Is your Samsung washer displaying the 3E error code? Don’t panic just yet! Usually, seeing this error code pop up on the screen after the drain pump has started working means that something is wrong with the washer’s position sensor.
We saw lots of motor hall sensors break in Samsung washing machines after a while. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the sensor is gone for good. There are many things that you can do to clear the error code without replacing the sensor.
In this guide, we’ll take you through all the necessary steps to diagnose and fix your Samsung washer and get rid of the 3E washing machine error code. Without further ado, let’s get right into it!
How to Fix the 3E Error Code on a Samsung Washing Machine
The 3E error code is one of the easiest error codes to fix in Samsung washers. A single component replacement should get the job done. The tricky part is identifying which component has failed, but you’ll save yourself much time and effort if you diagnose the components in the right order.
Here are some of the causes of this error code and the best ways to fix them:
Faulty Hall Sensor
The first component you need to inspect when you see the 3E fault code on your Samsung washer is the motor hall sensor. The hall sensor is responsible for monitoring the revolutions and positions of the machine’s motor. In other words, it ensures that the motor is working at the needed levels for each cycle.
For example, in a spin cycle, the motor should rotate at maximum speed but it slows down in other cycles.
If the sensor isn’t sending any signals, the 3E error code will pop up on the washer’s screen. To repair a damaged hall sensor, follow these steps:
Disconnect the washer and cut off the water supply
Unmount the back panel
Remove the stator assembly and locate the hall sensor
Replace the hall sensor and reinstall the stator assembly
Screw back the rear panel
Test the new sensor by running a wash cycle
A broken wire might be another reason why your hall sensor isn’t sending any signals. Check the wire connections that connect to and from the sensor and the motor control board and look for signs of damage, like burns or twists. Replace the affected wires with new ones and see if that fixes the problem.
Another quick tip is to clean the area between the sensor’s ring and the motor shaft as dirt could disrupt the signal.
Drum Spider Arm
The spider arm provides support for the drum to ensure proper drum rotating speed. You can inspect the spider arm for cracks by uninstalling the drum and checking the back part. If you see any signs of cracking, get a new spider arm.
Drum Bearings
Drum bearings allow the drum to rotate smoothly without causing other components in the washer to wear out prematurely. Bearings have a specific lifespan, after which you’ll need to replace them.
Turn off the power supply and remove the rear panel to uninstall the drum and the tub. You can locate the bearings at the back of the tub.
Diagnosing the drum bearings is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is inspect the bearings for signs of wear, like roughness, pits, or contaminants, then replace the bearings if needed.
Motor Control Board
The control board is fully responsible for controlling the rotation and stoppage of the motor. Faulty electronic control boards may cause the motor to rotate at uneven speeds. It may also cause the motor to speed up or slow down at the wrong time, an issue that the sensor will detect.
To gain access to the printed control board, remove the back panel and locate the board based on the tech sheet. Replace the board with a new one and check if it worked by running a test cycle.
Motor Brushes
If your washing machine uses a brushed motor, worn-out carbon brushes might cause this error code to appear.
Brushed motors communicate internally, while brushless ones communicate externally. Because of that, the motor brushes are in a continuous state of motion, causing them to wear out prematurely. This will hinder the motor’s performance as it won’t be able to generate enough power.
Diagnosing the motor brushes in a Samsung washer is pretty easy because they can be found on the outside of the motor. You won’t need to uninstall any components to diagnose or fix them. Just remove the motor’s small back access panel and replace the carbon brushes with new ones if they’re faulty.
Water Filling Valve
The washer’s water filling valve is responsible for providing the machine with enough water to go through the washing cycle. A blocked filling valve may cause problems that lead to the 3E error code. Inspect the water filling valve to make sure that it’s not blocked.
Faulty Wiring Connection in the Motor or Control Module
Faulty wire connections are yet another cause for the 3E code. Remove the rear or front panel (depending on the panel) to access the motor and its wiring and check the wire harness for signs of damage. If you spot any burnt or melt wire connection, replace it with a new one.
Another area where wire connections are susceptible to wearing out is the control module. To solve the problem, follow the same procedure by inspecting all the connections and replacing the damaged ones.
Additionally, check that all the connections are seated tightly.
How Do I Run a Diagnostic on My Samsung Washing Machine?
To enter the test mode on your Samsung washer, simultaneously press and hold the soil level and delay buttons until you hear a beep and the display shows zeros.
You can then press the spin button to diagnose your washer for error codes.
How Do I Reset My Samsung Washer?
Some Samsung washers have a reset button that you simply press on for a few seconds to reset the motor. Nevertheless, you can still reset your Samsung washing machine even if it doesn’t have a reset button. All you have to do is unplug the power cord, wait for 2-5 minutes, and plug it back in.
Alternatively, if you want to reset your Wi-Fi enabled washer’s network data, press and hold the Smart Control button until you see the letters AP.
Then, press and hold the Temp button for a few seconds until an OK message appears. Finally, turn the washer off and on again to complete the network reset process.
Is It Better to Repair or Replace My Samsung Washer?
It depends. If your Samsung machine is too old, replacing it might be a good option. However, in most cases, you can make your washer as good as new by replacing one or more components. It doesn’t make sense to get a new washer every time you see an error code on the screen.
Conclusion
To recap, fixing the 3E error code on your Samsung washing machine is all about checking some of the washer’s components in the correct sequence.
Once you identify which component needs to be repaired or replaced, the rest will be a piece of cake, and you should be able to get your Samsung washer up and running again in no time!
Just remember, your safety is always a priority. So, the next time you diagnose your washer, make sure that it’s completely disconnected. You might also want to wear protective gear if you’re going to inspect the washer from the inside
