Samsung washing machine - error 3e

During the operation of household appliances, error 3e on a Samsung washing machine occurs very rarely, and yet it can cause a lot of problems. At the same time, many craftsmen say that a number of malfunctions can be eliminated at home on their own, and some malfunctions, which are the majority, should be entrusted to a master.

The moment this code appears

Quite often, the error code 3e itself appears randomly. Most often, the error occurs at a certain stage of the unit's operation, be it washing or spinning. In this case, the machine will fill with water as it should, the drum starts to spin and suddenly - the washing machine freezes and shows this system error.

But it can be different:

1. The washing program starts.
2. The unit fills with water and washes.
3. Then it drains the water and fills with clean water for subsequent rinsing.
4. Next, there should be a spin, but instead the system simply freezes and displays an error on the display.

To fix the problem and understand whether the breakdown is subject to repair or not, it is important to understand what this code means.

What does this code mean

If we talk about what the error in format 3e that appears on the display of the washing machine means - many masters say that it can be provoked by a number of breakdowns. At the very beginning, a breakdown can mean a problem with the tachometer or the engine itself.Such a decoding is unlikely to help you decide what to do with the washing machine and whether it can be repaired.

Next, we will consider the main interpretations and explanations of the error in the operation of a Samsung washing machine with code 3e.

1. The error that appears on the display with the code abbreviation EA in modern models released after 2008 is deciphered in the same way as code 3e. Therefore, these designations are considered equivalent.

2. Code 8e and 8c, like 8c1, indicates a breakdown, malfunction of the vibration sensor in the unit - it allows you to control the intensity and speed, movement in the drum unit in its different planes.

3. An error with code 8e1 stamped on the washer’s display indicates a malfunction directly in the operation of the electronic engine control and, in essence, is associated with a vibration sensor or tachometer.

4. Failures can also be a consequence of loss or reduction in the power of the engine itself.

The breakdowns themselves can be roughly divided into 2 groups - those that are not caused by the breakdown of parts, machine units and components, and they can often be eliminated on your own. The second group includes more serious breakdowns and require the intervention of specialists. Among the common reasons that lead to error 3e or 3C, experts include:

• overloading the washing machine drum with things.
• due to the fault of the manufacturer or the user himself, a foreign object gets into the space between the drum and the tank.
• failure in the operation and settings of the control module, as well as the vibration sensor and tachometer.
• a decrease in the engine power level, caused by wear of the brushes or a broken winding.

Although the most common reason that the display of a Samsung washing machine displays this error, experts say it is the weakening of the drive belt tension.

When can you cope on your own?

What to do if such an error appears? In some cases, the breakdown can be fixed on your own. Next, we’ll look at the main situations in which you can fix a problem with your washing machine yourself.

1. If the drum is overloaded with laundry, divide the laundry into several parts. Even the instructions specify the maximum load for the machine - the more laundry you load, the more often this error will appear.
2. Random control failure in the system - modern units have a lot of different electronics, and the error itself can occur for no reason. In this case, they say that the system is “frozen.” Just unplug the machine and remove the plug from the socket, and after a couple of minutes turn it on again.

If this does not help, you should call a specialist, because if the problem and malfunction lies in a more serious breakdown that requires replacement of parts, you will not be able to cope on your own.

Possible causes of malfunction requiring professional repair

As experts note, in Samsung washing machines, error 3e is one of the most common, just like 8e and EA. But they recommend not to fix it on your own, but to immediately contact a technician or a service center if the unit is still under warranty.

1. If during operation the machine takes in water, makes several revolutions of the drum, and, stopping, gives an error, then in this case a possible malfunction lies in the breakdown of the tachometer (Hall sensor). In this case, the technician changes the Hall sensor itself.
2. The machine operates in normal mode, but when you try to change the washing program, error 3e, or EA or 8e, and so on, appears on the display. The reason for such a breakdown may lie in oxidation, subsequent weakening of the contact of the magnetic ring of the tachogenerator, as well as the surface of the shaft in the engine structure. In this case, each surface of the tachogenerator assembly and the motor shaft is completely replaced.
3. An equally common problem that owners of Samsung washing machines may encounter is that the washing goes normally, but the laundry does not spin out afterwards. Often after this, error 3e or 3c appears on the unit’s display, as well as EA or 8e. As the experts note, the first thing to do is to check the fastening, which can unwind during operation, causing equipment failure.
4. The washing machine draws water before starting work and does not spin the drum after starting - no matter what program is installed, the display will show an error of 3rd or another. In this case, experts talk about a malfunction in the unit’s engine. Most often they talk about a winding break or a direct short circuit. A malfunction of the winding itself in an electric motor is eliminated by many unit owners by rewinding it at the point where the integrity of the motor is damaged. But, as practice shows, this is an ineffective solution to the problem, since it is necessary to completely change the motor itself.
5. If the SMA stops, and then displays error 3e or EA, like 8e, 2-5 minutes after starting the wash, subsequent spinning, when the unit picks up speed. In this case, the technicians talk about problems with the engine itself - the drive belt has stretched, fallen off, or split.This problem will be indicated by jerks and “slips” in the operation of the engine during the washing process, and the tachometer sees this malfunction and displays it on the display. The solution to this problem is simple - technicians can simply change the belt in the drive system. Another reason for the error in this case may be wear of the electric motor brushes - in this case, the electronic field created by them will simply not be enough for a full wash and increase in speed. The solution to this breakdown is simple and quick - complete replacement of worn brushes, which can be done at home.
6. Some owners of Samsung washing machines may encounter a situation in which the drum spins after drawing water, and then the display shows an error code 3e, like EA or 8e. This error can occur at any stage of startup and operation of the unit: at the stage of washing, rinsing and spinning clothes. Most often, experts call the cause of such a breakdown a break in the electrical circuit of the tachogenerator - this could be damage to the wire or a short circuit, as well as broken contacts. The solution to the problem is to restore the broken integrity of the wire itself, or completely replace the cable. The place of the broken contact is re-soldered, weak contacts are cleaned, and then tightened.
7. Often the SMA turns off after the start of washing or rinsing, spinning, and error 3e appears on the display. In this case, the technicians talk about a malfunction in the control module itself. The signal coming from it disappears. Most often, the cause of such a breakdown is a broken track on the electronic board.It is possible that elements of the system have simply shorted out or burned out - relays, resistance, diodes or a capacitor, which are responsible for the speed, rotation of the engine during operation, as well as communication with the tachogenerator. How to fix the breakdown in this case? Simply a burned out and failed system element, be it a relay or a diode, is replaced with a new one. If the system module itself fails, it is replaced with a new one and such work is carried out exclusively by a master who has certain skills and knowledge.

Even if you were unable to correct the error 3e, EA or 8e displayed on the display, do not despair. The main thing is not to try to eliminate it yourself without having the necessary knowledge and experience. The best solution is to invite a specialist. And if the unit is under warranty, then the best option would be to send it to a service center.