Samsung Washing Machine Error Code CE
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 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 Drum overloaded — too many heavy items 45% of cases
- 2 Motor winding beginning to fail 30% of cases
- 3 Motor control board fault 15% of cases
- 4 Wiring fault causing incorrect current reading 10% of cases
How to Fix Samsung Washing Machine Error Code CE
- 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
Power cycle for 10 minutes
Unplug, wait 10 full minutes, restart. The motor control firmware resets.
- 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
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.
When to Call a Professional
If error persists with normal loads after a reset, professional motor or board diagnosis is required.
Related Error Codes
Same Code on Other Brands
Error code CE appears on these other brands too. Click to compare:
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