What does error code 3C mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

Is your Samsung dishwasher displaying error code 3C? Don’t worry, this is a problem that you can fix yourself without the need for a costly service call and we’re here to help you do it!

The error code information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. The disassembly information is based on models starting with DW80R9. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Potential causes

Error code 3C on a Samsung dishwasher indicates an issue with the circulation pump. Specifically, it means that the main control board is receiving a circulation pump speed signal that is less than 2000 rpm for at least 3 seconds.

The circulation pump is responsible for circulating the water during the washing and rinsing cycles. If the pump is not able to maintain a minimum speed of 2000 rpm for a sustained period, it suggests a problem with the pump or the electrical connection to it.

Some possible causes of this error code include:

• Faulty circulation pump: The pump motor may be malfunctioning or worn out, preventing it from reaching the required speed.
• Clogged or blocked pump: Debris or food particles can get stuck in the pump, causing it to work harder and fail to reach the minimum speed.
• Electrical issues: Problems with the wiring, connections, or the main control board itself can lead to the pump not receiving the proper electrical signal to maintain the required speed.
• Bad main control board: A faulty or malfunctioning main control board can also cause issues with the circulation pump speed signal, leading to the 3C error code.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 

Troubleshooting steps

1. Disconnect the water supply and drain connections to the dishwasher.
2. Disconnect the power supply to the dishwasher.
3. Remove the dishwasher from the cabinet by unscrewing it from the surrounding cabinetry.
4. Carefully lay the dishwasher on its back to access the base cover.
5. Remove the base cover to expose the circulation pump and wiring connections.
6. Check the circulation hose and pump for any foreign material or debris. Remove any obstructions found.
7. Visually inspect the circulation pump for any signs of damage or wear.
8. Check the wiring connector for the circulation pump.
9. If any of the connections are loose, reconnect them properly.
10. If the wiring appears damaged, replace the wiring harness.

Test the circulation pump

1. Disconnect the wiring connector from the circulation pump.
2. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the pump terminals.
3. The expected resistance should be approximately 5.8 ohms.

If the resistance is outside the normal range, replace the circulation pump.

Check the main control board

1. Locate the main control board at the bottom of the door.
2. Check for a red LED light below the door with power reconnected to the appliance. This LED indicates the status of the main control board.
3. If the red LED is off, the main control board is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Samsung dishwasher working again.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Read more: 

What cycle should I run my dishwasher on?

How to Clean a Dishwasher

Best Loading Techniques For Your Dishwasher