What Does Error Code BC2 Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?
Press each button on the control panel firmly several times in succession to free any stuck key — if a button was jammed, the error should clear immediately and the machine will resume normal operation (takes about 5 minutes).
Fault description
Error code BC2 is Samsung's way of telling you that something is wrong with the control panel or keypad. Specifically, the machine's electronics have detected that one or more buttons are being held in a pressed state when they shouldn't be — either because a key is physically stuck, or because the underlying membrane or circuit is registering a false signal.
When BC2 appears, the washing machine will typically stop responding to new button presses and may halt mid-cycle or refuse to start. The display will show the code continuously until the fault is resolved. This is a safety measure to prevent the machine from acting on unintended commands.
The good news is that in many cases this is a straightforward mechanical issue — a button that has become jammed due to detergent residue, moisture, or physical damage — and it can often be resolved without any specialist tools or parts.
Causes
- Stuck or jammed control panel button — The most common cause of BC2 is a button on the console that has become physically stuck in the pressed position. This can happen when detergent residue, moisture, or grime builds up around the edges of a key, preventing it from springing back after being pressed.
- Damaged or worn keypad membrane — Behind the buttons sits a flexible membrane that registers each press as an electrical signal. Over time, this membrane can crack, delaminate, or wear out, causing it to send a continuous signal to the control board as if a button is permanently held down.
- Moisture or liquid ingress into the control panel — Water or cleaning fluid that has seeped behind the control panel fascia can bridge contacts on the keypad membrane, mimicking a stuck button. This is particularly common if the machine has been wiped down with a wet cloth or if there has been a leak near the console.
- Loose or damaged wiring harness between keypad and control board — The ribbon cable or wiring loom connecting the keypad to the main control board can work loose over time due to vibration. A poor connection can cause erratic signals that the board interprets as a stuck key.
- Faulty main control board (PCB) — If the keypad itself is in good condition but the error persists, the main PCB may be misreading the signals it receives from the panel. A failing control board can generate false BC2 codes even when no button is actually stuck.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Power off and unplug the machine
Switch the washing machine off at the power button and unplug it from the wall socket. Wait at least 60 seconds before doing anything else. This allows any residual charge in the electronics to dissipate and can sometimes clear a temporary false reading.
- 2
Press every button on the control panel firmly
Plug the machine back in and, before starting a cycle, press each button on the console firmly several times in a deliberate pumping motion. Work your way across the entire panel systematically. You are trying to free any key that may have become stuck in the depressed position — you may feel or hear a slight click when a jammed button releases.
- 3
Inspect each button visually and physically
Look closely at every button for signs of physical damage, discolouration, or residue around its edges. Run your fingernail gently around the perimeter of each key to dislodge any dried detergent or debris. If a button feels different from the others — spongy, stiff, or sunken — that is likely the source of the fault.
- 4
Clean around the control panel buttons
Dampen a cotton bud or soft cloth with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (70% is ideal) and carefully clean around the edges of each button. Do not spray liquid directly onto the panel. Allow the panel to dry completely — at least 15 minutes — before powering the machine back on.
- 5
Check and reseat the keypad wiring connector
If you are comfortable doing so, remove the top panel or rear access panel of the machine (unplug it first) to locate the ribbon cable or wiring harness running from the control panel to the main board. Gently disconnect and firmly reconnect the connector at both ends. A loose connection here can cause persistent BC2 errors.
- 6
Test the machine on a short cycle
Plug the machine back in, select a short wash programme such as a quick wash or rinse cycle, and press Start. Monitor the display for the first few minutes. If BC2 does not reappear, the fault has been resolved. If it returns, note which stage of the cycle triggers it, as this information will be useful for a service technician.
- 7
Replace the keypad or control panel assembly
If all the above steps fail to clear the error, the keypad membrane or the full control panel assembly will need to be replaced. Replacement keypads are available as spare parts for most affected Samsung models. If you are not confident replacing this component yourself, this is the point to contact a service technician.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have pressed all the buttons, cleaned the panel thoroughly, and reseated the wiring connectors but the BC2 error continues to appear, the fault is likely internal — either a failed keypad membrane that cannot be freed by cleaning, or a main control board that is generating false signals. These components require disassembly of the machine and, in the case of the PCB, careful handling to avoid further damage.
You should also call a service technician if you notice any signs of burn marks, melted plastic, or a burning smell near the control panel, or if the machine is still under warranty and you do not want to risk voiding it by opening the casing yourself.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will BC2 go away on its own if I leave the machine for a while?
Occasionally, if the error was triggered by a temporary moisture issue, it may clear once the panel dries out. However, in most cases BC2 will persist until the stuck button is physically freed or the faulty component is replaced. It is worth working through the steps above rather than waiting, as leaving the machine unused does not address the underlying cause.
Can I still use my washing machine when BC2 is showing?
In most cases, no. The BC2 error will prevent the machine from accepting new commands or starting a cycle, as the control board is receiving a continuous signal from the stuck button. Attempting to force the machine to run in this state is not recommended, as it could lead to unintended programme selections or further damage to the control board.
Is BC2 the same as a child lock error?
No. BC2 is specifically a keypad or control panel fault indicating a stuck or malfunctioning button. A child lock error is a deliberate feature that disables the buttons temporarily and is usually indicated by a padlock icon or a separate code. If the child lock is active, holding the designated button combination for three seconds will typically release it.
How much does it cost to replace a Samsung washing machine control panel?
The cost of a replacement keypad membrane or control panel fascia varies by model but typically falls in the range of £20–£80 for the part alone. A full control board replacement is more expensive, often £80–£200 or more depending on the model. Labour costs from a service technician will be additional, so it is worth getting a quote before committing to a repair on an older machine.
Which Samsung washing machine models are affected by the BC2 error?
BC2 has been reported across a range of Samsung washing machine models including the B1020V, B1220V, B1253, F1015JGB, F1020V, F1043, F843, J1055A, J1220, J1264, J1466, J1488, and the FlexWash WV60M9900AV, among others. If your model is not listed, the error code may still apply — check your user manual or the Samsung support website to confirm.