microwave or disposal causing noise
- Extension cord or power strip on the dishwasher feed
- Partial breaker trip dropping voltage briefly
- Failed frequency detect on main power board
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Plug directly into a dedicated 15 A kitchen circuit
- 2Reset the breaker fully off 30 seconds then on
- 3Avoid running disposal and dishwasher start simultaneously for test
- 4Record if FE follows lightning or neighborhood outage
When to call a technician
FE on a verified dedicated circuit needs main power board replacement.
Affected models
- Samsung DW80R7031US
- Samsung DW80B7070US
- Samsung DW80R5060US
Prevention & maintenance
- Wipe the door gasket weekly and avoid overloading items against the seal—FE often starts as a slow leak or latch misalignment.
- Record when FE appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Samsung dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for FE; Samsung uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting FE; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.