Most modern washing machines equipped with a digital display, in addition to a large number of programs for washing clothes, have a number of additional functionality. The Korean manufacturer Samsung also equipped its devices with a diagnostic system. One of the most well-known codes signaling a problem is the SUD error on a Samsung washing machine, which reports increased foam formation inside the drum.
Error meaning SUD, SD, 5D
Most often, the appearance of the SUD value on the washing machine display (in some models it may be designated as SD or 5D) is not at all a reason to panic and urgently call a technician. In numerous cases, this indicates that the level of foam inside the device is too high. You can verify this by looking at the loading hatch or opening the powder cuvette. Modern Samsung machines are equipped with foam control and in cases where there is a lot of it, the suppression mode is automatically started.
The SUD error code that appears indicates that the problem could not be resolved, so the device has stopped working and is waiting for the foam to settle. As a rule, the user does not need to do anything; within ten minutes the washing machine will continue to operate itself. Some models may ask you to press the “Start” button to continue working.But sometimes the amount of foam does not decrease, and the fault message continues to light up continuously on the display. In such cases, you need to know how to fix the breakdown and eliminate the causes of its occurrence.
Reasons for the SUD error
As a rule, increased foam formation occurs in the following cases:
- Use of hand washing products. They do not contain the defoamer added to automatic powders, so they are prohibited from being used in a washing machine.
- The use of counterfeit or low-quality powders.
- The dosage of detergent has been exceeded. In cases where bulky, porous or downy items are washed, it is recommended to reduce the amount of powder. If concentrate powder is used, it must be added in small quantities according to the recommendations on the package.
If there are no complaints about the detergent, the malfunction could arise for the following reasons:
- Blockages in the drain filter, hose or drain. In these situations, during an idle wash, the machine drains water for a very long time, and a SUD error occurs with the detergent. This indicates that the blockage has partially clogged the system; the remaining small hole is sufficient to drain water, but not enough to discharge foam.
- The foam sensor or pressure switch, which controls the foam level in some models, is broken.
- Failure in the electronic control board.
To determine the cause of the breakdown and eliminate it on your own, you need to know what to do in the situation that arises.
How to fix the problem yourself
If more than ten minutes have passed since the error appeared, and the foam level has not decreased and the SUD error continues to appear on the screen, you should turn off the machine, unplug the power plug and remove the laundry. If the hatch is blocked, you must drain the water through the filter or emergency drain located behind the decorative panel at the bottom of the device.
Next, you need to clean the filter under running water, the drain hose and the sewer using a cable, and also free the cuvette from any remaining washing powder. After cleaning, run a new wash cycle without laundry or powder at high temperature to flush out any remaining detergent from the system.
If, after starting a new program, the SUD code appears again or in situations where it lights up on the screen and no foam is visible, this may indicate a malfunction of the foam formation or water level control sensors, which in a number of Samsung washing machines perform the function of controlling the amount of foam.
The foam control sensor cannot be repaired and must be replaced. It is very difficult to do this yourself; it is recommended to contact a service center and call a specialist who will select the appropriate part and install it correctly.
If the water level sensor (also known as a pressure switch) breaks down, you can fix the problem yourself. To do this, you need to perform the following steps:
- unplug the washing machine, unscrew and remove the top cover;
- find the pressure switch located in the corner;
- disconnect the air duct and move it aside;
- disconnect the wires from the faulty part;
- connect a new water level sensor;
- Reassemble the machine in reverse order.
In very rare cases, the SUD error indicates a breakdown of the control board. It is not recommended to repair this part yourself, because it can cause even more damage to the washing machine. In this situation, you need to call a qualified specialist and trust him to fix the problem.
Bottom line
So, one of the most popular codes that the machine displays on the screen, indicating a malfunction, is the SUD error. It means increased foam formation inside the drum.
As a rule, the owner of the device does not have to call a technician. Such a malfunction indicates improper use of the powder or a clogged drain system.
In some cases, the SUD error code indicates a malfunction of the foam sensor or pressure switch. The first one cannot be repaired; you should call a specialist to replace it; the second one can be changed on your own.
In the rarest situations, this error occurs when the control unit is faulty. In this situation, you should call a qualified technician from the service center to diagnose and carry out repair work.
