Samsung · Dishwasher
Samsung Dishwasher 3C Error Code
Wash motor position sensor fault
What this error means
3C on Samsung dishwashers indicates the wash motor position sensor did not report expected rotor alignment—the circulation motor cannot start wash spray until the hall sensor confirms position.
How 3C is detected
When 3C appears on a Samsung dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Samsung DW80R5060US, Samsung DW80B7070US, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most 3C calls are resolved without parts: power off 15 minutes to cool motor. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If 3C returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Glass or bone shard jammed in the wash motor impeller under the filter
- Loose hall sensor harness at the wash motor
- Failed wash motor after bearing seizure from hard water scale
- Main PCB not receiving position pulses from the motor
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Remove power and clear the sump area under the filter for debris blocking the impeller
- 2Spin the wash motor impeller through the filter opening—it should turn freely
- 3Power-cycle two minutes and start a Normal wash—note if 3C appears before spray
- 4Avoid running with 3C repeating—motor stall can overheat the windings
When to call a technician
Free impeller with 3C every wash start needs wash motor or hall sensor replacement.
Affected models
- Samsung DW80R5060US
- Samsung DW80B7070US
- Samsung DW80N3030US
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent 3C from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when 3C appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Samsung dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for 3C; Samsung uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting 3C; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.