What does the Samsung OC / OF error code mean?
HC indicates a heating error. The wash water is not reaching the required temperature within the allotted time. On Samsung dishwashers, this is usually caused by a failed heating element, a faulty thermistor (temperature sensor), or a relay fault on the control board.
🔍 Symptoms
- Dishes come out with grease and food residue despite a full cycle
- Glassware has a white, cloudy film after washing
- The drying phase is completely ineffective — dishes are wet
- The machine completes cycles but the inside never feels warm
- Error code appears approximately 20–30 minutes into a hot programme
How to fix the Samsung OC / OF error code
- Confirm the heater is at fault by checking whether steam is present when carefully opening the door mid-cycle. No steam on a 65°C programme confirms a heating failure.
- Unplug the machine. On most Samsung dishwashers, the heater is located at the bottom of the tub — a loop or tubular element around the sump.
- Test the thermistor (NTC sensor) with a multimeter. At 25°C room temperature it should read approximately 10k ohms.
- Test the heating element — it should show 20–40 ohms resistance. Infinite resistance means it has failed.
- If both components test normal, the control board relay that activates the heater may be faulty — this requires a PCB specialist or replacement board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use my Samsung dishwasher on a cold wash to avoid the HC fault?
A: Some programmes run at lower temperatures and may complete without triggering HC. However, cold-water washing is ineffective for grease removal and not a long-term solution.
Q: Does the HC error appear immediately or later in the cycle?
A: Usually 20–40 minutes into the main wash, when the control board compares the target temperature with the actual sensor reading and finds a significant discrepancy.
Q: Is the Samsung dishwasher heater easy to replace?
A: On most Samsung models, the element is accessible from inside the tub after removing the lower basket and sump cover. It is a moderate DIY task but if unsure always consult a qualified professional.
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