What it means
3E is different on US and Canadian models: there it means the incoming hot water is too hot, and Samsung says the supply shouldn't be set above 176°F (80°C). On UK models, 3E is the same pump error as 3C.
What to check, in order
- Restart
Switch the dishwasher off, wait a minute, and start the cycle again.
- 3E on a US or Canadian model?
Check the hot water supply isn't set above 176°F (80°C), and turn it down if it is.
When to call an engineer
If 3C comes back. Samsung US says the pump has failed, and to contact its service centre.
A repair visit will usually check the motor, its speed sensor and the electronics that drive it.
- Note the model and serial number. They're on a label on the edge of the door or the side of the tub.
- Write down the exact code, and what the appliance was doing when it appeared.
- Check whether it's still under warranty. If it is, the repair may cost you nothing.
Parts people end up buying
Only if the checks above point to a part. Match it to your model number first: it's on a label on the edge of the door or the side of the tub.
- Circulation (wash) pumpSearch on Amazon
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Quick answers
What does the Samsung 3C error code mean?
The dishwasher fills with water, but the wash never starts and nothing sprays. Samsung calls it a pump operation error. 3E is different on US and Canadian models: there it means the incoming hot water is too hot, and Samsung says the supply shouldn't be set above 176°F (80°C). On UK models, 3E is the same pump error as 3C.
Can I fix Samsung 3C myself?
Tricky (5 minutes to restart). Start with: restart; 3E on a US or Canadian model?. If 3C comes back. Samsung US says the pump has failed, and to contact its service centre.
Is Samsung 3C worth repairing?
Get a quote first. A new wash pump is one of the bigger dishwasher repairs, so weigh the price against the age of the machine.
Checked against
- Samsung US: dishwasher error codes
- Samsung UK: what the error codes on your dishwasher mean
- Samsung Canada: dishwasher error codes
Last reviewed October 2026. Manufacturers update their pages, and your manual is the final word. Spotted a mistake? Email contact@appliance-error-codes.com.