How to Fix a Samsung SUD or 5UD Error Code

A Samsung washer with a SUD or 5UD error code is usually nothing to panic about. In most cases, SUD or 5UD means your Samsung washer has detected too many soap suds or too much foam during a wash cycle. When the washer detects too many suds, it displays the SUD or 5UD error code while it tries to fix the problem by adding more water and pausing the wash cycle to allow the suds to dissipate.

Once the issue is resolved, the error code should clear, and the washer should continue with the cycle. However, sometimes the error code and the “too many suds” issue will remain or return. Follow the tips below to fix the problem and prevent the issue from occurring again.

This guide applies to most Samsung models, including the following:

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WF330ANB/XAA

WF330ANBXAA

WF330ANW

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WF331ANW/XAA

WF350ANPXAA

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Prevention

Don’t use too much detergent

Too many soap suds is primarily caused by using too much detergent. The SUD or 5UD error code can be caused by the presence of too much detergent during that particular cycle or be the result of frequently using too much detergent, which has caused detergent residue to build up inside the washer and detergent dispenser. To avoid the suds issue, make sure to follow the detergent instructions for what you are washing and avoid using too much.

Use an HE (high-efficiency) detergent

High-efficiency detergents are designed for high-efficiency washers that require less water. If you are using regular detergent with an HE washer, it will create too many suds and trigger the SUD or 5UD error code. However, HE detergents can be used with regular washers to reduce suds. Typically, you will need to use four tablespoons of HE detergent with a regular washer.

Keep the washer clean

It may sound like a contradiction, but washers do become dirty over time. If detergent residue builds up or the drain hose or drain pump becomes clogged, it can cause too many suds during a wash cycle. Cleaning the washer with a washer cleaning product every six months will keep the washer clean and help to break up any blockages in the drain hose or pump.

How to resolve the SUD or 5UD error code

• Wait for the washer to correct the issue itself (usually within 10 minutes).
• If suds remain in the washer, add half a lid of fabric softener or half a cup of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser to get rid of the suds.
• If your washer has an “Eco drum clean” cycle, run it to clear the suds.
• If the error code does not clear, disconnect the washer from the power source for 2 minutes, then turn the washer back on to reset it.
• If the suds error code remains or returns, follow the instructions below.

How to fix a recurring SUD or 5UD error code

If the SUD or 5UD error code does not clear, or the issue keeps returning, and you are using the correct amount of detergent, the washer likely needs to becleaned, or it may have a clogged drain hose, drain pump, or a faulty foam or water level sensor. Although unlikely, the washer’s main control board could also be damaged.

Clean the washer

Cleaning the washer with a washer cleaning product or white vinegar can remove detergent residue and help to clear any blockages that may be causing too many suds. However, be aware that using vinegar too often can cause damage to rubber components within the washer.

The detergent dispenser and surrounding area should be cleaned regularly to avoid detergent residue buildup, which causes excess soap suds.

Check the drain pump and filter

If your Samsung washer has an accessible drain pump and filter feature on the front of the washer, cleaning these is relatively easy. If your Samsung washer does not have this feature, you will need to disconnect the washer from the power source and remove the rear or front panel (depending on the model) to access the drain pump.

Once you have accessed the pump and filter area, clean the area to remove any debris clogging the pump or filter.

Check that the drain hose is not clogged

If the drain hose is clogged, detergent residue is more likely to build up in the washer and cause too many suds. If you have had issues or error codes that indicate the washer is having a drainage problem, after checking the pump, checking the drain hose should be next on your list.

It should be relatively easy to remove the external drain hose to check it for blockages. However, the internal drain hose could also be clogged. Depending on the washer model, you will most likely need to remove either the back or front panel on the washer to access the internal drain hose, which is connected to the drain pump. Hot water can be used to clean the drain hose. If this does not work, a drain snake tool or  white vinegar should clear the drain hose.

Check the foam level sensor and water level sensor

Some Samsung washers have a foam level sensor that monitors the foam in the washer. With other models, the water level sensor performs the same function. The water level sensor (also called the pressure switch) is responsible for telling the control board how much water is in the washer and when to stop filling or emptying the washer.

If the SUD or 5UD error code occurs when the washer is not in a wash cycle, perhaps while filling with water, a problem likely exists with the foam level sensor or water level sensor. Both sensors are usually located behind the control panel at the top of the washer. Removing the top panel of the washer is usually required with both top-load and front-load washers to access the sensor.

Once you have located the sensor, it can be tested with a multimeter for continuity (a continuous electrical path) once its wiring harness has been disconnected. The multimeter probes should touch the two outside terminals, and to activate the sensor, you will need to locate the end of the hose that is connected to the sensor and blow air through it to simulate water building up. If the multimeter reading does not change when water pressure is simulated, the sensor is defective and will need to be replaced.

Main Control Board

If you are having no luck clearing or fixing the SUD or 5UD error code, the main control board may be defective. However, the main control board is very rarely the cause of the issue. Diagnosing main control board errors is complicated and best left to a trained technician.