Meaning of error 3e on a Samsung washing machine. Samsung washing machine

You loaded the laundry, selected the washing mode, and pressed the “Start” button. The Samsung washing machine took in water, started spinning the drum (perhaps only in one direction), but literally a minute later it stopped, and the error code 3E, 3E1, 3E2, 3E3, 3E4, 3C, 3C1, 3C2, 3C3 “popped up” on the display, 3C4, 8E, 8E1, 8C, 8C1, EA.

Note! The EA code is displayed on older Samsung washing machine models manufactured before 2007. Codes 8E, 8E1, 8C, 8C1 can only appear on new models produced in 2013 and later.

This error may also appear:

During the spin cycle: the Samsung washing machine refuses to spin and “writes” 3E as soon as it reaches the spin cycle. On programs without spinning, for example, “hand wash”, the code does not appear.
At any time during the washing or rinsing phase.

Attention! We are talking specifically about error 3E on Samsung SMA. Do not confuse this with error E3. These are different problems and codes.

On a machine without a display, in the event of such a malfunction, the temperature indicators will light up and remain lit - BIO 60°C and 40°C, and the “mode” washing indicators will begin to flash frequently .

What is this, what does it mean?

The appearance of “3E” on the display indicates a malfunction associated with the tachometer. This is a device that controls engine speed.

Other names for this small device are tachogenerator and Hall sensor. It is used to measure engine rotation speed. 3E can also signal problems with the engine itself that interfere with its rotation.

Depending on the year of manufacture of the machine, the encoding on the display may look like a different combination of letters and numbers: 3E2, 3E1, 3C2, 3C1, 3C, 3E4, 3E3, EA, 3C4, 3C3.

For machines that do not have a light screen, malfunctions can be indicated by the blinking of all washing mode lamps. The topmost and second from bottom temperature indicator lights should light up at the same time.

An error related to the operation of the tachometer is quite rare when compared with the frequency of other failures.

The moment this code appears

Quite often, 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 draw water as expected, the drum begins to spin, and suddenly the SMA freezes and shows this system error.

But it could be different:

The washing program starts.
The unit draws water and washes.
Then drains the water and collects clean water for subsequent rinsing.
Next 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 can be repaired or not, it is important to understand what this code means.

How to fix the problem

After analyzing the reasons for the fault codes popping up on the washing machine display, it is important to find out how to fix the fault on your own. Here's what you need to do to resolve the error:

If the washing machine is overloaded, turn it off and remove the excess laundry. Then start the machine again.
If the drum jams, remove the foreign object through the hole for the heating element. To get the heating element, you will need to remove the front wall of the washing machine.
If there is a temporary control failure, you must turn off the machine by unplugging the cord for a few minutes, and then turn it on again.
Replace the burnt tachometer with a new one.
Check the motor brushes and replace them if necessary.
If the connection with the tachometer is broken, check and clean the element.
If the drive belt becomes loose, replace this element.
If the control module malfunctions, solder the burnt elements on the board or completely replace the module.

Now you know how to fix problems in a Samsung machine - most often you need to involve a specialist in this matter who will fix problems with the engine or tachogenerator. But in the first three cases, you can cope with the problem yourself.

Drum overload

If the drum is filled very tightly, you should lay out some of the things. This must be done even if the total weight of the items does not exceed the maximum allowed according to the passport for the machine.

It is important to ensure that the drum is not tightly packed with oversized bulky items. The hatch door should also close without effort.

Random control failure

A one-time appearance of error “3E” on the display may be due to a random failure, when there is no serious reason for this. If the machine is, as they say, “frozen” and displays “3E”, you must:

Disconnect the device from the network, even remove the plug from the socket.
Read also: The washing machine door does not open after washing, what to do
Leave for a few minutes.
Insert the plug into the socket.
Turn on the washing machine.
Start the job.

What to do if the simplest measures do not help? You need to call a technician to fix the problem.

