Skip to content
FixCodes

Samsung dishwasher 3C code: wash pump error

Urgency
High
Who can fix it
Technician job
Time
About 15 min
Repair cost
$200–$450

The wash pump is not working properly. Restart the cycle first. If 3C keeps coming back, the pump or its wiring needs service.

Likely causes

Listed from most to least common.

  1. Temporary control glitch
  2. Wash pump jammed by debris
  3. Failed wash pump motor
  4. Loose pump wiring
  5. Control board fault

How to fix the 3C code

Unplug the dishwasher or switch it off at the breaker before removing any panel or filter.

  1. Step 1: Restart the cycle

    Turn the dishwasher off, wait a minute, turn it back on and start the cycle again.

  2. Step 2: Reset the power

    If the code returns, turn the dishwasher off at the breaker for a minute, then try again.

  3. Step 3: Clean the filter

    With the power off, remove the bottom rack, twist the filter out and rinse it. Check the sump for glass or bones.

You'll need: Flashlight.

Parts that may need replacing

Check your model number on the label inside the door or on the back before ordering.

When to call a technician

If 3C stays after a restart and power reset, have a technician test the wash pump. Replacing it means taking the dishwasher out.

A typical repair for this code costs $200–$450 in the US, including parts and labor. Prices vary by area and model.

Models this applies to

  • DW80 series dishwashers
  • Bespoke and StormWash models

Codes can differ slightly between models. Your owner's manual is the final word and is available from Samsung support.

Common questions

›Is 3C the same as 3E on a Samsung dishwasher?

No. Samsung lists 3C as a pump error and 3E as hot water supply that is too hot, above 176°F.

›Is a 3C code worth fixing?

Often, yes. A pump replacement costs far less than a new dishwasher on a newer model. Get a quote first on an older unit.

Did this fix work?

All Samsung dishwasher codes