Samsung Dishwasher 3C (3E) Error Code: Pump Operation Error (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What the code means
Samsung's US error code list calls 3C a pump operation error and says the pump has failed. Samsung Canada lists the same meaning (pump failure), and Samsung Australia calls 3C and 3E a pump operation check. Samsung UK describes what you'll see: the dishwasher fills but never begins active washing, shows no spray action and stops. 3E depends on where the dishwasher was sold. Samsung US and Samsung Canada list 3E as a high temperature water supply error, meaning the incoming water is too hot, and say to make sure the hot water supply isn't set above 176°F. Samsung UK and Australia list 3E together with 3C as the pump operation error. Samsung also warns not to reset or clear an error code before troubleshooting it, or the cause won't be addressed and the code may return.
Likely causes
- The pump didn't start or run as expected during the cycle, so there was no spray action (Samsung's pump operation error)
- A one-time glitch that clears after the dishwasher is turned off and restarted
- A failed pump or a fault in its circuit, which Samsung says needs service if the code keeps returning
- For 3E on US and Canadian models: the hot water supply to the dishwasher is hotter than 176°F
Safe DIY checks
Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.
- Note the exact code. If it's 3C, treat it as a pump operation error. If it's 3E and your dishwasher was sold in the US or Canada, treat it as a water-too-hot error (see the last step).
- Turn the dishwasher off. Samsung UK says to keep the power off for one minute.
- Turn it back on and start the cycle again, then watch whether it moves past the fill and starts spraying.
- If you aren't sure the error is gone, Samsung Australia suggests running a functional check: start a cycle and confirm it runs normally.
- For 3E on US and Canadian models, check your water heater setting. Samsung says the hot water supply should not be set above 176°F. Lower it if needed, then run a cycle again.
🛠 When to call a pro
- 3C comes back after you've turned the dishwasher off and restarted it. Samsung says to request service at that point.
- The dishwasher fills but never sprays, cycle after cycle, leaving dishes unwashed.
- 3E on a US or Canadian model keeps appearing even though your hot water supply is at or below 176°F. Samsung says to request service.
- Pump and motor testing happens under the dishwasher, close to electrical and water connections, so leave it to a technician.
Sources
- Samsung US: Samsung dishwasher is displaying an error code (3C pump operation error, pump has failed, restart, request service; 3E high temperature water supply error, not above 176°F; don't clear codes before troubleshooting)
- Samsung Canada: Common Samsung dishwasher error codes and their meaning (3C pump failure; 3E excessively hot water supply, below 176°F)
- Samsung UK: What do the error codes on my dishwasher mean? (3C, 3E: fills but never begins active washing, no spray action; power off one minute and retry)
- Samsung Australia: Samsung Dishwasher Information Codes (3C, 3E pump operation check; functional check, turn off and restart)
Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.