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Samsung Dishwasher 3C Error: Causes & Fixes

On a Samsung dishwasher, error code 3C means the circulation (wash) pump has failed to operate correctly; Samsung labels it a pump operation error.

What Samsung dishwasher 3C means

Samsung describes the behaviour behind this code as the dishwasher filling with water but never starting active washing: there is no spray action and the cycle stops.

Before you work on your dishwasher

  • Power: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker before removing panels or touching wiring.
  • Water: Turn off the water supply valve before disconnecting hoses or the inlet valve.
  • Heat: Water and the heating element can be hot right after a cycle; let the dishwasher cool first.
  • Sharp debris: Wear gloves when reaching into the filter or sump; broken glass often collects there.
  • Stop: If you smell burning, see smoke or sparks, or find water near wiring, switch off the breaker and call a technician.
  • Disconnect power before accessing internal dishwasher parts: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker that powers it before removing panels, the filter, or the drain pump cover, or before reaching into the sump.
  • Hot water and steam scald risk: Open the dishwasher door carefully during or right after a cycle. Hot water or steam can escape and cause burns; wait until water noises stop and steam subsides before fully opening the door.
  • Sharp debris near the filter and drain pump: Wear gloves and use caution when removing the filter, pump cover, or other parts for cleaning; broken glass or other sharp debris can collect near the drain pump impeller.

What causes Samsung 3C

  1. Circulation pump operation fault (general): On a Samsung dishwasher, error code 3C means the circulation (wash) pump has failed to operate correctly; Samsung labels it a pump operation error. Difficulty 1/5.
  2. A transient pump-control fault that the power cycle cleared: Power-cycle the dishwasher and restart a wash cycle to see whether the 3C error clears; Samsung treats this as the first troubleshooting step before recommending service. Difficulty 1/5.
  3. Debris or food particles blocking the circulation pump: Debris or food particles stuck in the circulation pump can make it work harder and fail to reach its required speed, which is a commonly cited cause of 3C in a parts-retailer troubleshooting article; Samsung's own service troubleshooting entry for 3C lists the same failure component. Difficulty 1/5.
  4. Circulation pump motor worn or faulty: A worn or malfunctioning circulation pump motor that cannot reach its required running speed is a commonly cited cause of the 3C error in a parts-retailer troubleshooting article; Samsung's own service troubleshooting entry for 3C lists the same failure component. Difficulty 1/5.
  5. Control board failure: A faulty main control board is a commonly cited cause of 3C in a parts-retailer troubleshooting article; Samsung's own service troubleshooting entry for 3C lists the same failure component. Difficulty 1/5.
  6. Inverter PCB (motor drive board) failure: Samsung's service troubleshooting entry for 3C lists a defective inverter PCB as a failure component; the same entry describes the main PCB as receiving the main motor error from the inverter during wash and rinse. Difficulty 1/5.

Find the cause of 3C on your dishwasher

Step-by-step checks for Samsung 3C

Check the filter and drain area for debris

About 15 minutes

  1. Turn the dishwasher off and let the tub cool; wear gloves, because broken glass collects in the filter area.
  2. Rotate the filter counterclockwise to unfasten it and lift it out, following the procedure for your model in Samsung's cleaning guide or your user manual.
  3. Rinse the filter under running water and clear any debris from the filter and drain area.
  4. Refit the filter (and the drain pump cover, on models that have a removable one) exactly as it came out and lock it in place; Samsung warns that an incorrectly reassembled filter can itself cause errors.
  5. Run a wash cycle and see whether 3C returns.

Power-cycle the dishwasher and retest

About 10 minutes

  1. Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it from the power source (or switch off its circuit breaker).
  2. Restore power and start a wash cycle.
  3. Observe whether the 3C error recurs.

How to fix Samsung 3C

Power-cycle the dishwasher

About 10 minutes · Difficulty 1/5

  1. Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it (or switch off its circuit breaker).
  2. Restore power and restart a wash cycle.
  3. If the 3C error does not return, no further action is needed.

When to call a technician about Samsung 3C

  • Have a technician diagnose the persistent pump fault
  • Have a technician service the control board
  • Have a technician check the inverter board that drives the wash motor
  • Have a technician clear debris from the circulation pump
  • Have a technician check the circulation pump motor
  • Have a technician check the circulation pump wiring

Sources

  1. Dishwasher SP.. Instruction Manual, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  2. Dishwasher SHSM63****, SHS863****, SHS843****, SHVM63****, SHV863**** Operating Instructions, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  3. Dishwasher SMS6HAI01A User Manual, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  4. Common Samsung dishwasher error codes and their meaning, Samsung Canada Support (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  5. Samsung DW6000J series dishwasher user manual, Samsung Electronics America (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  6. Routine and deep clean your Samsung dishwasher, Samsung Electronics America (retrieved 2026-09-20)
  7. 3C, 3C1~3C6 Error Code : Main Motor Error, Samsung Electronics Canada (retrieved 2026-09-20)
  8. What do the error codes on my Dishwasher mean?, Samsung Electronics UK (retrieved 2026-09-20)
  9. How to check dishwasher information codes, Samsung Gulf Electronics (retrieved 2026-09-19)
  10. What do 5C, 5E, 4C, 4E, LC, and LE mean on a dishwasher?, Samsung Gulf Electronics (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  11. Samsung dishwasher is displaying an error code, Samsung US Support (retrieved 2026-09-18)

Last updated September 29, 2026 · facts last verified September 20, 2026 · How we source and verify

Guidance only; follow your appliance manual and local codes. If anything looks unsafe, stop and call a qualified technician. Safety disclaimer