Samsung tE Error Code | Fast & Reliable Repair

Error Code Explained

What Does the Samsung tE Error Code Mean?

The tE error code on a Samsung washer (also displayed as tE1, tE2, or tE3 depending on which sensor or heater circuit is affected) indicates a water temperature sensor fault. Samsung front-load washers are equipped with a water temperature sensor (thermistor) that monitors wash water temperature. The control board uses this reading to regulate water heating for wash cycles that use warm or hot water.

tE1 indicates the temperature sensor is reading out of range or has failed. tE2 and tE3 indicate faults with the heating element circuit or a secondary thermal sensor. All tE variants halt cycles that require temperature control.

Root Causes

Common Causes of the Samsung tE Error Code

1

Failed Temperature Sensor (tE1)

The NTC thermistor inside the tub has failed — either open circuit (infinite resistance) or short circuit (near-zero resistance). This is the most common tE cause.
2

Wiring Fault to Sensor

The wiring harness between the temperature sensor and the control board has a break or corroded connector.
3

Failed Heating Element (tE2/tE3)

The in-tub water heater element has failed. Samsung front-load washers have an internal heater for sanitize and high-temperature cycles.
4

Control Board Temperature Circuit Fault

The temperature input circuit on the main control board has failed.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Troubleshoot the tE Error Code

⚠️

Safety First: Always disconnect the Washer from power before inspecting any internal components. Do not attempt electrical repairs. If in doubt, call a certified technician.

1

Power reset

Unplug the washer for 5 minutes and restart. If tE was caused by a transient temperature spike, a reset may clear it.
2

Test the temperature sensor resistance

The NTC thermistor is located on the rear or bottom of the outer tub. At room temperature (~70°F), a healthy Samsung washer thermistor typically reads approximately 10,000–12,000 ohms (check the model's service specs for exact values). Readings near zero or infinite confirm sensor failure.
3

Inspect the sensor wiring connector

Locate the sensor connector and check for corrosion, pushed-back terminals, or a loose fit. A corroded connector is a common tE cause in older machines.

Professional Service

When to Call a Samsung Technician

⚠ Stop DIY if any of these apply

If the sensor tests out of specification, thermistor replacement is required — an accessible repair on most Samsung front-loaders. If tE2 or tE3 is displayed, the heating element requires testing, which involves access to the rear of the tub and is best handled by a technician.

Estimated Repair Cost

$85 – $240

Exact quote before any work begins. No surprises.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — Samsung tE

Cold water cycles may still complete since they do not require temperature monitoring. However, warm and hot cycles, sanitize, and steam functions will be disabled or will abort. Arrange a repair before using temperature-sensitive cycles.
tE1 indicates the temperature sensor (thermistor) has failed or is reading out of range. tE2 indicates a fault detected while the heating element was active — usually the element itself. tE3 indicates a secondary thermal overload sensor has tripped or failed. All three point to the wash water heating system.
A failed thermistor itself is not dangerous, but a failed heating element that tE2/tE3 warns of can represent an electrical fault. Do not use sanitize or high-temperature cycles until tE is resolved.

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