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Samsung Dishwasher Error Code 3C

DIY checks firstReviewed November 2026Checked against manufacturer documentation
What this code means
3C: Pump operation error: the wash pump is not running properly

The dishwasher fills with water but never gets going with proper spray action, and then stops. Samsung's first step is simply to restart it; when that does not help, the circulation pump itself or its drive is the likely failure.

Fix level
DIY checks first
Start with the checks on this page. Testing or replacing a part is usually a technician job.
Time to run the checks
About 20–40 minutes
For the 4 checks on this page — not a full repair.
You may need
No special tools
The checks below use basic household items only.
Parts that may be involved
Circulation pump, Drain pump (+1 more below)
Parts are model-specific; see the note below before ordering.

Common causes

  1. Circulation (wash) pump motor has failed
  2. Something jammed in the pump or sump blocking the impeller
  3. Loose wiring or connector to the pump
  4. Main control board not driving the pump

What to check, in order

Safety first. Switch the dishwasher off and unplug it (or turn off its breaker) before checking hoses or filters. Expect water in the bottom of the tub and around the filter; keep a tray and towel ready. If you are not comfortable with any step, stop and call a technician.
  1. Turn the dishwasher off, wait a minute, and try starting the cycle again.
  2. Remove the lower rack and filters and check the sump for bones, glass, labels, or other debris that could jam the pump.
  3. Listen after filling: a silent machine or a humming one with no spray means the pump is not turning.
  4. If the sump is clear and the pump still will not run, this is a repair job rather than a settings fix.

Clear the code and test

  1. Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, the spray arms freed. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
  2. Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
  3. Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
  4. If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write down the code and when it appeared before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.

When to call a professional

Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician if any of these apply:

  • The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
  • You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
  • Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
  • The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.

When you call, give the brand, the code 3C, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.

Parts that may be involved

Circulation pumpDrain pumpMain control board

Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.

Questions people ask about 3C

What does 3C mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

3C means: Pump operation error: the wash pump is not running properly. The dishwasher fills with water but never gets going with proper spray action, and then stops. Samsung's first step is simply to restart it; when that does not help, the circulation pump itself or its drive is the likely failure.

Can I fix Samsung 3C myself?

Start yourself: the checks on this page cover the causes you can reach without opening the machine up. If they point to a faulty part, testing or replacing it is usually a technician job.

How do I clear Samsung 3C?

Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.

Sources checked

The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.

Other Samsung dishwasher codes

Samsung 1EClogged filter error on WaterWall models; a low-water or circulation problem on some othersSamsung 3EHigh temperature water supply error: the incoming water is too hotSamsung 4CWater supply error: the dishwasher is not filling with waterSamsung 5CDrain error: the dishwasher cannot drain the water outSamsung 7EWaterWall reflector error: the moving spray bar cannot travel properlySamsung 9ELow water level error: not enough water in the dishwasherSamsung APAccess Point mode: the dishwasher is waiting to connect to a phone or Wi-Fi (not a fault)Samsung CECommunication error between the control boardsSamsung HEHeater error: the water temperature is read incorrectly or runs too hotSamsung LCLeakage error: the leak sensor has detected moistureSamsung OCOver-level water error: there is too much water in the dishwasherSamsung PCZone Wash / dividing valve error: the valve that directs water between zones is not workingSamsung bE2Button error: a button has registered as pressed for too longSamsung tETemperature sensor error