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Samsung Washing Machine Error Code CE

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧🔧 Advanced DIY Also shown as: E8

Over-current motor protection — motor drawing excessive current

The most common cause of the CE error on a Samsung washing machine is drum overloaded — too many heavy items (~45% of cases); start with: remove half the laundry.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$300 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $250–$480 Save $250+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Washing Machine error code CE on the display panel
How the CE code appears on a Samsung washing machine display

What Does Error Code CE Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?

Over-current motor protection — motor drawing excessive current.

The motor control board has detected that the motor is drawing more current than its rated maximum. This is a protective shutdown to prevent motor damage. An overloaded drum is the most common trigger, but motor or board failure can cause it without overloading.

What Causes Error Code CE?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Drum overloaded — too many heavy items 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Motor winding beginning to fail 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Motor control board fault 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Wiring fault causing incorrect current reading 10% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Washing Machine Error Code CE

🔧🔧🔧 Advanced DIY Est. time: 1–3 hours
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Remove half the laundry

    Turn off the washer, open the door, remove roughly half the items. This is the first and most common fix.

  2. 2

    Power cycle for 10 minutes

    Unplug, wait 10 full minutes, restart. The motor control firmware resets.

  3. 3

    Test the motor resistance

    With the washer unplugged, access the motor and test winding resistance. Compare to spec in the service manual. Out-of-spec = motor needs replacement.

    🔩 Multimeter
  4. 4

    Replace motor or control board

    If motor tests OK but error persists, the control board's current sensor or relay has failed.

    🔩 Samsung washer motor ($150–$300) 🔩 Motor control board ($100–$250)

How to Reset Error Code CE

Unplug for 10 minutes. Restart with a reduced load. If CE returns within the first minute on a light load, the motor has failed.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Samsung washer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Washer not spinning →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If error persists with normal loads after a reset, professional motor or board diagnosis is required.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $250–$480

Related Error Codes

LE
Motor locked — drum cannot rotate
⚠ High Severity
3E
Motor drive error — motor cannot reach commanded speed
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code CE appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows CE →

LG logo
LG Washing Machine CE
Over-current error — motor drawing too much current
LG logo
LG Dishwasher CE
Motor/pump over-current error

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Samsung Washing Machine:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Samsung Washing Machine repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes

4C Water supply not detected UE Unbalanced load detected OE Drain failure — water not draining DE Door not properly closed or door lock failure HE Water heater error — water not heating to target temperature SUD Excessive suds detected

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Washing Machine when error CE appears? +
It is not advisable. The washing machine may still power on, but running it while CE is active can worsen the motor fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes CE on a Samsung Washing Machine? +
Across reported Samsung washing machine repairs, the most frequent is drum overloaded — too many heavy items (45% of cases), motor winding beginning to fail (30%), then motor control board fault (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
CE keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored CE fault; if it returns, the motor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — remove half the laundry, then power cycle for 10 minutes — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is an advanced repair involving deeper disassembly or electrical testing.
How much does it cost to fix Samsung Washing Machine error CE? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$300 in parts, versus $250–$480 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $250. Expect the work to take 1–3 hours.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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