On the covered Samsung washer platform, tE, tE1, tC means temperature sensor error. Samsung lists it in its All Other Errors section. First, power the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes. The sensor measures water temperature during the cycle; wear over time or sudden damage both trigger the code.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung washer code tE, tE1, tC”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A worn or damaged temperature sensor (thermistor)
What separates it tE, tE1, tE2, tE3 or tC appears regardless of cycle or load
How to confirm The sensor measures water temperature during the cycle; wear over time or sudden damage both trigger the code
- 2
Loose or damaged wiring at the temperature sensor
What separates it The code flickers in and out between cycles instead of staying on constantly
How to confirm With the washer unplugged, check the sensor's wiring and connector for looseness or damage
- 3
Residue coating the sensor
What separates it The washer is older or has not been cleaned in a long time
How to confirm Gently cleaning the sensor with a soft cloth to remove residue is a documented, low-risk first step
- 4
Incoming water far outside the expected range
What separates it The code follows unusually hot or cold supply water
How to confirm If the water entering the washer is too hot or too cold for the sensor's expected range, the code can appear even with a sound sensor
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters: tE, tE1, tE2, tE3 or tC
- Whether the code is constant or intermittent
- How old the washer is and when it was last cleaned
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWhat to do first
ReversiblePower the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleSamsung says a code with no specific troubleshooting follows its basic steps: power the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes, power it back on and restart the cycle, and if the error continues request service from its Support Center.
Unplug and access the sensor
ReversibleUnplug the washer, open the door and remove any items, then locate the temperature sensor and its wiring.
Inspect the wiring
ReversibleCheck the sensor's wires and connector for damage or a loose connection, and reseat the connector firmly.
Clean the sensor
ReversibleGently wipe the sensor with a soft cloth to remove any residue buildup, without using abrasive cleaners.
Restart and monitor
ReversiblePlug the washer back in and restart a wash cycle to see whether the code returns.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- tE, tE1, tE2, tE3, tC, EC.
- Parts named
- Temperature sensor (thermistor) and its wiring.
- Tools
- A soft cloth to clean the sensor; no tools needed for the wiring check beyond a screwdriver to open the access panel.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Unplug the washer before opening it to inspect or clean the temperature sensor
- !Call a technician if the code returns after cleaning and a wiring check; independent sources put professional repair in the $125-$275 range for this code, a figure they publish, not one this site has verified
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does tE, tE1, tC mean on a Samsung washer?+
Temperature sensor error. Samsung lists it in its All Other Errors section.
What does tE or tC mean?+
A faulty temperature sensor, which can affect water temperature during the cycle.
Are tE1, tE2 and tE3 different faults?+
They describe the same sensor error family; the exact suffix varies by model.
Can dirty water cause this?+
Residue coating the sensor is a documented cause; cleaning it gently is a first step before assuming the sensor has failed.
What does a professional repair typically cost?+
Independent repair sources cite roughly $125 to $275 for this code; get a quote for your model rather than relying on that figure alone.