Samsung Dishwasher 3E Error Code - Causes & Fix

Samsung Dishwasher 3E Error Code — What It Means

The 3E code means the dishwasher detected an excessively hot water supply at the inlet. The control limits how hot the feed water can be to protect the cycle and the dishes.

Most often this is a home water heater set too high, but a faulty temperature sensor can also report false high readings.

Jump to Fix

Common Causes

• Water heater set too high A home water heater above the recommended range feeds water hotter than the dishwasher allows.
• Faulty temperature sensor A drifting inlet thermistor reports water hotter than it really is.
• Scale on the sensor Mineral buildup on the sensor skews the reading toward a false high.
• Wrong hookup to a hot line A unit teed into an unusually hot feed sees inlet water out of range.
• Loose sensor wiring A poor connection at the sensor sends an erratic high signal to the board.
• Control board fault A failed board can misread the temperature input and post 3E with a good sensor.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Check your home water heater setting and lower it toward the recommended range if it runs hot.
2. Run the kitchen hot tap for a moment so the feed is not flushing a slug of very hot water.
3. Turn off power, open the access panel, and inspect the inlet temperature sensor wiring.
4. Clean any scale off the temperature sensor so it can read accurately.
5. Use a multimeter to confirm the sensor resistance tracks with temperature.
6. Reset the dishwasher and run a cycle to see if 3E clears with the cooler feed.
7. If the sensor tests out of range, replace it and retest before closing up.

Parts Often Needed

When to Call a Pro

If your water heater is set correctly and a new temperature sensor does not clear 3E, the control board may be misreading the input. A technician can confirm the sensor signal at the board before you replace it.