Samsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor Fault

Quick Answer

The Samsung 3E error code indicates a motor tachometer or hall sensor fault where the control board cannot track drum rotation. The most common fix is replacing the hall sensor or checking for loose wiring connections at the motor.

So you've got a 3E and the machine just quit mid-wash. Nine times out of ten it's the hall sensor or a connector that's vibrated itself loose over thousands of spin cycles. But if you keep resetting it and ignoring this, you risk burning out the stator windings or frying the motor control board, and now you're looking at a $200+ repair instead of a $20 part. Don't let it slide.

SamsungWasherSeverity: highDifficulty: advanced82% DIY Success

Time to Fix

60–150 min

Difficulty

advanced

Parts Cost

$15 – $350

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Torx T20 screwdriver

What Does the 3E Code Mean?

When your Samsung washer throws a 3E, the computer sent power to the motor but it's not getting any signal back confirming the drum is actually spinning. Basically flying blind. Good news is this is usually a cheap fix. Hall sensor replacement runs about $15-25, and I've fixed probably two dozen of these just by swapping that one part. Just don't go buying a new motor before you've checked the simple stuff.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Hall sensor (rotor position sensor) failed40%

Stator winding shorted or open24%

Motor control board failed to deliver correct drive signal22%

Foreign object locking the rotor14%

Symptoms You May Notice

The drum twitches or jerks about a quarter turn at the start of the cycle, then everything stops dead and 3E shows up on the display within the first 30 seconds.
Machine fills with water totally normally, then just sits there for half a minute and throws 3E with zero drum movement at all.
There's a faint burnt electrical smell coming from behind the machine right after the error shows up. That's not a good sign.
3E shows up consistently during spin ramp-up but the machine seems OK during the initial wash agitation, then fails when it tries to hit high RPM.
The code fires within 60 seconds of starting any cycle, every single time, regardless of load size or water temp setting.

Can you reset a Samsung washer to clear the 3E code?

Unplug the washer for a full 10 minutes, not just 30 seconds. You want the control board to completely lose power and reset its memory. Plug it back in and run a quick spin-only cycle with the machine empty. If it clears and runs fine, great. But if 3E comes back within the first minute, you've got a hardware problem and a reset won't fix it. Time to start from step one.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverTorx T20 screwdriver10mm socket or nut driverDigital multimeter with test leadsNeedle-nose pliersNut driver setFlashlight or headlamp

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range4–8 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Hall Sensor (Rotor Position Sensor)DC96-01003B · $15–$25	DC96-01003B	$15 – $25
Stator AssemblyDC31-00055D · $80–$150	DC31-00055D	$80 – $150
Motor Control BoardDC92-01803A · $200–$350	DC92-01803A	$200 – $350

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 3E error code on a Samsung washer the same as LE on an LG washer?

In the field, these two codes are virtually identical. Both Samsung and LG use a direct-drive system where the motor sits directly on the back of the tub. They both rely on a hall sensor to tell the computer how fast the drum is spinning. If you see a 3E on a Samsung, you approach it exactly like an LE code on an LG, starting with that sensor.

Can a heavy overloaded drum cause the Samsung 3E error?

It definitely can. If you cram too many heavy towels or a king-size comforter into the machine, the motor has to work way harder to get that mass moving. The control board monitors amperage, and if it spikes too high trying to protect the motor, it'll throw the 3E code. Always try removing half the load and restarting before you pull the back panel off. Costs you nothing to try that first.

How do I know if my Samsung motor stator is failed?

You're looking for consistency across the three phases of the motor. Use your multimeter to measure resistance between all three terminal pairs on the stator connector. They should all be within a ohm or so of each other, usually 4 to 8 ohms on most Samsung models. If one pair reads way higher or shows OL, that winding's open. Close to zero means it's shorted. Either one means you need a new stator, and the part is DC31-00055D.

How much does it cost to fix a Samsung 3E error?

Depends on what's actually failed. The hall sensor is $15-25 for the part and it's about a 45-minute swap for most people. A stator assembly runs $80-120 in parts. The motor control board is the expensive one at $80-150 just for the part. If you're hiring a tech, add $100-150 in labor on top of whichever part you need. Honestly if your machine is older than 10 years and you need a stator or board, run the math on a new washer before you commit to that repair.

Can I still use my Samsung washer while it's showing a 3E error?

Don't try it. The machine won't complete a cycle anyway since the motor either won't spin or cuts out early. And if the stator's partially shorted, running it can cause more damage or keep tripping your breaker. Just leave it unplugged until you've fixed it. Got clothes stuck inside? Pull them out and run them to the laundromat while you sort out the repair. Trying to force it through a cycle isn't going to end well.

Related Samsung Washer Error Codes

Code: 3C2Samsung Washer 3C2 Error Code: Motor Stall Code: AC6Samsung Washer AC6 Error Code: Motor Communication Fault Code: E3Samsung Washer E3 Error Code: Spin Speed Not Reached

Same Fix on Other Brands

Lg washerLE: LG Washer LE Error Code

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Samsung shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3C2 Error Code: Motor Stall Samsung washerSamsung Washer 4E Error Code: Water Supply Fault (Top Load)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 5C Error Code: Drain Error (Older Display)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8C Error Code: Vibration Sensor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8E Error Code: Motor Frequency Sensor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 9C2 Error Code: Low Supply Voltage Fault

Models Known to Experience 3E Errors

This repair applies to most Samsung washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WF45R6100AW, WF45T6000AW, WF45R6300AW, WF50R8500AV, WF45H5200AW, WF42H5200AW, WF56H9100AG, WF45T6000AZ

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026