Samsung · Dishwasher

E3

Water Not Heating

Severity

Medium

When a Samsung Dishwasher shows E3 on its display, the internal diagnostic system has flagged a condition known as "Water Not Heating". Most repairs for this code are straightforward and can be completed at home.

Owner's Summary

Your dishwasher is washing with cold water — dishes come out with food residue because the hot water needed to dissolve grease and activate detergent is missing. The heating element is the most likely failure and is affordable to replace.

Symptoms

Samsung dishwasher dishes coming out cold and greasy, E3 error code

Common Causes

Failed heating element
Defective NTC thermistor reading cold
Burned heater relay on PCB
Open circuit in heater wiring harness

How to Fix

1 Test heating element continuity — no continuity means element is blown
2 Test NTC thermistor resistance at room temperature
3 Inspect wiring harness from PCB to element
4 Replace heating element if it fails continuity test
5 Replace PCB if element and thermistor both test fine

Tools You'll Need

Multimeter Flashlight

These are simple, low-risk fixes most homeowners can do with tools already in a basic toolbox.

Technical Explanation

The PCB enables the heating relay based on NTC thermistor feedback, targeting a wash temperature of 120–149°F. E3 is triggered when the thermistor reading fails to show the expected temperature rise within the maximum heating window.

Is It Safe to Keep Using?

No urgent safety concern but dishes are not being sanitized. Fix within a week.

Technician's Pro Tip

On Samsung dishwashers, the heating element is a coil at the bottom of the tub. A shorted element will have near-zero resistance and will immediately trip the household circuit breaker when the dishwasher is run — this is a clear indicator of a shorted element.

Related Codes

E2 — Samsung Washing Machine

Water Supply Error

High

4E — Samsung Washing Machine

No Water Supply Detected

High

5E — Samsung Washing Machine

Drain Error — Water Not Draining

High

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code E3 mean on a Samsung Dishwasher?

Code E3 on a Samsung Dishwasher indicates "Water Not Heating." In practice, the most common trigger is failed heating element. Severity is rated medium, and typical repair costs range from $20 to $300.

Can I fix E3 myself, or do I need a technician?

Many cases of E3 can be resolved without a technician. The first step to try: test heating element continuity — no continuity means element is blown. If that doesn't clear the code, work through the remaining steps in the "How to Fix" section above before assuming a part needs replacing.

Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher with code E3 showing?

No urgent safety concern but dishes are not being sanitized. Fix within a week.

How much does it cost to repair E3 on a Samsung Dishwasher?

Repair costs for code E3 typically range from $20 to $300. Heating element: $40–$120; NTC thermistor: $20–$50; PCB: $120–$300. Costs on the low end usually reflect a DIY fix with no parts required, while the high end reflects a part replacement plus professional labor.

Estimated Repair Cost USD

$20 – $300

Heating element: $40–$120; NTC thermistor: $20–$50; PCB: $120–$300