Samsung Dishwasher Error Code 3E: Meaning and Fix

3E
How 3E appears on a Samsung dishwasher display.
Samsung Dishwasher Water Supply Tube (part DD82-01100A), shown as the reference photo for code 3E
Product photo via AppliancePartsPros.com (Samsung OEM part)

Reading the dishwasher display

A dishwasher reports its fault in the display window, or by blinking a cycle light a set number of times with a pause between groups. Count the blinks and pauses before opening the door. Samsung codes combine a digit with a letter, and some alternate with the cycle time.

Samsung displays numeric-plus-letter codes such as 4C, 5E or 21E, and many models run a Smart Care self-check through the app. Washers and dryers often use letter pairs, refrigerators use number plus E. The codes apply to model numbers such as DW80R5061US, DW80K7050US and DV45T6000EW; check the label on your unit to confirm yours.

What causes 3E

How to fix it

  1. Check the water heater setting.
  2. Lower it to a normal household setting (about 120 to 140 degrees F).
  3. Run the hot tap and measure the temperature.
  4. Restart the dishwasher.

Parts you may need

PartPart no.Buy
Dishwasher Water Supply TubeDD82-01100AFind part

Part numbers are OEM references; confirm fit by your model number before ordering. Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Questions

What limit does Samsung give?

Keep the hot supply at or below 176 degrees F.

Is this a dishwasher fault?

Normally not; it is supply temperature.

Is lowering the heater safe?

Yes, it also saves energy.

Other Samsung dishwasher codes

Sources

Part numbers are OEM references; confirm fit by your model number before ordering. Meanings compiled from manufacturer and parts-retailer documentation; see sources below. Unplug the appliance before opening it.

Applies to models including DW80R5061US, DW80K7050US, DW80J3020US, DW80N3030US, DW80R9950US.