E3
RCA
Motor Drive Fault / Motor Not Running
Washer-dryer combo drum does not spin or tumble; unit may fill and drain but shows E3 when trying to wash or spin.
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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
Worn or broken drive belt, Faulty drive motor, Defective motor control circuit on main PCB, Loose or damaged motor wiring harness
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the RCA combo before removing any panels. Sharp edges may be present; wear cut-resistant gloves.
- Check for overloading: Remove excess laundry and try a smaller load. Overloading can stall the motor and trigger E3.
- Inspect the drive belt: Remove the rear panel. Locate the belt around the motor pulley and drum pulley. If the belt is off, frayed, or broken, it must be replaced. Ensure the drum pulley spins freely by hand.
- Check motor connections: Verify the motor wiring connector is fully seated and free of corrosion or burn marks. Gently tug each wire to ensure it is secure.
- Spin test: With the belt removed (unit unplugged), spin the drum by hand. It should rotate smoothly without grinding or binding. If it is very stiff, there may be a bearing or tub issue.
- Control board suspicion: If the belt and motor appear good but the motor never attempts to run, the main control board's motor drive circuit may be faulty. This typically requires a technician to diagnose and replace.
- When to replace parts: Replace the drive belt if worn or broken. If the motor hums, overheats, or tests open/shorted, replace the drive motor. If motor and belt are good but no power is sent to the motor, replace the main control board.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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