Drum load exceeded

Power drive failure may occur due to excessive weight of laundry loaded into the drum. For example, Diamond series machines are designed for 6 kg of items; when placing an additional 500-700 g, the equipment turns off. The manufacturer has installed overload protection, since the drum with increased mass breaks the bearing supports. In addition, the body and electronics of the machine may be damaged due to increased vibration levels. With slight overloads, the motor windings may overheat, which causes the bimetallic fuse to trip.

The owner needs to turn off the equipment, remove the water through the emergency drain, and then remove some of the laundry from the drum cavity. If the error does not appear when the wash cycle is restarted, then the cause of the malfunction was overload. If the warning light comes on, the drivetrain and electronics need to be checked.

Repair

Once the reason for the error code has been determined, it must be corrected. If a specific part is faulty, it needs to be repaired or replaced. It is not recommended to carry out work if you do not have the necessary knowledge and skills. Otherwise, you can aggravate the problem and also get damaged during operation. You can’t do without a set of special tools.

If you are going to do the replacement yourself, make sure that the new element is suitable for your specific washing machine model. While working, you must follow safety precautions.

Let's look at options for correcting error 3E.

If the problem is caused by a foreign object, it must be removed. It is necessary not only to carefully remove the item, but also to check the integrity of the “filling” of the washing machine. Make sure that the object does not damage parts needed for the job. As a rule, the source of the malfunction is small change (it gets into the drum of a stylish car from clothing pockets), buttons and other metal elements. If you hear unnecessary noise when the equipment is operating, be sure to take the necessary measures.
If the power contacts are damaged, they should be repaired as quickly as possible. In most cases, simple cleaning is sufficient. And also check the wiring in the apartment and sockets.
When the problem is with the tachogenerator, the only way to fix it is to replace it. This item cannot be repaired.
When code 3E appears, unload the drum. Perhaps it is overloaded. From now on, observe the maximum permissible load.
If a new household appliance malfunctions, it should be repaired by a service center. As a rule, the warranty on washing machines is provided for a period of one to two years. If the warranty period has passed, you can reassemble the motor, check each of its components and reassemble it. Remember that such work should only be carried out by a specialist.
If the drive belt is damaged (cracks appear on it or it has lost its shape), it must be replaced with a new one. Many users recommend tightening the old strap to save money, but professional engineers recommend abandoning this idea.
By re-winding the rotor or stator of the washing machine, they solve the problem of improper operation of the electric motor of the appliance if the problem lies in the winding. As in most cases, it is better to entrust the solution to this problem to a professional who will do everything correctly. The most common cause of winding damage is equipment overload. Often the brushes that transmit electric current become faulty. This element wears out as the equipment operates.

Loose drive belt

A belt drive is used to transmit torque from the electric motor rotor to the drum. To increase operating efficiency, a poly-V-belt is used, which has an increased service life. There is no automatic drive tension, so when the material naturally ages, the belt begins to slip. As a result, code 3E or 8E is displayed on the screen (depending on the year of manufacture of the equipment), the problem appears at the beginning of the washing process or when the drum accelerates during the spin procedure.

To access the belt drive you must:

Turn off the electrical power and then disconnect the connection hoses.
Unscrew the screws holding the back cover to the machine body.
Inspect the belt; there are no scuffs or cracks on the treadmill. It is also possible that the elastic element may delaminate or the pulleys may be damaged. Faulty parts need to be replaced, and then the machine must be checked.

To dismantle the pulleys, a screw puller for rolling bearings is used. The small pulley on the rotor is removed after several warm-up cycles, since a special solution is applied to the joint line to fix the parts. Do not install a new belt on damaged pulleys because the sharp metal edges will destroy the treadmill. It should be remembered that some Samsung machines use a direct drive motor and the belt is eliminated from the kinematic chain.

Malfunctions of the Samsung washing machine: codes, types of breakdowns, repair methods

Household appliances, even the highest quality ones, can break down during use. The main malfunctions of a Samsung washing machine are mainly related to instability of the electrical network, low-quality water in city water supply systems, and improper operation.

The manufacturer has taken care of the possibility of eliminating minor breakdowns at home. All models with electronic displays inform the owner in the event of malfunctions with a characteristic sound signal and error code.

