Samsung Washing Machine 3C Error: Meaning, Causes & Safe Checks

3C Likely needs an engineer Engineer likely

Quick answer

Samsung 3C (or 3E, 3E1 to 3E4) points to a motor problem. Samsung’s first step is a reset: switch off at the mains, wait a minute, switch back on and start a new programme. If the code returns, or the drum won’t turn, book a Samsung repair. Motor faults aren’t a DIY job.

Also shown as 3E 3E1 3E2 3E3 3E4

What 3C means on a Samsung washing machine

The machine has detected a problem with its motor.

Applies to: Samsung washing machines sold in the UK. Shown as 3C, 3E or 3E1 to 3E4.

What you might notice

Likely causes

Why this isn’t a DIY job

The motor, its wiring and the control board sit behind the machine’s panels and run on mains power. Samsung’s only home step for 3C is the reset. Anything beyond that means testing electrical parts, which is a job for a Samsung engineer.

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • The drum doesn’t turn at all, or a dryer drum spins very freely by hand. That usually points to a motor or belt fault for an engineer.
  • You smell burning, see smoke or scorch marks, or the appliance trips your electrics. Stop using it, and switch it off at the wall only if it is safe to reach. Otherwise switch off at the consumer unit.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Switch off at the wall and let it rest

  1. If the display shows a code, write it down first.
  2. Switch the appliance off and turn it off at the wall socket.
  3. Leave it off for the time your manual or the manufacturer suggests (see the note below if there is one), then switch on and try again.

For this fault: Samsung: switch off at the mains for 1 minute, then switch back on and start a new programme.

Don’t repeat this over and over if the code keeps returning. That means there is a fault to diagnose.

When to call an engineer

If the checks above don’t clear 3C, or any of the stop signs apply, contact Samsung or a qualified appliance engineer. Have the model and serial number from the rating label ready, and start with Samsung UK support.

Repair or replace?

If a reset doesn’t clear 3C, an engineer will need to diagnose it. Whether a repair is worth it depends on your washing machine’s age, condition and the quote you get. We don’t publish repair prices because they vary by area, part and model.

Related problems

Related codes

Questions people ask

Could 3E actually be another code?

Samsung warns that 3 and E can look alike on the display, so check the code carefully against your manual.

Different code or symptom? Use the fault finder, see all Samsung washing machine codes, or read how Samsung codes work. Not sure it’s safe? Read our safety information.

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.