Error Code tE
Your Samsung washer displays tE when the main control board receives an out-of-range reading from the water temperature sensor (thermistor). The thermistor is a small probe inserted into the outer tub or the heater housing that changes resistance as the water temperature changes. When the resistance reading falls outside the expected range, the board cannot regulate water temperature and halts the cycle.
Common Causes
Failed thermistor: The thermistor probe itself fails. Its resistance goes to zero (short circuit) or infinity (open circuit), sending an extreme value to the control board. This is the most common cause.
Loose thermistor connection: The wire connector on the thermistor works loose from vibration over time. The intermittent connection causes erratic temperature readings.
Damaged thermistor wiring: The wire harness between the thermistor and the control board is pinched, cut, or corroded. This breaks or alters the resistance signal.
Faulty main control board: The temperature sensing circuit on the control board fails. The board misreads a good thermistor signal. This is uncommon but happens on boards with corroded solder joints.
DIY Troubleshooting
Power cycle the washer: Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. Run a cycle. A temporary sensor glitch sometimes clears with a power reset. If tE returns, the sensor needs testing.
Locate the thermistor: Unplug the washer. On front-loaders, remove the back panel. The thermistor is a small cylindrical probe inserted into the lower part of the outer tub or into the heater element housing. It has a two-wire connector. On top-loaders, remove the top panel and look for the sensor on the inner tub wall or near the water inlet.
Check the thermistor connection: Disconnect and reconnect the thermistor wire harness connector. Push it in firmly until it clicks. Corroded terminals need cleaning with electrical contact cleaner spray and a small wire brush.
Test the thermistor resistance: Disconnect the thermistor harness. Set a multimeter to the 20K ohms range. Place the probes on the two thermistor terminals. At room temperature (about 77 degrees F / 25 degrees C), a healthy Samsung thermistor reads approximately 10,000 ohms (10K). A reading of 0 ohms means a short circuit. A reading of OL (over limit) means an open circuit. Either extreme confirms a bad thermistor.
Replace the thermistor: Pull the old thermistor straight out of its housing. Note the orientation of the probe. Push the new thermistor into the same housing until it seats fully. Reconnect the wire harness. The part is model-specific -- order by your Samsung model number from the rating plate inside the door frame.
Test the repair: Reinstall the back or top panel. Plug in the washer. Run a Normal cycle with warm water. The washer should fill, heat the water to the target temperature, and complete the cycle without displaying tE.
Professional Repair
Call a technician if the thermistor tests within range but tE persists, as this points to a control board issue. TruePro charges a $59 diagnostic fee credited toward the repair. All work includes a 90-day warranty on parts and labor. Same-day service is often available in LA County, Orange County, and Ventura County. Call 877-378-3111.
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FAQ
What does Samsung error code tE mean?
Your Samsung washer displays tE when the main control board receives an out-of-range reading from the water temperature sensor (thermistor). The thermistor is a small probe inserted into the outer tub or the heater housing that changes resistance as the water temperature changes. When the resistance reading falls outside the expected range, the board cannot regulate water temperature and halts the cycle.
Can I fix error code tE myself?
1. Power cycle the washer: Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. Run a cycle. A temporary sensor glitch sometimes clears with a power reset. If tE returns, the sensor needs testing. 2. Locate the thermistor: Unplug the washer. On front-loaders, remove the back panel. The thermistor is a small cylindrical probe inserted into the lower part of the outer tub or into the heater element housing. It has a two-wire connector. On top-loaders, remove the top panel and look for the sensor on the inner tub wall or near the water inlet. 3. Check the thermistor connection: Disconnect and reconnect the thermistor wire harness connector. Push it in firmly until it clicks. Corroded terminals need cleaning with electrical contact cleaner spray and a small wire brush. 4. Test the thermistor resistance: Disconnect the thermistor harness. Set a multimeter to the 20K ohms range. Place the probes on the two thermistor terminals. At room temperature (about 77 degrees F / 25 degrees C), a healthy Samsung thermistor reads approximately 10,000 ohms (10K). A reading of 0 ohms means a short circuit. A reading of OL (over limit) means an open circuit. Either extreme confirms a bad thermistor. 5. Replace the thermistor: Pull the old thermistor straight out of its housing. Note the orientation of the probe. Push the new thermistor into the same housing until it seats fully. Reconnect the wire harness. The part is model-specific -- order by your Samsung model number from the rating plate inside the door frame. 6. Test the repair: Reinstall the back or top panel. Plug in the washer. Run a Normal cycle with warm water. The washer should fill, heat the water to the target temperature, and complete the cycle without displaying tE.
How much does it cost to fix error tE?
Typical repair costs: DIY: $10 - $30 | Pro: $150 - $275. Free diagnostic with approved repair.
Estimated Cost
DIY: $10 - $30 | Pro: $150 - $275
Free diagnostic with approved repair
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