Samsung washing machine

Samsung 3E error code: motor error

The drum motor or tacho sensor is faulty.

Engineer jobTypical repair: £80–£190.

Likely causes

Motor sensor fault
Faulty control board

How to fix 3E

Unplug the washing machine (or switch off at the wall) for 5–10 minutes to clear any temporary fault, then restart it.
Switch off for 10 minutes and retry.
If it returns, call an engineer.
Run a short test cycle. If 3E returns, the fault is still there and an engineer should look at it.

Always switch off and unplug the appliance before inspecting it. Never work on gas appliances or fixed electrical wiring yourself — call a Gas Safe registered engineer or a qualified electrician.

Full fault guide

Washing machine drum won't turnDetailed causes, DIY steps and costs

Other Samsung washing machine error codes

Samsung washing machine repair near you

Frequently asked questions

What does Samsung error code 3E mean?

The drum motor or tacho sensor is faulty. On a Samsung washing machine, 3E is shown as "motor error".

How do I clear the 3E error on a Samsung washing machine?

Switch the appliance off at the wall for 5–10 minutes, then restart. If 3E comes back, work through the checks on this page — the fault is real and needs fixing, not just resetting.

How much does it cost to fix Samsung 3E?

£80–£190. is typical, depending on the part. Simple blockages cost nothing to clear yourself.

Does 3E mean the same on every Samsung model?

Not always. Codes are broadly consistent within a brand, but model ranges differ. Check your manual if the symptoms below don’t match.