Written by
Nadia Okafor Appliance Care EditorPublished October 26, 2026
VERIFIED
Error code3C / 3E / E3
ApplianceWasher
What 3C, 3E, E3 and 1 3C stand for
A motor fault is the standard reading, valid for every washer generation. One wrinkle: certain models give 3E a voltage meaning instead, and only the manual for your washer settles which applies.
Reset options
Source
What it suggests
Samsung US
Power down for 2 to 3 minutes, power up and run the cycle again. Service is the step if the fault remains.
Samsung Levant (for 3E)
Half a minute with the mains disconnected, a fresh programme after that, and support if nothing changes.
When 3E means voltage
Voltage faults mean the current feeding the washer is uneven.
See that the washer is on a circuit by itself, without an extension cord.
18:8J is the Model Option Error, which gets comparable reset advice.
Samsung washer service in San Francisco
A motor code that persists can be raised with Samsung washer repair for San Francisco and the Bay Area, or by phone at (415) 969-6153. Please note the exact display, the model number and whether the manual lists 3E as motor or voltage.
Model compatibility: Samsung reuses codes across series and model years, so 3C / 3E / E3 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
Motor error on Samsung washers; on some models 3E is a voltage error instead.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your Samsung appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
You submit a request with your appliance model and symptom, we confirm an appointment window, and a technician performs an on-site diagnosis. You then receive a clear estimate and decide whether to proceed before any repair begins.
Yes. We provide an upfront estimate after diagnosis. No parts are ordered or installed until you approve the work, so there are no surprise charges.
Replacement parts are selected for the exact model and confirmed with you before ordering or installation.
Service areas are listed on the Locations page. Contact us with your ZIP code to confirm current coverage for your address.
Ready to get your Samsung appliance working again?
Book a repair online or call us — clear estimates and approval before any repair work begins.
