Samsung Washer Error Code Small LED Flash

The Small LED Flash error is a drain fault code indicating the washer cannot properly drain water from the tub. It can be caused by a clogged or damaged drain pump, a blocked drain hose, a pump motor with failed windings, incorrect supply voltage, or freezing conditions in the installation area. The pump motor should measure between 13.5 and 16.5 ohms to be considered electrically sound.

No, you should not continue running cycles while this error is present. A washer that cannot drain will leave standing water in the tub, which can lead to mold growth, odors, and further mechanical damage to the pump motor if it continues to attempt operation while blocked or overloaded.

A reset may temporarily clear the error code, but if the underlying cause such as a clogged pump, damaged impeller, or out-of-specification motor winding is not corrected, the error will return as soon as the washer attempts to drain again. The root cause must be diagnosed and repaired for the error to stay cleared permanently.

Start by checking the drain pump assembly for any foreign objects like coins or small clothing items that may be jamming the impeller. Next, inspect the drain hose for kinks or clogs. If the pump is clear and the hose is unobstructed, test the pump motor resistance with a multimeter. A reading outside 13.5 to 16.5 ohms means the pump motor needs to be replaced.

If the fix is as simple as removing debris from the pump or clearing a clogged hose, there may be no parts cost at all. If the drain pump motor needs to be replaced, parts and labor typically run anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the specific model and local labor rates. Getting a diagnosis before ordering parts helps avoid unnecessary expense.