On the covered Samsung washer platform, SDC, 5DC means detergent drawer error: the detergent drawer is not completely closed. First, push the detergent drawer closed until it clicks. Push the detergent drawer closed until it clicks. Make sure the cover is sealed completely into place.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung washer code SDC, 5DC”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The detergent drawer is not completely closed
What separates it The drawer sits slightly proud of the panel and the washer will not start
How to confirm Push the detergent drawer closed until it clicks
- 2
A cover on the drawer that is not sealed
What separates it The drawer has a cover that is not seated
How to confirm Make sure the cover is sealed completely into place
- 3
Residue that stops the drawer seating
What separates it Detergent or fabric softener has dried in the housing
How to confirm Remove residue from the drawer and its housing
- 4
A drawer that has slipped off its rail
What separates it The drawer closes crooked
How to confirm Pull it fully out and slide it back in level
- 5
A drawer sensor fault
What separates it The drawer is closed and clean and the code stays
How to confirm Request service from Samsung
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- That the display shows SDC or 5DC
- Whether the drawer clicks when it closes
- Whether residue has built up
- The model number
Try in this order
0 of 12 completedWhat to do first
ReversiblePush the detergent drawer closed until it clicks.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleSamsung says the drawer clicks when it is completely closed.
Close the drawer
ReversiblePush the detergent drawer in until it clicks.
Check the cover
ReversibleIf the drawer has a cover, make sure it is sealed completely into place.
Clean the drawer
ReversibleRemove residue from the drawer and its housing so it seats, then run a cycle.
Push the detergent drawer in until it clicks
ReversibleSamsung says the drawer clicks when it is completely closed, so listen for the click.
Check the cover
ReversibleIf the drawer has a cover, make sure it is sealed completely into place, since a cover that is not sealed can also lead to leaks.
Pull the drawer out and clean it
ReversibleRemove the drawer, rinse it and clean the housing to remove residue so that it seats properly.
Slide it back level
ReversibleMake sure the drawer sits on its rails and closes flush with the panel.
Run a cycle
ReversibleStart a short cycle and confirm that the code does not return.
Request service if SDC persists
ReversibleIf the drawer is clean and clicking home, a technician checks the drawer sensor.
Dry the housing
ReversibleAfter cleaning, wipe the drawer housing dry, since moisture and residue together make a sticky film.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Parts involved
- The drawer, its cover, its rails and the drawer sensor.
- Samsung's guidance
- Push the drawer in until it clicks.
- Why the washer cares about the drawer
- A front-load washer sends water through the detergent drawer to wash the detergent into the drum. If the drawer is open or unsealed, water can spray out, so the washer checks that it is closed and shows SDC or 5DC if it is not.
- Keep the drawer clean
- Detergent, fabric softener and bleach leave deposits that make the drawer harder to close. Rinse it every month or two, wipe the housing, and the drawer will click shut more easily and the code will stay away.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Unplug the washer before you remove the drawer
- !Request service if the drawer is damaged and will not close
- !If the code returns with the drawer clicked shut and clean, request service from Samsung
- !An unsealed drawer can also lead to leaks, so fix it before running more loads
- !Do not force the drawer
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The click check is Samsung's own.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does SDC, 5DC mean on a Samsung washer?+
Detergent drawer error: the detergent drawer is not completely closed.
How do I know it is closed?+
It clicks.
Can it cause a leak?+
An unsealed drawer cover can lead to leaks.
Should I use the drawer with the wrong inserts?+
No; use the inserts the manual shows for the detergent type, because a wrongly placed insert can stop the drawer from closing.
Is the washer faulty?+
Usually not; the drawer just needs seating or cleaning.
Do 5DC and SDC mean the same?+
Yes, the display can show either.
Can I leave the drawer open to dry?+
Yes, between loads, but close it fully before you start a cycle.
Does the drawer cover matter?+
Yes, if your drawer has a cover, it must be sealed or you may get leaks.