Samsung Washer Error Code 3E [How I Fixed It]

I Inherited a Samsung washer WF419AAW for my laundry business from the previous owner.

Three weeks ago, I started seeing Samsung washer error code 3E during the wash cycle. 3E error code could occur at the beginning after 3 minutes or during the mid-spin cycle after about nine minutes. 

According to the manual, the 3E code means there’s an issue with the hall sensor. My assessment was testing every resistance for every connector to find if there was something off. 

After looking at every connection to the motor and applying a little dab of dielectric grease before reconnecting, I am happy to report that my washer runs smoothly. I do have a way you can fix this.

What Does Error Code 3E Mean on My Samsung Washer?

The 3E error code means the Direct drive motor draws too much electric current. That is attributed to the washer’s missing or weak signal at its sensor. In other words, this is a malfunction of the hall sensor or engine. For instance, foreign objects may be jamming or interfering with the drum’s rotation. 

That will make the motor use more power and force the rotation to happen, triggering a 3E error code. That’s just a single example, and there are a lot of problems that can cause that. Before we proceed further, we may need first to reset the Samsung washer. 

That way, we’ll be able to find out if it was a minor issue or a severe problem that should be addressed. Follow these steps to reset the Samsung washer:

• Unplug the Samsung washer from the main power outlet
• Wait for 15 to 20 minutes
• Plug the Samsung washer into the power outlet

If the issue were minor, you wouldn’t see the 3E error code on the screen. If the problem is severe, the 3E error code will likely show up even if you reset it five times. 

Now that you have established it to be a severe issue, you’ll need to run many diagnostic tests to find out the causes and fix them. Here are other error codes and how to fix them.

How To Fix 3E Error Code on My Samsung Washer?

Check the Hall Sensor

The hall sensor monitors the movement and the positions of the motor. In other words, it helps the washer to ensure the engine is working at the desired level during the cycles. 

For instance, the motor needs to move quickly during the spinning cycle and slowly during the wash cycle. The sensor’s purpose is to measure the magnetic fields to know how the motor should work well.

The hall sensor is prone to failure, just like any part of the washer, mainly if you have used it for a long time. For instance, it may sense that the motor is working at high speed during the wash cycle, although it is idle.

As it turns out:

There won’t be any power supply to the motor, although it may be in the middle of the cycle.

Solution

You’ll find the hall sensor back of the washer when you open the rear. To repair, disconnect the power and water supply before accessing the rear panels. Ensure you have the Samsung manual sheet that you’ll use to locate the hall sensor. 

There’s no point in repairing a faulty hall sensor. The only remedy is to replace it with a new one. Once you have replaced it, you’ll need to work backward to mount everything back. Using a multimeter, you’ll need to check the electrical connection.

The Stator assembly is also something that you need to check using a multimeter. If you do it well, here are the likely readings you will find:

CN9 resistance reading:

• Pin 1 to Pin 2 = 11.0 ohms
• Pin 1 to Pin 3 = 11.6 ohms
• Pin 2 to Pin 3 = 11.6 ohms

If the ohms readings are off, remove the plug connectors and check for corrosion or damage. Any slight variations in ohms reading mean you will have to buy a new stator assembly and hall sensor. Besides that, you may even have a damaged wire leading from the mainboard to the motor. Finally, check the wiring harness to find out if there are any issues.

Old Worn Bearings.

Bearings allow the washer’s drum to rotate smoothly and safely at high and low speeds. Besides high-quality bearings, it turns fast with little noise. Bearings are found at the back of the Samsung washer. When the drum is moving, so are the bearings. 

The movement of the drum can cause wear and tear with time, like any other part of the washing machine. The wear and tear cause them to lose their ability to rotate, and they end up producing a lot of noise.

With time, the bearings wear out, making the motor use more force to turn the bearings. At the same point, this will be too much for the motor, and it will trigger a 3E error code.

Solution

If you work on every part of the washer, make sure it’s not connected to the water and power outlet. After that, you need to remove the access panel of the washers.

The main idea is to get rid of the drum and the tubs and put it on an excellent surface to access the bearings. 

The bearings are found at the back of the tub. After removing the drum and the tub, you’ll have to remove three parts: the front bearings, the rear bearings, and the bearing seal. Gently remove these old three parts and replace them with new ones. 

After that, work backward to put everything together, including the tub and the drum, and seal the access area.

Faulty Motor Control Board

The motor control board controls every aspect of the motors. Picture it as the brain that coordinates and manages every part of the motor to work fine at all times.

The motor ensures that every function happens at the right time at every cycle stage. Since the control board has a lot of tiny components, it’s prone to failure. 

The first thing you need to do is use a multimeter to see if there’s some continuity. If the electrical connectors are okay, then your motor is not the one triggering error code 3E. If there’s no continuity, the motor control board has lost its ability to drive the motor correctly. 

The solution here is to replace the old motor control board with a new one. If you have a user or tech sheet, you’ll be able to locate the control board.

Cracked Drum Spider Arm

The function of the spider is to support the drum. You can find the spider at the back of the washer. You’ll see three arms bolted directly to the drum. 

When the drum spins, the spider supports the drum to stabilize it. That should explain why the drum can spin safely and smoothly at high speed.

As a repair technician, I have known that spider is never made with durable materials. The more it’s used, the more problems it develops. With prolonged exposure to moisture and detergent, the spider can deteriorate. 

Its metal will become brittle, and cracks will form on it, leading to breakage or making it break.

Without the spider’s support, the washer’s motor will experience challenges trying to spin the drum. That means the motor will use more electricity to turn the drum, triggering the 3E error code.

Solution

Like any repair problem, you’ll first have to disconnect the washer from the power source and water supply. Then you’ll have to remove the whole drum and place it on the floor. After that, you’ll be able to access the spider and replace it. 

But first, remove the bolts and screws that attach to it. That way, you’ll be able to put a new spider in place and secure it. Finally, place all the other parts backward and attach the access panels.

Faulty Wire Connections

Your washers have a lot of wiring connectivity to deliver power and ensure that the washer is functioning well. Sometimes the 3E error codes happen because of loose wiring inside the motor. You’ll have to use a multimeter to find that. 

To fix this, you’ll have to remove the rear access panel and use a flashlight to check the wires and connectors using a multimeter if everything is okay. Those wires can be replaced if there’s any problem.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ways you can check what is causing error code 3E on your Samsung washer. I went through all this in my diagnosis, and I found out the hall sensor and stator assembly had some issues. 

Those two didn’t give me the correct readings. So I had to replace them immediately. Let me know how the experience is for you. Did you manage to fix the error code 3E on your Samsung washer? Comment below and let me know how I can assist you further.