Error 3e in a Samsung washing machine
Error 3e isn't as common in Samsung washing machines as other errors, but it can still create quite a few difficulties for users who are suddenly deprived of their "home assistant" just when they need it most. When this error occurs, as with all other errors, washing stops and won't resume until the underlying cause is resolved. Let's investigate the causes of error 3e and decipher its meaning.
The moment of appearance of the code and its analogues
Error 3e rarely appears randomly. It often occurs at certain stages of the washing program, following a certain pattern. Imagine your Samsung washing machine starts washing clothes. Water fills, the drum gradually begins to spin, and then suddenly, the machine freezes, the drum stops spinning, and at that very moment, error 3e appears on the display. Other scenarios also occur.
- You start a washing program on your Samsung automatic washing machine.
- The machine fills with water and starts washing.
- Next, the washing machine drains the dirty water, collects clean water for rinsing and starts rinsing.
- The spin cycle should follow, but it doesn't. The machine spins the drum briefly, then freezes, displaying error code 3e.
After rinsing, the machine tries to spin the drum to a more or less decent speed, but this does not happen.
If you're experiencing exactly the symptoms listed above, but a different code appears on the display, remember that error 3e has similar meanings. You may also encounter the following codes: 3C, 8E, EA, 3e1, 3e2, 3e3, 3e4, 3c1, 3c2, 3c3, 3c4, 8e1, 8c, 8c1. There are quite a few similar codes, and it's easy to misread them, so be careful. The EA code is typical for washing machines that were produced before 2008, while the 8E, 8e1, 8c, 8c1 codes are typical for washing machines produced after 2013.
Another question arises: how does error code 3e manifest itself on Samsung washing machines without a display? The image below shows the answer. When this error occurs, two lights 40 appear on the display.0C, and then Bio 600C. But that's not all, the indicators indicating the washing programs will start flashing quickly.
How does it stand?
As always, let's start with the literal meaning of error code 3e. It indicates a problem with the tachometer or the motor. Such a broad description of the error is unlikely to satisfy us, so we'll try to decipher it in more detail. First, let's decipher the related errors that appear on some Samsung washing machine models instead of code 3e.
- The error code EA is deciphered in the same way as 3e, but this code was used on older models of Samsung washing machines, although we have already discussed this above.
- Codes 8e, 8c, 8c1 indicate problems with the vibration sensor, which is installed on the most modern models of washing machines.
A vibration sensor is a device that allows you to monitor the movement of the drum in different planes, while a conventional tachometer can only monitor its speed.
- Error 8e1 indicates serious problems with engine control, essentially a complete loss of communication with the vibration sensor or tachometer.
- Well, the 3C series errors may appear due to a loss of power in the Samsung washing machine motor.
Why does the code appear?
The malfunctions symbolized by this error can be divided into two categories. The first category includes malfunctions that don't result in damage to the Samsung washing machine's components, while the second category includes more serious problems that require extensive repairs to your home appliance. So, let's start with simple malfunctions.
It may seem ridiculous at first, but something as trivial as overloading the drum with laundry can cause error codes 3e or 3C. Loading too little laundry can also trigger error code 3C. These codes can also indicate a drum jam caused by foreign objects getting caught between the drum and the tub, if the motor doesn't have enough power to overcome the jam. Any of the above errors can be triggered by a temporary glitch in the self-diagnostic system, and if this is the case, you're lucky – no repairs are required.
Let's move on to the second category of faults. Error 3e may be a consequence of the complete burnout of the tachometer sensor and a complete loss of communication with it. If your Samsung washing machine has a vibration sensor instead of a tachometer, similar problems may occur. The motor may also be problematic. If error 3C appears, it may indicate a loss of motor power due to worn brushes or a broken winding.
The tachometer sensor may be sending incorrect signals due to oxidation of the magnetic ring or the motor shaft. Dirt can also get between the motor shaft and the tachometer sensor ring, which can cause similar problems. A weakened or intermittently absent tachometer signal may be due to a poorly secured sensor to the engine, which can also cause error code 3e.
One of the rarest causes of error code 3e and its analogs is a loose drive belt. This problem prevents the motor from accelerating and spinning the drum, which is sometimes detected by the washing machine's self-diagnostic system as a motor problem, causing the 3e code to appear.
As you can see, there are quite a few cases of code 3e and its analogues appearing, so be extremely careful not to confuse anything, as this will delay the troubleshooting process.
We eliminate the causes
So, we've listed the causes of error 3e in Samsung washing machines, now let's figure out how to fix them. Let's take them one by one.
- If you've accidentally underloaded your washing machine or overloaded it, resulting in error code 3e, you can fix it yourself. Unplug the machine, remove the excess items, or add more if needed, and then restart the machine – the problem will be solved.
- The drum jamming is a more serious issue. If a foreign object gets into the drum, you'll have to remove it through the heating element opening. To remove the heating element, you'll have to remove the front panel of the Samsung washing machine. The best way to do this is described in this article. My Samsung washing machine is displaying the HE2 error code.Once you've managed to remove the heating element, you can stick your hand into the hole and remove anything that accidentally fell into the bottom of the tank.
- If your washing machine malfunctions briefly, simply reset it by unplugging it for 5 minutes, then plugging it back in. Error 3e or similar should disappear.
- If the tachometer sensor burns out, it needs to be replaced with a new, identical one. Unscrew the back panel of the washing machine, remove the drive belt to prevent it from interfering, disconnect the wiring from the motor, and unscrew it. Remove the old tachometer from the motor and install the new one.
To make sure that the part is faulty, check it with a multimeter.
- If the motor has lost power, the brushes need to be checked and replaced. There are brushes on the sides of the housing.
Small screws that need to be removed to remove the spring-loaded graphite rods. They are called brushes because they rub against the moving part of the brushed motor and can wear away. If this happens to at least one brush, change both at once. - A broken connection with the tachometer sensor can be treated by thoroughly inspecting and cleaning the component. The internal magnetic ring must be thoroughly cleaned of any oxidation and dirt, after which contact will be restored. At the same time, we also check the integrity of the sensor's power supply wire and its contact.
- If you encounter error 3e, which is caused by a loose drive belt, you must replace it immediately. Continuing to operate the washing machine with such a belt is unacceptable. Learn how to replace this part in this article. How to install a belt on a washing machine?
To summarize, error 3e is not only multifaceted in itself, but also has many similar errors that aren't always deciphered in the same way. To understand all of this in more or less detail, please read the article again. We wish you good luck and patience!
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Could the SAMSUNG DC64-01538A locking device be the cause of error 3e?
Well done, my belt broke and the wires came off the tachometer sensor, thanks for the tip.
Thanks for the tip, the Hall sensor is a little dusty.
Thanks to the site developers, it helped!
Where's the answer to the main question: why did the path burn? You fixed the consequences, but you still haven't found the cause.
Could you please advise? My Samsung Eco Bubble 7kg washing machine, model WF72F5E5P4W, is twitching but not spinning. I replaced the control board with a new one, but the problem persists. There is no tachometer on the motor. The motor is an inverter, and the machine has been running for two months.
Have you solved the problem? I have the same one, but it's a wf80 series.
What if the problem is electronic, not mechanical? What if there's a software glitch? How do I reset it?