Ender 3 V3 SE or KE: leveling fails, CR Touch error or the nozzle scratches the bed

Symptom

On the Ender 3 V3 SE or KE automatic leveling stops with an error (leveling failure, CR Touch error or height measurement failure), the nozzle keeps probing the lower left corner over and over or scratches the plate, or the first layer lifts in some areas and is squashed in others.

Likely causes, from most to least likely

1. Filament residue on the nozzle tip or on the plate, especially in the lower left corner where the height is measured, skews the measurement.
2. The Z-axis compensation calculated by the automatic height measurement does not match the real distance.
3. The height measurement module is faulty or its adapter board is badly connected to the mainboard.
4. The CR Touch fails its self-check: the probe or the ribbon cable of the nozzle adapter board is loose, or the probe is damaged.
5. The X axis is tilted, or the bed or slide plate has warped (for example in transit).
6. Old firmware: on the V3 SE, Creality points to version 1.0.4 or later to fix the measurement offset.

Checks to tell which one it is

• Note which warning appears: CR Touch error, height measurement failure or the screen asking you to scan a QR code (a badly uneven bed, according to Creality).
• Check the Z compensation value after measuring: on the V3 SE, Creality considers -1 to -3 normal (some machines go slightly beyond); values such as 0, -0.04 or -10 mean the height measurement failed.
• At power-on, watch the CR Touch: it should lower and raise its pin twice; also note whether its red light flashes or stays off.
• Check that the X axis is parallel to the bed and whether the bed or slide plate is warped; Creality treats a deviation beyond ±1.2 mm as a leveling data error.

Before you start

Before taking anything apart, cleaning or adjusting it, switch the printer off and unplug it, unless a step says otherwise, and do not touch the nozzle, the heater block or the bed until they have cooled down. If in any doubt about electricity, heat or moving parts, stop and ask a professional.

Step-by-step fix

1. Clean the nozzle and plate and level again

   With the nozzle cold, remove the filament residue from the tip and clean the plate, especially the lower left corner. Then repeat automatic leveling.

   Check: Leveling finishes without errors and the first layer comes out even.

   If that does not fix it: Adjust the Z compensation (next step).

2. Adjust the Z compensation on the first layer

   While the first layer is printing, correct the Z-axis compensation (Z offset) little by little from the screen until the line is well stuck down, with no gaps and without the nozzle scraping.

   Check: The first-layer lines are joined and stuck across the whole plate.

   If that does not fix it: Update the firmware (next step).

3. Update the firmware

   On the V3 SE install firmware version 1.0.4 or later, which Creality points to for this offset, and level again.

   Check: After updating, the Z compensation has a normal value.

   If that does not fix it: Check the connections (next step).

4. Check the CR Touch and the height module

   Switch off and unplug the printer. Unplug and reconnect the CR Touch and the ribbon cable of the nozzle adapter board, at both ends. Also check that the adapter board of the height measurement module is firmly connected to the mainboard.

   Check: At power-on the CR Touch lowers and raises its pin twice without error and the height measurement completes.

   If that does not fix it: If it still fails, contact Creality support: the CR Touch or the height module may need replacing.

5. Check the X axis and the bed

   Check that the X axis is parallel to the bed and that neither the bed nor the slide plate is warped. If the bed is badly out of level, follow Creality's after-sales bed adjustment video for the V3 SE and correct the leveling data.

   Check: The leveling data stays within ±1.2 mm and the first layer sticks across the whole surface.

   If that does not fix it: Contact Creality support with photos of the first layer and of the leveling data.

Prevention

• Before leveling, make sure the nozzle tip and the plate are clean, especially the lower left corner.
• Keep the firmware up to date.
• If the printer has been moved or knocked, check that the X axis is still parallel to the bed before leveling.

Still not fixed?

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Printers it applies to

Creality Ender 3 V3 SE and Ender 3 V3 KE.

Official sources

This guide summarises the official documentation linked here:

• Fault Error Analysis (Temperature Issues, Heating Issues, V1.0.6 Leveling Issues, Height Adjustment Issues) · Creality
• First layer not adhering/Compression layer/Leveling data error (exceeding ±1.2mm) · Creality
• Leveling Failure / Height Adjustment Failure (versions below 1.0.6) · Creality
• The model does not stick to the platform (Ender-3 V3 KE) · Creality