Samsung Washer Error Code WR — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

WR means your Samsung washer detected the drum rotating in the wrong direction. The drum is supposed to alternate rotation directions during a wash cycle. When the motor or control board sends the drum spinning the wrong way without reversing correctly, the WR error is triggered. This is typically a motor, control board, or wiring issue.

Affected Models

WF45R6100AW
WF45T6000AW
WF50R8500AV
WF56H9100AG
Samsung front-load washers with brushless DD motors

Common Causes

Faulty main control board sending incorrect direction commands to the motor
Failed or failing motor that is not reversing direction as commanded
Wiring fault between the control board and the motor causing signal errors
Motor Hall sensor failure giving the control board incorrect motor position data
Power supply issue causing the control board to lose timing during motor reversal

How to Fix It

Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. This resets the control board and may clear a one-time software glitch that triggered WR.

If WR reappears within the same cycle, the issue is hardware-related and a reset will not fix it permanently.
Run a diagnostic cycle if your model supports it. On most Samsung washers, hold the Temperature and Spin buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds to enter diagnostic mode. The display will show a test sequence.

The diagnostic test reveals whether the motor and drum can pass the self-test. A fail during the motor rotation test confirms the WR fault is real.
Inspect the wiring harness between the control board and the motor at the back of the washer drum. Look for loose connectors, chafed insulation, or wires that could have been pinched during installation or movement.

You will need to remove the back panel to access the motor wiring on most Samsung front-load models.
Check all connectors at the motor itself. Unplug and re-plug each connector firmly to ensure proper contact.

A loose motor connector can cause intermittent communication errors that appear as WR.
If wiring checks out and the error persists, the motor or control board needs professional testing and replacement. Do not continue using the machine — running it with WR can worsen the mechanical damage.

A technician can use a multimeter and Samsung diagnostic codes to determine whether the motor Hall sensor, motor windings, or control board is at fault.

When to Call a Professional

WR is a motor or control board fault that requires component-level diagnosis. Attempting to run the washer with a WR error can damage the motor or drum bearing. Contact Samsung support or a licensed appliance technician. Motor replacement costs $150 to $300 for parts and labor. Control board replacement is $200 to $400.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WR a common Samsung washer error?

WR is less common than water supply or drain errors. It tends to appear on older machines where the motor brushes have worn down or on units with a history of power surges. It can also appear after a laundry load caused an unusual amount of resistance on the drum.

Can a heavy load cause WR?

A severely overloaded drum can strain the motor enough to cause direction errors. If WR appeared after washing a very heavy item like a blanket or comforter, try running a smaller load. If WR only appears with heavy loads, the motor may be weakening and close to failure.

Will Samsung cover WR under warranty?

If your washer is within the standard 1-year warranty or extended warranty period, yes. Contact Samsung at 1-800-SAMSUNG with your model number and purchase date. Motor failures on newer machines are generally covered as manufacturing defects.