Samsung Dishwasher Error Code 3E
The water arriving from your home supply is hotter than the dishwasher is designed to accept, so it stops to protect itself and the dishes. The fix is normally at the home's water heater, not inside the dishwasher.
Common causes
- Home water heater thermostat set too high (above about 80°C / 176°F)
- Dishwasher connected to a supply line that runs hotter than expected
- Temperature sensor misreading the inlet temperature
What to check, in order
- Check the temperature setting on your home water heater and turn it down if it is set above 80°C (176°F).
- Run the hot tap at the sink and see whether the water feels scalding compared with normal.
- Let the supply cool, restart the dishwasher, and run a normal cycle.
- If the code appears with a sensible water-heater setting, have the temperature sensor checked.
Clear the code and test
- 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.
- Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
- Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
- 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 3E, 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
ThermistorWater inlet valve
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 3E
What does 3E mean on a Samsung dishwasher?
3E means: High temperature water supply error: the incoming water is too hot. The water arriving from your home supply is hotter than the dishwasher is designed to accept, so it stops to protect itself and the dishes. The fix is normally at the home's water heater, not inside the dishwasher.
Can I fix Samsung 3E myself?
Usually, yes. Code 3E is rated DIY-friendly: the checks on this page cover the common causes and use basic household items only. If the code returns after the checks and a test cycle, book a technician.
How do I clear Samsung 3E?
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
- Samsung support: washing machine information codes
- Samsung support: dishwasher information codes
- Samsung support (US): dishwasher troubleshooting
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.