Knowledge of basic codes allows you to simplify the task and speed up the process of repairing equipment.

In most cases, knowing this information allows you to completely eliminate the problem and prevent more serious situations from occurring.

When you turn it on, you should pay attention to the turn-on sound; after it, a set of certain symbols is displayed on the display for several seconds. Deciphering them will determine the cause of the breakdown with high accuracy. An exception is a malfunction in the microcircuit, which can produce false signals, the validity of which is not difficult to determine.

In cases where different codes appear on the unit’s screen, you should carry out a full diagnosis of it by holding down the power, rinse and temperature sensor buttons at the same time until all indicator lights on the device turn on. After this, you should follow the commands that appear on the LCD display.

Blockage in the tube or air chamber of the pressure switch

The sensor needs to be cleaned. To do this, you need to remove the pressure switch from the machine, disconnect the air tube from the fitting and check both the sensor and the chamber. The design of the pressure switch practically eliminates clogging, but the tube sometimes gets clogged. Rinse it with running water.

The cause of such clogging may simply be dust.

Open circuit in the water level sensor circuit

Check the connecting wires; external signs of this damage will be poor insulation and a broken wire. If connection is possible, solder and insulate; if this is not possible, replace the entire cable.

The reason for this malfunction is machine vibration. To avoid this and other damage associated with vibration, it is necessary to install the machine correctly, perhaps use silicone pads under the legs, follow the loading standards of the machine and make sure that the laundry does not bunch up.

The pressure switch (water level sensor) is faulty

Before checking the sensor itself, pay attention to how the air tube is attached to it. If the connection is loose and loose, there may be an air leak and the pressure generated is insufficient for normal operation of the device.

To check the pressure switch, attach a small tube of a suitable diameter to its fitting and blow lightly. You should hear clicks. If they are not there, the sensor is faulty.

The final stage of testing the device is a multimeter. When measuring the resistance at the relay contacts when it is activated, the value should change.

Setting up and repairing a pressure switch is a job that requires qualifications and experience. Usually they just buy a new one.

In order to buy a sensor, you need to know the brand and model of the washing machine, since pressure switches for all machines are made completely different.

The electronic controller (control board) is faulty

In order to test the control board, it must be removed from the machine. External signs of a malfunction may include burnt board elements, soot, and the smell of scorched insulation. The cause of the breakdown is the failure of any element: resistors, transformer, relay and others. Repairing the control board is also quite complicated. Often it is simply replaced with a new one.

Fill valve broken

To test the fill valve, it must be disconnected and removed from the machine. If there are cracks or deformation on it, the valve needs to be replaced; it cannot be repaired. If the valve appears to be intact, then perhaps it just needs to be cleaned, and for this to be completely disassembled. The cause of the blockage may be scale. When disassembling, you also need to carefully inspect all parts for damage.

If you follow all the recommendations in the instructions for use, your washing machine will serve for many years without breakdowns. Modern washing machines are complex mechanisms; if you are not confident in your qualifications, then it is better to entrust repairs to professionals.

Error interpretation

Codes 3E, 3E1, 3E2, 3E3, 3E4, 3C, 3C1, 3C2, 3C3, 3C4, EA on a Samsung washing machine mean an error in the tachometer (Hall sensor) of the motor. The control module receives an incorrect or too weak signal from the sensor, or the tacho is simply “silent”. Therefore, the “control brain” stops the engine. And the Samsung machine tells you about the problem with code 3 E, EA, 3C, etc.

Note! In the new generation SMA, in case of such a problem, a group of codes 8E / 8E1 / 8C / 8C1 is displayed, which indicate an error in the VRT+ vibration sensor. This is a new, improved tachometer that can control both engine speed and three-dimensional drum vibrations.

Most often, the EA / 3 E / 8E error on a Samsung washing machine indicates significant failures in motor control.

But sometimes you can eliminate the cause of the code without calling a technician.

Error 3E, 3C, EA, 8E - in what cases can you fix it yourself?

