Samsung Washer 3E Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- On some Samsung washers 3E is a voltage error (irregular power reaching the washer); on others it is a motor error. Check your model's user manual to see which applies.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- Also shown as
- 3E1, 3E2, 3E3, 3E4
- Seen on
- Samsung front-load and top-load washers. Samsung US lists 3E with the voltage codes on some models and with the motor codes (alongside 3C, E3 and 1 3C) on others. Numbered forms 3E1 to 3E4 appear on Samsung's regional pages as part of the motor error family.
3E on a Samsung washer means one of two things, depending on the model: a voltage error or a motor error. Your user manual tells you which. For voltage, plug the washer into its own outlet on a dedicated circuit, with no extension cord. For motor, turn the power off for 2 to 3 minutes and restart the cycle.
Try this first
- Check your user manual to see whether 3E is a voltage or a motor error on your model.
- Plug the washer straight into a wall outlet: no extension cord or power strip.
- Make sure the washer is on its own circuit, not shared with a dryer, microwave or space heater.
- Turn the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes, then turn it on and restart the cycle.
- If the drum is packed, take some items out and check nothing is jammed between the drum and tub.
What causes 3E
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Washer on a shared circuit or extension cord (voltage models) | 3E when other appliances run, or right after starting | The outlet and circuit the washer uses |
| Unstable household power (voltage models) | 3E after a storm, outage or flickering lights | Power reset, then a test cycle |
| Overloaded drum (motor models) | 3E at the start of a wash or spin with a heavy load | Run the cycle with fewer items |
| Object jamming the drum (motor models) | Drum hard to turn by hand, scraping noise | Feel for coins, bra wires or small items in the drum |
| Motor, motor wiring or control board fault | 3E returns even with an empty drum | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
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Find out which 3E you have
Look up 3E in your washer's user manual. It is listed either as a voltage error or as a motor error. Samsung's own page says the meaning depends on the model.
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For a voltage error: check the outlet
Plug the washer directly into a grounded wall outlet on its own circuit. Remove any extension cord, adapter or power strip.
Safety: Don't work on the outlet or wiring yourself. Ask an electrician if the circuit is shared or the outlet is damaged.
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Reset the power
Turn the washer off, or unplug it, for 2 to 3 minutes. Restore power and restart the cycle.
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For a motor error: lighten the load
Remove some items so the drum is not packed. With the power off, turn the drum by hand and listen for anything caught.
Safety: Keep the washer unplugged while your hands are in the drum.
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Run an empty test cycle
Start a short cycle with no laundry. If 3E returns with an empty drum, stop and request service.
When to call a technician
If 3E keeps returning after you have fixed the power supply (voltage models) or run an empty cycle after a power reset (motor models), Samsung says to request service. Motor, hall sensor and control board checks are technician work.
Questions people ask
Is 3E a voltage error or a motor error?
Both, depending on the model. Samsung says 3E is a voltage error on some washers and a motor error on others, so check your user manual.
Are 3C and E3 the same as 3E?
On models where 3E is a motor error, Samsung lists 3C, E3 and 1 3C as the same motor error. On models where 3E is a voltage error, they are different faults.
Can an extension cord cause a 3E code?
On models where 3E means a voltage error, yes. Samsung says the washer should be on its own circuit and not use an extension cord.