How to Fix Samsung Dishwasher Error E3

⚠️ Safety Warning: Appliance repair involves electricity, gas, and moving parts. Always disconnect power before working on any appliance.

Error Code: Dishwasher Difficulty: Moderate

Problem: Heating temperature sensor fault; thermistor open/shorted or out of range during heat cycle

⚖️ Repair Decision
✅ WORTH FIXING

Parts under $100

How to Fix Dishwasher Error

  1. Unplug dishwasher and allow 20 minutes for components to cool.
  2. Remove lower access panel to access heater assembly and thermistor.
  3. Locate thermistor mounted on heater housing or tub wall near heating element. Disconnect wiring harness.
  4. Measure resistance across thermistor terminals with multimeter at room temperature. Expected: ~10kΩ at 77°F.
  5. If reading is infinite (open), near zero (shorted), or deviates >15% from specification: remove mounting screw.
  6. Gently extract thermistor from mounting well. Clean well with isopropyl alcohol.
  7. Apply thermal conductive paste to tip of new sensor.
  8. Install replacement thermistor using OEM part DD31-00003A. Secure mounting screw to 4 in-lbs torque.
  9. Reconnect wiring harness firmly. Reinstall access panel.
  10. Restore power. Run Sanitize cycle while monitoring temperature display for smooth, accurate readings.

Recommended Replacement Part

OEM Part #: DD31-00003A

Estimated Market Price: $28

Check Price & Availability →

Still Not Working?

If the replacement part didn’t fix the issue, you may have a wiring problem or main board failure.

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Expert: Mike Sullivan

EPA Section 608 Certified Technician with 18+ years experience.

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