The drum is overloaded with laundry. The maximum load of the machine during washing is not indicated by chance. If you put more than the norm, then the engine “does not pull” such weight and refuses to rotate the drum. Because of which the machine gives an error. To deal with it, take out some of the laundry and start the wash again. If the error disappears, then the code “popped up” due to overload.
Random control failure. There is a lot of electronic stuff in the washing machine, and sometimes it gets weird. The error may come on for no reason. Especially if it “draws” when you turn on the wash. A “fictitious” malfunction and a message about it can be “removed” by disconnecting the AVR from the network using the “Start/Stop” button. To be safe, you can completely turn off the power to the equipment and remove the plug from the socket. After a couple of minutes, turn it back on and start the wash again. If the cause was a failure, the error will not appear.

If the drum unloading and “restart” do not work, and error 3E, etc. appears again on the Samsung washing machine, which means the equipment needs professional help.

What should I do to fix the error?

Initially, turn off the SMA and unplug it from the power outlet. Further:

Review the amount of laundry loaded, remove excess items or add missing items.
If the drum is jammed, you will have to remove the foreign object that caused it. It is necessary to dismantle the front wall of the MCA, then remove the main heating element, and remove the “interference” through its mounting hole.
Check the condition of the tachometer with a multimeter. If it fails, it will need to be replaced with a new part. The back wall of the machine is removed, the drive belt is dismantled so that it does not interfere with further repairs. Next, the engine wiring is removed, then the engine itself. After this, the tachometer is changed.
To replace the electric brushes, unscrew the mounting screws from the sides of the housing. Next, the graphite spring-loaded rods themselves are removed. It is important to remember that if only one brush has pronounced defects, the pair is still replaced.
Clean the inner magnetic ring thoroughly.
Replace the stretched drive belt.
Sometimes it is enough just to turn off the machine for 5-10 minutes and then turn it on again.

Some solutions to the problem are quite easy to implement, you can do them yourself. But a number of problems require professional intervention, so that through ignorance or inability not to aggravate the situation and cause even greater harm to the SMA.

Tachogenerator malfunction

A common reason for the appearance of error 3E in Samsung washing machines is the sensor that determines the number of revolutions of the electric motor rotor (tachometer, or Hall sensor). Electronic components fail or the sensitive element on the motor shaft (magnetic ring) becomes dirty. In this case, the machine can wash clothes; when you try to turn on the spin cycle, the motor stops and a code is displayed on the screen. The equipment cannot operate without a sensor, which limits the speed of rotation of the parts and prevents the machine from being destroyed by vibrations.

If excessive or insufficient spinning of the drum occurs, the cause of the defect is a weakened attachment of the ring to the rotor shaft. To restore functionality, you need to disconnect the equipment from the water supply and drain lines, and then get to the engine. The magnetic ring is secured with a screw; when the tension is loosened, the element slips. It is recommended to clean the outer surface of dirt and oxides that impair the reading of information by the sensor.

Problems with the sensor can arise due to oxidized or broken wires connecting the sensor to the electronic components of the machine. The cables are checked with a test device in dial mode or with a test light. It is recommended to connect the tester and then move the wire by hand (the defect may be floating and appear when the machine is running). Damaged sections of cables must be replaced, but it is recommended to install a new harness. Contacts are cleaned of traces of oxidation, damaged elements must be re-soldered.

If the error code appears again, then a service check of the electronics is required. The device checks the circuit going from the sensing element to the control controller. The cause of the defect may be a burnt-out diode (the defect is not visually detectable). The problem may arise due to an incorrectly operating electric heater (TEH), which is recommended to be inspected and checked with a tester. The combination of a burnt-out diode and a damaged heating element was noted in Samsung Eco Bubble washing machines.

How to fix error 3E

First. What you need to do when an error occurs is to unload the machine and try to start it with less laundry. Unfortunately, if the message repeats regularly, it is not recommended to repair the washing machine yourself and eliminate the cause of the WE error. We recommend contacting a technician, especially if your device is still under warranty. Depending on the cause of the breakdown, the technician will offer you the following options for solving the problem:

cleaning the tank and engine from dirt and foreign objects;
cleaning and restoration of contacts, power cords and sockets;
replacement of the tachogenerator;
disassembling and checking the engine, eliminating assembly errors;
repair of the electronic module must be carried out exclusively by a professional, preferably a warranty center;
replacing the drive belt.

