Samsung 3E washing machine: what it means & what to check

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

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 3E looks like on a Samsung washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Samsung washing machine, 3E usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine door won't open
Door won't lock or click shut
Door lock light flashing
Door stuck shut with the load inside
Won't start even with the door closed
Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water

Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.

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.

Common questions about Samsung 3E

What does 3E mean on a Samsung washing machine?

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.

Can I fix Samsung 3E myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

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.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair Samsung 3E?

£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Tried the checks and it's still showing 3E?

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.

What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washing machine faults are seen same day or next day.

Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need

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

All Samsung fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Samsung 3E error — washing machine