Samsung Dishwasher Error Code SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING — How to Fix (Dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly)

Fix Samsung Dishwasher error code SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING. Step-by-step guide to diagnose and resolve the dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly on Samsung...

⏱️ Time30-45 minutes

📋 DifficultyMedium

🔧 Model(various models)

⚠️ ErrorSYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING

What Does Error Code SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING Mean?

Error SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING on your Samsung Dishwasher means: The SYMPTOM‑NOT‑CLEANING code appears when the dishwasher finishes a cycle but dishes remain dirty, greasy, or have food residue. Samsung’s control board interprets low spray pressure, insufficient water temperature, or blocked spray paths as a cleaning failure. Ignoring it can lead to repeated cycles, higher water bills, and premature wear on pumps and seals.

What You'll Need

🔧 Tools

Phillips #2 screwdriver
T20 Torx screwdriver
Digital multimeter (for voltage/continuity checks)
Bowl or bucket (to catch water)
Soft brush or old toothbrush

🛒 Parts

Upper spray arm
Lower spray arm
Dishwasher filter assembly
Water inlet valve
Wash pump motor

How to Fix Error SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING — Step by Step

1

Power Reset – the 60‑second reset

Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker for at least 60 seconds. Plug it back in or restore power. The control board will clear any stored fault and start a fresh diagnostic cycle. If the error disappears after a reset, run a short wash to confirm proper cleaning.

💡 Pro Tip: Leave the door open while the unit powers down; this helps any residual charge dissipate.
2

Inspect and clean the filter assembly

Open the lower rack and locate the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub. Twist counter‑clockwise, lift out, and rinse under warm water. Use a soft brush to remove food particles stuck in the mesh. Reinstall, ensuring it clicks firmly. A clogged filter reduces water flow, causing weak spray pressure and the NOT‑CLEANING symptom.

💡 Pro Tip: Check the filter housing for cracked gaskets; a damaged seal can let water bypass the filter and reduce pressure.
3

Examine the spray arms for blockage

Remove both upper and lower spray arms. For the upper arm, pull it straight out from the mounting hub; for the lower arm, unscrew the retaining nut with a T20 Torx. Rinse each arm under running water and use a toothpick to clear any clogged holes. Re‑attach and spin each arm by hand—there should be no resistance.

💡 Pro Tip: If an arm still feels gritty after cleaning, replace it. A broken spray arm tip can create uneven water distribution.
4

Test the water inlet valve

Locate the inlet valve behind the lower front panel (remove the panel with a Phillips #2 screwdriver). With the dishwasher unplugged, disconnect the hose and use a multimeter set to ohms. Measure resistance across the two terminals; a healthy valve typically reads between 500 Ω and 2 kΩ. If the reading is open (∞) or far outside this range, the valve is faulty and should be replaced.

💡 Pro Tip: Listen for a faint click when the valve energizes during a cycle; no click often means the valve coil is dead.
5

Verify wash pump operation

Access the wash pump by removing the bottom front panel and the lower spray arm housing. Disconnect the pump’s electrical connector and set the multimeter to continuity. A good pump will show near‑zero resistance (less than 1 Ω). Rotate the impeller manually; it should turn freely without grinding. If the pump is noisy, has high resistance, or won’t spin, replace it.

💡 Pro Tip: Debris can lodge in the pump housing; a quick blast of water through the inlet can sometimes free it without a full replacement.
6

Check water temperature sensor and heating element

Some Samsung models rely on a temperature sensor (thermistor) and a heating element to reach at least 120 °F (49 °C). With power off, locate the sensor near the tub wall and measure resistance at room temperature—typical values are around 10 kΩ. Then, run a short hot‑water cycle and re‑measure; resistance should drop to about 2–3 kΩ. For the heating element, measure continuity across its two terminals; a good element reads < 1 Ω. Any abnormal readings indicate a sensor or element that needs replacement.

💡 Pro Tip: If the element is intact but dishes are still cold, verify the control board is sending 120 V to the element with the multimeter’s voltage setting.
7

Run a test cycle and evaluate results

Reassemble all components, close the door, and select a normal wash cycle. After the cycle ends, inspect dishes for residue. If they are clean and the error code is gone, the repair succeeded. If the code returns, note which step you performed last—this helps narrow down any remaining hidden issue.

💡 Pro Tip: Document the exact error code and any new symptoms (e.g., no water, strange noises) before calling a professional.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if the dishwasher shows no water at all after confirming the inlet valve is good, if the wash pump motor burns out or makes grinding noises despite cleaning, or if the control board fails to send voltage to the heating element after all sensor checks. Persistent error after replacing both spray arms and the inlet valve also warrants expert diagnosis.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Follow this visual guide to systematically diagnose Error SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING:

Diagnostic Flowchart — SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING

Samsung Dishwasher Error SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING: Dishes Not Clean After Cycle

You’re frustrated. Your Samsung dishwasher finishes a cycle, but your dishes are still caked with food residue, greasy, or just plain dirty. The display shows the SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING error code, indicating a cleaning failure. This code doesn’t necessarily mean your dishwasher is malfunctioning severely, but it does signal that something’s amiss. Ignoring it can lead to repeated cycles, higher water bills, and premature wear on critical components like pumps and seals.

What the SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING Error Code Actually Means

The SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING error code on your Samsung dishwasher signifies that the appliance has finished a cycle but hasn’t achieved the expected level of cleanliness. Samsung’s control board interprets this as a failure in the cleaning process, often due to:

Low spray pressure: This could be caused by clogged spray arms, a faulty wash pump, or a blocked filter assembly.
Insufficient water temperature: The dishwasher relies on hot water to effectively clean dishes. A malfunctioning heating element or water temperature sensor could be the culprit.
Blocked spray paths: Food particles or debris obstructing the spray arms’ nozzles can prevent proper water distribution.

