Samsung Dryer 3C Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Motor error: the dryer detected a problem with the inverter motor that drives the drum.
- Can I fix it?
- No, call a technician
- Also shown as
- 3E
- Seen on
- Samsung electric and gas dryers. Some models show 3E for the same fault. This is not the same as the 3C code on Samsung washers.
3C on a Samsung dryer is a motor error: the control detected a problem with the inverter motor that turns the drum. Samsung’s first step is a restart. Turn the dryer off for 2 to 3 minutes, power it back on and restart the cycle. If 3C returns, the motor or its control needs service.
Try this first
- Turn the dryer off for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Or unplug it or switch off its breaker for at least 30 seconds to reset the control.
- Power the dryer back on and restart the cycle.
- Check your model's user manual for model-specific steps.
- If 3C returns, request service.
What causes 3C
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary motor control fault | 3C once, then normal after a restart | Power off for 2 to 3 minutes and restart |
| Inverter motor problem | Drum doesn't turn and 3C returns after every restart | Needs a technician |
| Motor wiring or control board fault | 3C comes and goes between cycles | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Turn the dryer off
Press Power to turn the dryer off and leave it off for 2 to 3 minutes.
-
Reset the power
For a fuller reset, unplug the dryer or switch off its breaker and wait at least 30 seconds before restoring power.
Safety: Electric dryers run on 240 volts. Handle the plug by its body with dry hands, and on a gas dryer leave the gas line alone.
-
Restart the cycle
Turn the dryer back on and restart the cycle. Watch whether the drum turns normally.
-
Check the manual
Look up 3C in your dryer's user manual, since the exact steps can vary by model.
When to call a technician
If 3C returns after a restart, request Samsung service. Checking the inverter motor and its wiring means opening the cabinet, which is a job for a technician.
Questions people ask
Is the dryer 3C the same as the washer 3C?
Both point to the motor, but the motors and the steps differ. Use the steps for your dryer, not a washer guide.
Is 3C the same as 3E?
Yes. Samsung lists 3C and 3E together as an inverter motor code. Which one appears depends on the model.
Can I keep using the dryer with a 3C code?
If a restart clears it and the drum turns normally, yes. If 3C keeps coming back, stop using the dryer and request service.