Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: Disconnect power at the circuit breaker before cleaning around control panel.
- Restore power and observe which button indicator stays lit — this identifies the stuck button.
- Disconnect power again.
- Press each button individually across the full panel, working from edge to edge on each button face, to free any stuck membrane.
- Wipe the panel with a slightly damp cloth to remove grease or residue from around button edges. Do not use excessive moisture.
- Allow to dry for 5 minutes, restore power, and test each button.
- If bE persists and a button is visibly stuck or the panel membrane is damaged, the control panel needs professional replacement.
If the leak warning comes back
- If airflow still seems weak after the basic checks, the fan path or a deeper obstruction becomes more likely.
- If the base or floor area dries out but the code returns during the next cycle, moisture is still reaching the leak-sensor area.
- bE persists after pressing all buttons and cleaning the panel surface
What This Error Means
Error bE on your Samsung dishwasher means: The dishwasher's control panel has detected that one or more buttons are continuously pressed. A stuck button prevents the control panel from accepting new inputs, which halts normal operation. Also displayed as 6E on some models. The dishwasher's self-diagnostic system has flagged this condition and may have paused the current cycle.
The most frequent cause is a button is physically stuck due to food residue, grease, or moisture around the panel. Work through the causes and steps below before calling a technician.
Many cases of bE can be partially resolved by the homeowner. Complete all DIY steps before contacting a technician.
The dishwasher will not resume full operation until the condition is resolved. Work through all steps before contacting Samsung Support at 1-800-726-7864.
What users usually notice before this code
Samsung dishwasher warnings like this often show up after standing water, slow draining, heavy food residue, or a cycle that never returned to normal at the end.
Common misdiagnoses
- Assuming the display code proves one exact failed part before the safe first checks are done.
- Replacing a lock or latch too early when alignment, trapped laundry, or startup conditions may still explain the warning.
- Restarting the appliance repeatedly instead of confirming whether the same fault returns after one clean recovery attempt.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
The Samsung dishwasher may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.
Likely cause: A button is physically stuck due to food residue, grease, or moisture around the panel
Check first: SAFETY: Disconnect power at the circuit breaker before cleaning around control panel.
Common Causes
- A button is physically stuck due to food residue, grease, or moisture around the panel
- A button cap has become dislodged and is pressing the switch beneath it continuously
- Control panel membrane damaged by moisture or impact
- Child has pressed and held a button sequence that activated a lock-like state
What Not to Do
- Do not use sharp objects to free a stuck button — this permanently damages the control membrane
- Do not spray cleaning products directly onto the control panel — moisture intrusion causes button faults
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Samsung dishwasher display wording and code formats can vary by series.
- If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.
- Some models may display the same fault as bE, 6E.
Display and panel differences
- Some control panels show this issue as bE, 6E instead of only bE.
- Panel wording and whether the code appears with letters, numbers, or a longer variant can differ by model family.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Common parts
- Control panel assembly ($50–$150)
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Samsung dishwasher parts.
Service option
Samsung service visit if the warning returns after the basic checks are complete.
Suggestions in this section are organized to support the troubleshooting flow first. Any future affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
bE persists after pressing all buttons and cleaning the panel surface
- A button is visibly cracked, sunken, or non-responsive
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Wipe the control panel with a dry cloth weekly — grease and food vapor from the kitchen accumulate around button edges and can cause sticking
Related Error Codes
CE
The dishwasher's internal electronic components cannot communicate with each other. A communication breakdown has occurred between the main control board and the display or motor control subsystem, halting the cycle.
AP
The dishwasher is in Wi-Fi Access Point mode, ready to be connected to the Samsung SmartThings app. AP is a mode indicator, not a fault. The dishwasher is broadcasting its own temporary Wi-Fi network so a phone can connect directly during setup.
Helpful guides for this problem
Guide
What to check before replacing a washing machine door lock
What to rule out before ordering a new door lock, from alignment and load issues to startup problems that mimic a latch fault.
Guide
When to repair vs replace a refrigerator with repeated fault codes
How to think through the repair-versus-replace decision when the same refrigerator warning keeps coming back.
Guide
When repeated dryer error codes usually mean it is time to stop DIY troubleshooting
When a dryer warning has moved past sensible first checks and into the territory where more DIY retries stop helping.
When not to keep pushing DIY troubleshooting
Use the code page for one careful first pass, then stop if the same warning returns or the appliance still cannot get back to normal operation.
Extra notes
- This page is based on Samsung support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
- The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.
Source and model notes
Last reviewed: 2026-04-08
Based on: Based on Samsung support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.
View Samsung US Official Support
Model coverage note: Samsung dishwasher code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.
Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.
Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.