3E Wash motor error

serious

The Samsung 3E error code on your dishwasher indicates: Wash motor error. This typically requires troubleshooting the motor system.

Samsung Dishwasher Affects 1 model

What Causes Error 3E

high likelihood #1

Motor winding failure

The motor windings have burned out or shorted, preventing the motor from running.

high likelihood #2

Motor jammed by debris

Foreign objects (glass, bones, seeds) are preventing the motor from spinning.

medium likelihood #3

Capacitor failure (if applicable)

The start or run capacitor that helps the motor start has failed.

low likelihood #4

Control board not sending power

The relay or triac on the board that drives the motor has failed.

How to Fix Error 3E

  1. Step 1: Power cycle the appliance

    Unplug for 5 minutes then plug back in. Motors can trip thermal overloads that reset after cooling down.

  2. Step 2: Check for obstructions

    Remove any accessible filters, spray arms, or covers near the motor. Look for debris like broken glass, food particles, or foreign objects jamming the motor.

  3. Step 3: Try spinning the motor manually

    With the appliance unplugged, try to rotate the motor shaft or impeller by hand. It should spin smoothly. If it's locked up, debris is likely jammed in it.

    ⚠️ Keep fingers clear of any sharp blades or impeller edges.

  4. Step 4: Listen on startup

    Plug back in and start a cycle. If you hear a humming/buzzing but no spinning, the motor is trying to run but is either jammed or has a bad capacitor.

  5. Step 5: Test motor continuity

    With the appliance unplugged, disconnect the motor wires and test resistance between terminals. Should read 2-20 ohms typically. Infinite = open winding, very low/zero = shorted.

  6. Step 6: Replace the motor

    If the motor tests bad or is physically jammed and can't be cleared, replace the motor assembly.

Parts You Might Need

If troubleshooting doesn't resolve error 3E, you may need to replace one of these parts:

Wash Motor/Pump Assembly

motor $60-$150
Find on Amazon PartSelect

Motor Capacitor

other $10-$25
Find on Amazon PartSelect

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When to Call a Professional

If the motor is difficult to access or if the appliance makes burning smells when trying to run

  • Burning smells indicate potential fire risk — stop using immediately
  • Some motors require significant disassembly to access
  • Motor circuits can carry high current that's dangerous to work around

Video Repair Guides

Watch a repair walkthrough for this error code on YouTube:

▶ Search YouTube for "Samsung dishwasher error 3E fix"

Models Affected

This error code has been reported on the following Samsung dishwasher models:

DW80R5060US