What 3E actually means
The machine can't tell how fast the drum motor is turning, so it stops rather than risk running blind.
Samsung's control board watches a speed sensor (the tacho) on the drum motor. If it doesn't see a proper speed signal within a couple of seconds of the motor being told to run, it halts the cycle and shows this code. In practice you'll see a drum that won't turn at all, or a wash that stops with water still in it and no spin.
What usually causes it
- Worn carbon brushes on the motor (belt-driven models)
- A loose or corroded plug on the motor or main control board
- A faulty tacho coil or speed sensor on the motor
- The motor itself failing, including its internal thermal fuse
- A fault on the main control board
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then power it back up and try a spin or rinse — if it was a one-off glitch it will clear.
- If the drum is full of water, use a drain or spin-only programme; if that won't run, the water will need draining before the door can be opened.
- Take some washing out and redistribute the load, in case the drum is jammed solid with a heavy tangled load.
When to call someone
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.
Other Samsung washing machine codes
- Samsung 1E — The machine can't tell how much water is in the drum, so it …
- Samsung 2E — The machine hasn't managed to empty its water within the tim…
- Samsung 4E — The machine hasn't taken in enough water in the time it allo…
- Samsung 5C — Your Samsung washer can't get the water out of the drum, so …
- Samsung 5E — The machine has tried to pump the water out and, after about…
- Samsung 8E — The machine has drawn more electrical current than it should…
- Samsung DE — The machine can't confirm the door is shut and locked, so it…
- Samsung E01 — The machine hasn't taken in enough water in the time it expe…