E3
Costway
Motor Drive Fault / Motor Overload
Washer-dryer combo displays E3 and stops during wash or spin; drum may not rotate or rotates erratically.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Loose or broken drive belt, Overloaded drum causing motor stall, Faulty motor capacitor (on some Costway models), Defective drive motor or motor wiring
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the appliance before removing any panels. Do not bypass safety interlocks.
- Reduce load: Remove some laundry and try a smaller test load. Overloading can trigger E3 by stalling the motor.
- Check for drum obstruction: Spin the drum by hand. It should rotate smoothly. If it binds or grinds, inspect for trapped items between the drum and tub.
- Inspect drive belt: Remove the rear panel to access the drive system. Verify the belt is on both the motor pulley and drum pulley. Replace if cracked, frayed, or stretched.
- Check motor capacitor (if equipped): Some Costway combos use a start/run capacitor mounted near the motor. Look for bulging, leaking, or burnt terminals. Replace if damaged.
- Inspect motor wiring: Ensure all connectors to the motor are fully seated and free of corrosion or burn marks.
- Advanced testing: Use a multimeter to check motor windings for continuity and proper resistance. If windings are open or shorted, replace the drive motor.
- If E3 persists after belt and load checks: Replace the motor or capacitor as indicated by testing. If the motor tests good, the motor control circuit on the main PCB may be defective and require professional replacement.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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