Is it safe to keep using the appliance? Not recommended. While the dishwasher might still operate, ignoring this error can lead to:

Repeated cycles, wasting water and energy
Premature wear on pumps, seals, and other components
Potential for more severe issues, like water damage or electrical problems

Rapid Diagnosis Guide

Before diving into complex repairs or calling a technician, perform these quick checks:

Power cycle: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker for 60 seconds. This simple reset can sometimes resolve minor issues.
Inspect the filter assembly: Open the lower rack and locate the cylindrical filter. Remove and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check spray arms for blockages: Remove both upper and lower spray arms. Inspect and clean the nozzles, ensuring they’re free from debris.

What Triggers This Error Code

Here are the common causes of the SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING error, ranked by likelihood:

1. Clogged or Faulty Spray Arms

Description: Blocked or damaged spray arms can’t distribute water properly, leading to poor cleaning.
How to verify: Inspect the spray arms for blockages or damage. Run water through the nozzles to ensure proper flow.
Fix difficulty: Easy to moderate
Cost: $20-$50 (replacement spray arms)

2. Dirty or Clogged Filter Assembly

Description: A clogged filter assembly restricts water flow, reducing spray pressure.
How to verify: Inspect and clean the filter assembly. If the issue persists, consider replacing it.
Fix difficulty: Easy
Cost: $20-$50 (replacement filter assembly)

3. Faulty Water Inlet Valve

Description: A malfunctioning inlet valve can restrict water flow, leading to low spray pressure.
How to verify: Test the inlet valve for proper voltage and continuity using a multimeter.
Fix difficulty: Moderate
Cost: $50-$100 (replacement inlet valve)

4. Issues with the Wash Pump

Description: A faulty wash pump can’t generate sufficient pressure for proper cleaning.
How to verify: Access the wash pump and test for proper operation. Check for blockages or damage.
Fix difficulty: High
Cost: $100-$200 (replacement wash pump)

5. Problems with the Heating Element or Temperature Sensor

Description: Insufficient water temperature can prevent effective cleaning.
How to verify: Test the heating element and temperature sensor for proper function using a multimeter.
Fix difficulty: Moderate to high
Cost: $50-$150 (replacement heating element or temperature sensor)

Solving the Root Issue: Clogged or Faulty Spray Arms

Safety Warning

Before starting, ensure the dishwasher is disconnected from power to avoid electrical shocks.

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver
T20 Torx screwdriver
Soft brush or old toothbrush

Time Estimate

30 minutes to 1 hour

Step-by-Step Instructions

Remove the lower rack: Take out the lower rack to access the spray arms.
Remove the spray arms: Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the screws holding the spray arms in place. Gently pull the spray arms out.
Inspect and clean the spray arms: Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to clean the nozzles and remove any blockages. Run water through the nozzles to ensure proper flow.
Reassemble: Reattach the spray arms, ensuring they’re securely fastened.

What “Fixed” Looks Like vs “Still Broken”

If the issue is resolved, you should see:

Proper water distribution during cycles
Cleaner dishes after a single cycle
The SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING error code cleared

If the issue persists, you may need to investigate further or consider professional help.

Your Model’s Unique Considerations

While the SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING error code is common across many Samsung dishwasher models, some variations exist:

Models from 2015 and later: These models may have updated firmware that affects how the error code is triggered.
High-end models: Some premium Samsung dishwashers have advanced features like steam cleaning or sanitizing, which may influence the error code’s behavior.

Expected Repair Expenses

Here’s a rough estimate of repair costs:

DIY Cost	Parts Cost	Professional Labor
$20-$50	$50-$200	$100-$300

When to fix vs replace:

If the dishwasher is less than 5 years old, repair is usually more cost-effective.
For older models, replacement might be more economical.

Warranty coverage:

Check your warranty status with Samsung (1-800-726-7864).
Some models may still be under warranty, covering repair costs.

Preventive Care Schedule

To prevent recurrence:

Regularly clean the filter assembly: Every 1-2 months, depending on usage.
Inspect and clean spray arms: Every 3-6 months.
Run a cleaning cycle: Use a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar to maintain performance.

Red Flags That Mean Call a Repair Service

If you:

Are unsure about DIY repairs
Have tried basic troubleshooting steps without success
Notice more severe issues, like water leaks or electrical problems

What to expect:

Cost: $100-$300 (labor)
Timeline: 1-2 hours
What they’ll do: Diagnose the issue, perform repairs, and test the dishwasher

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING error code mean on my Samsung dishwasher?

A: It indicates that the dishwasher has finished a cycle but hasn’t achieved the expected level of cleanliness.

Q: Can I still use my dishwasher with this error code?

A: Not recommended. Ignoring it can lead to repeated cycles, higher water bills, and premature wear on critical components.

Q: How do I reset the SYMPTOM-NOT-CLEANING error code?

A: Try a 60-second power reset: unplug the dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker.

Q: Can a clogged filter assembly cause this error?

A: Yes. A clogged filter assembly can restrict water flow, reducing spray pressure and leading to poor cleaning.

Q: How much does it cost to replace a faulty spray arm?

A: $20-$50, depending on the model and replacement part.

Q: Is it worth fixing an older Samsung dishwasher with this error code?

A: It depends on the overall condition and age of the appliance. For older models, replacement might be more economical.

For more information on related error codes, visit:

Related Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

Related Troubleshooting Guides

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