Samsung 1C Error Code — What It Means
The 1C code (grouped with 1E and E7 by Samsung) signals a water level sensor fault. The control board is not receiving the expected signal from the water level sensing system, or the sensor circuit is reading out of range. This can be caused by a bad sensor, loose or corroded sensor terminals, a folded or pinched pressure hose to the sensor, or a hose clogged with foreign material. In some cases, a leak or moisture event around the machine can trigger the fault by making the control think the water level system is abnormal.
Common Causes
- Loose or corroded water level sensor connector The electrical connection at the sensor or control board may be unseated, dirty, or corroded, preventing proper signal transmission.
- Kinked, folded, or clogged pressure hose The air tube running from the tub air chamber to the sensor can be pinched, disconnected, or internally blocked by detergent residue or debris.
- Faulty water level sensor The pressure sensor itself may have failed and is no longer providing accurate water level feedback to the control.
- Leak or moisture around hoses or pump A small leak at hose connections, pump seals, or elsewhere can confuse the water level sensing system and trigger the code.
- Oversudsing from excessive detergent Too much detergent creates foam that interferes with normal water level sensing and tub behavior during fill and drain cycles.
- Drain restriction or pump blockage A clogged drain hose, pump filter, or faulty pump can prevent normal emptying, leading to abnormal water level readings.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Unplug the washer for 60 seconds, then plug it back in and retry the cycle to clear any transient control glitch.
- Inspect for leaks or moisture around the cabinet base, beneath the machine, at inlet and drain hose connections, and around the pump area.
- Check inlet and drain hoses for kinks, crushing, loose fittings, or blockage that could affect water flow or drainage.
- Locate and inspect the water level sensor pressure hose, a small air tube running from the tub to the sensor on the control or frame, and confirm it is properly routed, not folded, pinched, or clogged with debris.
- Examine the sensor electrical connector at the water level sensor for a seated fit, corrosion, or damaged pins, and reseat or clean as needed.
- Run an empty rinse-and-spin cycle to check for excessive suds, and if foam is present, run additional rinse cycles and reduce detergent use going forward.
- If the code persists after hose and connector checks, replace the water level sensor per Samsung’s recommendation for a faulty sensor.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Water level sensor / pressure sensor | Amazon | Replace if faulty after verifying hose and connector integrity. |
| Water level sensor hose / pressure hose | Amazon | Small air tube from tub to sensor, replace if kinked, cracked, or clogged. |
| Drain pump or drain hose | Amazon | If underlying issue is poor drainage contributing to abnormal level readings. |
When to Call a Pro
If you’ve verified the pressure hose is clear and properly connected, reseated the sensor connector, ruled out leaks and oversudsing, and the code still returns, the water level sensor or control board may need replacement. A qualified appliance technician can test the sensor circuit, confirm the diagnosis with a multimeter or service-mode diagnostics, and safely access internal components. Call a pro if you’re uncomfortable opening the cabinet, working near live electrical connections, or if the machine shows signs of a larger leak or drain-system failure that requires disassembly.