Samsung · Dishwasher
Samsung Dishwasher PE Error Code
Half-load diverter or spray arm fault
What this error means
PE is a motor Position Error in half-load mode—the diverter assembly did not switch the inner spray arm path when commanded. Full-load cycles may still work; PE often appears only when Half Load is selected.
How PE is detected
When PE appears on a Samsung dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Samsung DW80R9950US, Samsung DW80B7070US, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most PE calls are resolved without parts: cancel half-load and run a standard full cycle to confirm pe is mode-specific. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If PE returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Diverter motor gear stripped or jammed by broken plastic tab
- Loose wire at the diverter actuator connector
- Food debris blocking diverter flap movement
- Failed sump motor assembly not driving diverter shaft
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Cancel half-load and run a standard full cycle to confirm PE is mode-specific
- 2Remove lower spray arm and clear debris around the diverter port
- 3Power-cycle two minutes and avoid half-load until inspected
- 4Listen at start for diverter click—silence suggests motor failure
When to call a technician
PE on every half-load with clear diverter path needs diverter motor or sump assembly service—requires pulling the dishwasher.
Affected models
- Samsung DW80R9950US
- Samsung DW80B7070US
- Samsung DW80R5060US
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent PE from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when PE 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 PE; Samsung uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting PE; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.