What to check, in order
- Switch it off properly
Switch off at the wall or unplug the washer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Start a new cycle
A one-off glitch clears this way.
When to call an engineer
If it comes back every cycle. The motor and its control board are not a home repair.
A repair visit will usually check the motor, its speed sensor and the electronics that drive it.
Before you book
- Note the model and serial number. They're on a label inside the door, around the door frame or on the back.
- 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.
Good to know
- On some US and Australian Samsung models, 3E is a voltage error rather than a motor fault. If your washer is on an extension lead, plug it straight into the wall.
Checked against
- Samsung US: washer error codes
- Samsung Australia: washing machine error codes
- Samsung Levant: error codes and their older equivalents
Last reviewed September 2026. Manufacturers update their pages, and your manual is the final word.