On the covered Samsung washer platform, PC, PE, PC1, PE1 means clutch position error (PC, PE) or clutch Hall signal error (PC1, PE1). Samsung lists both in its All Other Errors section. First, power the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung washer code PC, PE, PC1, PE1”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The clutch motor not reaching position within 15 seconds
What separates it PC or PE appears while the washer is switching between agitate and spin
How to confirm Samsung's own PE guide and independent sources both describe this as a Clutch Motor Error: the clutch is not in position, or its ready signal never reaches the control board, 15 seconds after the clutch motor starts
- 2
A loose or corroded connector on the clutch position sensor harness
What separates it The code is intermittent rather than on every cycle
How to confirm With the washer unplugged, find the small wire harness connector at the clutch position sensor, disconnect and reconnect it firmly, and check the wires for damage or corrosion
- 3
A failed clutch position sensor
What separates it The harness connection tests sound and the code still returns
How to confirm Independent repair guides test the sensor's resistance with a multimeter; a typical Samsung clutch sensor reads in the 5 to 15 ohm range, though the exact figure is model-specific
- 4
A defective clutch motor
What separates it The sensor tests within range and the harness is sound
How to confirm The clutch motor itself is the next part named by independent repair sources once the sensor and wiring are ruled out
- 5
A defective main PCB
What separates it The clutch motor, sensor and harness all test sound
How to confirm The control board is the last part named; this diagnosis is best left to a technician with the model's service data
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters: PC, PE, PC1 or PE1
- Whether the code appears during the switch from agitate to spin
- Whether it happens on every cycle or intermittently
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWhat to do first
ReversiblePower the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleSamsung says a code with no specific troubleshooting follows its basic steps: power the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes, power it back on and restart the cycle, and if the error continues request service from its Support Center.
Power cycle
ReversibleUnplug the washing machine for about 5 minutes to reset its system; the code sometimes clears after a restart.
Inspect the clutch sensor harness
ReversibleWith the washer unplugged, find the small wire harness connector at the clutch position sensor, disconnect and reconnect it firmly, and check the wires for pinching, corrosion or damage.
Test the sensor
ReversibleDisconnect the sensor harness and set a multimeter to ohms; test resistance across the sensor terminals and compare it against the model's service data, since the expected value is model-specific.
Arrange service for the clutch motor or main board
ReversibleIf the sensor and harness test sound, the clutch motor or main PCB are the remaining parts, and both call for a technician with the model's service data.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- PC, PE, PC1, PE1.
- Parts named
- Clutch position sensor and its harness connector; clutch motor; main PCB.
- Tools
- A multimeter set to ohms to test the sensor; a screwdriver to reach the harness.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Unplug the washer before reaching the clutch position sensor harness
- !Call for service if a multimeter test of the sensor is outside your comfort level
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does PC, PE, PC1, PE1 mean on a Samsung washer?+
Clutch position error (PC, PE) or clutch Hall signal error (PC1, PE1). Samsung lists both in its All Other Errors section.
What do PC and PE mean?+
A Clutch Motor Error on top-load models: the clutch is not in position, or there is no ready signal to the control board, 15 seconds after the clutch motor starts.
Is this only on top-load washers?+
Yes; independent sources note the Clutch Motor Error applies to top-load models only.
What does the clutch do?+
It switches the washer between agitating and spinning.
What is a normal sensor reading?+
Independent guides cite roughly 5 to 15 ohms as typical, but the exact value is model-specific, so check the model's service data.