Be careful and trust the repair of your equipment exclusively to a professional, since the repair of such parts of the washing machine by third-party specialists makes the product non-warranty.

Control panel buttons (EB, BC2, bE3, bE2, bE1 and bE)

The control panel of the washing device has switches with which the user selects the washing mode. These buttons can also break over time. Failures of this kind will be indicated by error codes EB, BC2, bE3, bE2, bE1 and bE.

These signs on the display alert us to faults of this kind:

the buttons began to stick or stopped being pressed;
the control panel is screwed on too tightly;
the internal parts of the panel, made of plastic, have lost their original shape (deformed);
There are problems with the relay: it is not connected correctly or has stopped closing.

To try to unlock the device, you should press the stuck or stuck buttons. Unplug the machine and then try turning it on again. If these actions do not lead to the desired result, and the codes continue to be displayed, you need to call the service center and call a technician: you will not be able to solve this problem on your own.

How to fix the problem

If the washing machine is overloaded, turn it off and remove the excess laundry. Then start the machine again.
If the drum jams, remove the foreign object through the hole for the heating element. To get the heating element, you will need to remove the front wall of the washing machine.
If there is a temporary control failure, you must turn off the machine by unplugging the cord for a few minutes, and then turn it on again.
Replace the burnt tachometer with a new one.
Check the motor brushes and replace them if necessary.
If the connection with the tachometer is broken, check and clean the element.
If the drive belt becomes loose, replace this element.
If the control module malfunctions, solder the burnt elements on the board or completely replace the module.

Control module problems

If the equipment turns off when washing starts, the cause of the defect may be the control unit located in the upper part of the housing. The controller contains electronic components that can move away from the contact paths or fail due to vibration or moisture. Service center employees note poor soldering of electronics and poor quality of printed circuit boards, from which the metal substrate peels off.

The unit is checked under the service conditions. The user cannot find microcracks in the elements or determine an incorrectly functioning diode or transistor. To remove damaged parts and install new parts, special soldering equipment is required. A controller with fatal damage must be replaced.

General recommendations for use

Despite the fact that modern manufacturers use innovative techniques to protect and improve the performance of equipment, you should listen to certain recommendations from experts.

Any household appliance is not friendly with excessively high humidity. If you are going to install a washing machine in the basement, where there is constant dampness, it is better to choose another room.
Modern household chemical stores offer a wide range of products designed specifically for automatic washing machines. Use only suitable washing powders and gels.
The appearance of new sounds during operation of the equipment may indicate the presence of malfunctions. In this case, carry out diagnostics as soon as possible or use the services of a specialist.
Buy household appliances from trusted and reliable stores that offer customers certified products. When purchasing large household appliances, you are required to provide a warranty, which is confirmed by the relevant document.

A short summary about Samsung machines

Samsung washing machines can be found in the homes of many Russians and citizens of other post-Soviet countries, as well as around the world. In 1999, the company was awarded the Forbes magazine award for the production of household appliances.

Based on this, it should be assumed that even then there was no doubt about the quality of the products produced, but customer reviews show that today there is a tendency to develop the so-called. “childhood diseases” in Samsung washing machines, and in products from other South Korean manufacturers too.

It is not known for certain whether this is so, and this information is not so important. We will look at the most common problems now, and fixing rare ones is the task of specialists.

When there is too much water (E3, 0C, 0F or 0E)

If during the washing process more water is poured into the machine than necessary, you will see one of these codes on the display: E3, 0C, 0F or 0E.

Their appearance may indicate the following:

the drain hose is not connected correctly;
the valve regulating the water flow is blocked;
The water level sensor is broken.

You can try to avoid this mistake by turning off the machine and then lowering the drain hose into the bathtub. Start the wash in the desired mode. If the error appears on the display again, contact a repair shop.