Samsung Dishwasher Error Code nE — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The nE error means there is a problem with the diverter motor inside your Samsung dishwasher. The diverter motor controls where water is directed — it routes the wash water between the upper and lower spray arms at different points in the cycle. When this motor fails or gets stuck, the water cannot be sent where it needs to go and the dishwasher stops. Dishes on one rack (usually the top) will come out dirty if nE is happening.

Affected Models

DW80R9950UG
DW80T9940US
DW80R5061US
DW80T5550US
DW80M9550US
Samsung dishwashers with alternating spray arm systems

Common Causes

The diverter motor has burned out or seized due to age and heat exposure
A piece of broken dishware, a food particle, or debris is jamming the diverter valve mechanism
The wiring harness connecting the diverter motor to the control board has a loose or broken connection
The diverter disk or valve has cracked and can no longer rotate to redirect water flow
The main control board has failed to send the correct activation signal to the diverter motor

How to Fix It

Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it. Remove the bottom rack.

You need access to the bottom of the tub to inspect and clean the diverter area.
Remove the lower spray arm by unscrewing the center cap (turn counterclockwise) or lifting it straight up depending on your model.

Refer to your model's manual for the exact removal method — most Samsung lower spray arms simply unscrew.
Look into the spray arm hub opening for any debris — broken glass, food solids, or a foreign object that could be jamming the diverter valve.

Even small fragments of broken glass or a hard food piece can prevent the diverter disk from rotating.
Clear any debris found. Reassemble the spray arm, plug the dishwasher back in, and run a short cycle.

If the error was caused by a jam, clearing it will resolve nE without any parts replacement.
If nE returns after cleaning, the diverter motor itself has likely failed. Contact a Samsung-certified technician for motor replacement.

The top rack loading test: if your top rack dishes are consistently dirty but bottom rack dishes are clean, this is a strong sign the diverter motor is not redirecting water to the upper spray arm.

When to Call a Professional

Diverter motor replacement requires disassembling the sump area at the bottom of the dishwasher — this is a technician-level repair. Diverter motor parts cost $40–$90. Total repair with labor typically runs $120–$220. Call Samsung support at 1-800-726-7864 or schedule service through a certified Samsung repair center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the diverter motor actually do?

Think of the diverter motor as a traffic director inside your dishwasher. Your dishwasher has one pump but multiple spray arms. The diverter motor switches the water flow between the lower spray arm and the upper spray arm at timed intervals. This way, both racks get washed even though there is only one pump. If the diverter motor fails, water only goes to one arm — usually the lower one — leaving the top rack uncleaned.

How do I know if it's the diverter motor and not just clogged spray arms?

Run a cycle and check both spray arms beforehand. Spin each arm by hand — they should rotate freely with no resistance. Make sure the spray holes are not clogged with mineral deposits (clean with a toothpick if needed). If the arms are clear and spin freely but the top rack still comes out dirty and nE keeps appearing, the diverter motor is the likely culprit.

Is the nE error expensive to fix?

It is a moderate repair — not the cheapest but not the most expensive. The diverter motor part itself is usually $40 to $90. With a technician's labor, expect $120 to $220 total. Given the cost of a new dishwasher ($500 to $1,200), the repair is almost always worth doing.