E3
Insignia Motor Drive Fault / Motor Unable to Start

Washer drum does not spin or agitate; E3 appears during wash or spin cycle.

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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

Failed drive motor, Loose or broken drive belt (belt-drive models), Faulty motor control board (inverter), Damaged motor wiring harness or connector

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the washer before removing any panels. Moving parts can cause injury.

  • Check for overload: Remove some laundry and try a smaller load. Overloading can prevent the motor from starting and trigger E3.
  • Inspect drum movement: With the washer off, open the door or lid and rotate the drum by hand. It should turn smoothly without grinding or binding. Stiff movement may indicate bearing or foreign object issues.
  • Access drive system: Remove the rear panel (front-load) or bottom panel (top-load) to view the drive belt and motor. Look for a slipped, frayed, or broken belt on belt-driven Insignia models.
  • Re-seat or replace belt: If the belt is off the pulley, re-seat it on the motor and drum pulleys. If cracked or stretched, replace with the correct Insignia drive belt.
  • Inspect wiring: Check the motor harness connector and wiring to the motor control board for burns, loose pins, or damage. Reseat connectors firmly.
  • Test motor (advanced): With a multimeter, check motor windings for continuity. An open winding indicates a failed motor that must be replaced.
  • Control board diagnosis: If the motor and belt are good but E3 persists, the motor control board (often integrated with the main PCB on Insignia washers) may be defective. Visual signs include burnt components or odor. Replacement typically requires a technician.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Drive Motor
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