On the covered Samsung dishwasher platform, PE means half load function error: the half load function is not performing correctly. First, empty the dishwasher. Empty the dishwasher and run a half load cycle with detergent. Add detergent and run the half load cycle.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung dishwasher code PE”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The half load function is not performing correctly (PE)
What separates it PE shows when a half load cycle is chosen
How to confirm Empty the dishwasher and run a half load cycle with detergent
- 2
Detergent was missing from the dispenser
What separates it The test cycle ran without detergent
How to confirm Add detergent and run the half load cycle
- 3
A diverter that does not move to the half position
What separates it The half load option does not engage
How to confirm A technician tests the diverter
- 4
A sensor fault in the half load circuit
What separates it The code returns on every half load
How to confirm A technician tests the sensor
- 5
A control board fault
What separates it Everything else works
How to confirm A technician checks the board
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether PE appears only when a half load or a zone option is chosen
- Whether the dishwasher completes a normal cycle without the code
- Whether detergent was in the dispenser when the half load was tested
- The model number from the label on the door edge
Try in this order
0 of 14 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleEmpty the dishwasher.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleSamsung's steps: add detergent and run a half load cycle, and if the error still occurs switch off power at the circuit breaker and request service from Samsung's Support Center.
Empty it
ReversibleEmpty the dishwasher.
Run a half load
ReversibleAdd detergent and run a half load cycle.
Request service
ReversibleIf the error still occurs, switch off power at the circuit breaker and request service.
Turn the spray arm by hand
ReversibleWith power off, turn the upper spray arm by hand and confirm it spins freely; a dish against it can stop the half-load function from working.
Empty the dishwasher
ReversibleSamsung's first step is to empty the dishwasher, so that the test cycle runs with no load in the way.
Add detergent
ReversiblePut detergent in the dispenser, as Samsung says, since the cycle needs it to run as it would in use.
Run a half load cycle
ReversibleSelect the half load option and start the cycle, and watch whether PE returns.
Try a normal cycle
ReversibleIf the half load fails, run a normal cycle to see whether the dishwasher otherwise works.
Switch off at the breaker if PE persists
ReversibleSamsung says to switch off power at the circuit breaker if the error still occurs, to reset the control.
Request service
ReversibleIf PE returns after that, request service from Samsung's Support Center.
Use a normal cycle meanwhile
ReversibleIf the half load option fails, run full loads on a normal cycle until the repair is done.
Run a normal cycle with a small load
ReversibleRun a normal cycle with only a few dishes. If it completes without the code, the fault is limited to the half load path, which narrows the repair.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The code on this page
- PE, a half load function error.
- Parts involved
- The diverter, the half load sensor and the control.
- Samsung's guidance
- Add detergent, run a half load cycle, then switch off at the breaker and request service if it persists.
- What a half load cycle is
- A half load option washes a smaller load using less water and time, and it works by sending the spray to one part of the dishwasher. If the part that controls this does not move properly, the dishwasher shows PE.
- Normal cycles often still work
- A fault in the half load function usually leaves the normal cycles working, so you can carry on using the dishwasher while you arrange service. Run it with a full load on the normal cycle in the meantime.
- Half load versus a zone
- Samsung dishwashers use the half load option to wash only the upper or only the lower part of the machine with a smaller amount of water. The part that moves the water to one rack is the same diverter that serves the zone wash, so a fault in one can show in both. If PC also appears, mention it to the service company.
- Using the machine in the meantime
- A normal cycle with a smaller load wastes a little water but works. If you only run small loads, the dishwasher still cleans, and you can wait for service without being left with a pile of dishes.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Switch off at the breaker and ask Samsung's Support Center for service if PE returns after the breaker reset
- !A normal cycle is a safe stand-in while the half load option is unavailable
- !Do not open the lower rack mid-cycle to see the arm, because hot water can spray out
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The PE steps are Samsung's own.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does PE mean on a Samsung dishwasher?+
Half load function error: the half load function is not performing correctly.
What is the half load function?+
An option that wash a smaller load with less water and time.
Can I still use the dishwasher?+
Normal cycles may work, but the half load option may not.
When do I call Samsung?+
If the error persists after the breaker reset.
Can I run a normal cycle with PE?+
Often yes, but follow Samsung's steps first.
Is there a way to avoid the half load option?+
Yes, simply choose a normal cycle.
Is the half load option worth having?+
It saves water and time on small loads, but a normal cycle is a good substitute.
Can the PE code appear with PC?+
Yes, since the half load and zone functions share a part, so tell the technician about both.