Samsung Washer 3E Error Code Troubleshooting

Error codes are a way for appliances like washers to tell us when something is wrong. Owners of Samsung washers, in particular, may come across the 3E error code, also known as the ‘Drive Motor Error’.

The 3E error code on a Samsung washer might be caused by mechanical problems like a cracked spider arm or worn drum bearings. Electrical problems like a faulty position sensor, faulty motor control board, or wiring problems can also be reasons. Lastly, brushed motor models with worn-out motor brushes may also cause the 3E error code to appear.

In this article, we will explore each of the possible reasons behind the 3E error code. By the end, you’ll understand what causes those problems and how to fix them.

The 3E error code on a Samsung washer is also known as the “Drive Motor Error”. As the name suggests, the code is triggered when the appliance’s Direct Drive motor is drawing an excessive electrical current.

For example, there may be a foreign object like a broken piece of the cracked drum spider arm jamming the drum rotation. As a result, the motor will draw more power to try and force the rotation to happen, triggering the 3E error code.

The jammed motor is just one example. In reality, there are a handful of reasons why that error code may appear. They generally fall into two categories: mechanical reasons and electrical reasons.

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Some mechanical reasons behind the 3E error code on Samsung washers include a cracked spider or worn bearings.

Cracked Drum Spider Arm

What it is: When it comes to Samsung washers, the spider is the part that supports the drum.

You’ll find this part located towards the back of the machine. It has multiple arms which are bolted directly onto the washer drum.

As the drum spins during a washing cycle, the spider’s purpose is to support the drum and keep it stable.

That’s why the drum can spin safely and smoothly, even at such high speeds.

Unfortunately, the spider is not always made of the most durable materials. Over time and with repeated use, this part can start to become problematic.

How it fails: As mentioned before, the spider in many washing machines is not made of very durable materials.

Over time, especially with long-term exposure to moisture and detergent, the spider on your Samsung washer may deteriorate very rapidly.

The metal used to make that spider will become brittle, and cracks will form to the point that one or more of its arms could break.

Without the spider’s stability and support, the motor will have a very tough time trying to spin the drum.

The motor may draw on excess electrical current to spin the drum effectively, leading to the 3E error code appearing.

How to fix: Whether you do it yourself or call a qualified technician, here’s what the process will look like.

First, the machine must be disconnected from its power and water supply.

The whole drum inside the washer must be removed and placed safely on the floor. That will allow you to access the spider and replace it very quickly.

To do that, you’ll have to remove the bolts or screws that attach it to the drum. Doing that will allow you to place the new spider in its place and secure it with bolts or screws.

Then, you’ll work backwards to place the drum back into the washer and re-attach any access panels you may have removed earlier. 

Error codes are a way for appliances like washers to tell us when something is wrong. Owners of Samsung washers, in particular, may come across the 3E error code, also known as the ‘Drive Motor Error’.

The 3E error code on a Samsung washer might be caused by mechanical problems like a cracked spider arm or worn drum bearings. Electrical problems like a faulty position sensor, faulty motor control board, or wiring problems can also be reasons. Lastly, brushed motor models with worn-out motor brushes may also cause the 3E error code to appear.

In this article, we will explore each of the possible reasons behind the 3E error code. By the end, you’ll understand what causes those problems and how to fix them.

The 3E error code on a Samsung washer is also known as the “Drive Motor Error”. As the name suggests, the code is triggered when the appliance’s Direct Drive motor is drawing an excessive electrical current.

For example, there may be a foreign object like a broken piece of the cracked drum spider arm jamming the drum rotation. As a result, the motor will draw more power to try and force the rotation to happen, triggering the 3E error code.

The jammed motor is just one example. In reality, there are a handful of reasons why that error code may appear. They generally fall into two categories: mechanical reasons and electrical reasons.

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Some mechanical reasons behind the 3E error code on Samsung washers include a cracked spider or worn bearings.

Cracked Drum Spider Arm

What it is: When it comes to Samsung washers, the spider is the part that supports the drum.

You’ll find this part located towards the back of the machine. It has multiple arms which are bolted directly onto the washer drum.

As the drum spins during a washing cycle, the spider’s purpose is to support the drum and keep it stable.

That’s why the drum can spin safely and smoothly, even at such high speeds.

Unfortunately, the spider is not always made of the most durable materials. Over time and with repeated use, this part can start to become problematic.

How it fails: As mentioned before, the spider in many washing machines is not made of very durable materials.

Over time, especially with long-term exposure to moisture and detergent, the spider on your Samsung washer may deteriorate very rapidly.

The metal used to make that spider will become brittle, and cracks will form to the point that one or more of its arms could break.

Without the spider’s stability and support, the motor will have a very tough time trying to spin the drum.

The motor may draw on excess electrical current to spin the drum effectively, leading to the 3E error code appearing.

How to fix: Whether you do it yourself or call a qualified technician, here’s what the process will look like.

First, the machine must be disconnected from its power and water supply.

The whole drum inside the washer must be removed and placed safely on the floor. That will allow you to access the spider and replace it very quickly.

To do that, you’ll have to remove the bolts or screws that attach it to the drum. Doing that will allow you to place the new spider in its place and secure it with bolts or screws.

Then, you’ll work backwards to place the drum back into the washer and re-attach any access panels you may have removed earlier.