Samsung Dryer tE Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Temperature sensor error: the dryer's temperature sensor reading is out of range.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- Also shown as
- tC, tE3, tC5
- Seen on
- Samsung electric and gas dryers. Older models show tE; newer ones show tC, and tC5 refers to a second sensor.
Samsung groups tE with tC, tE3 and a handful of related codes as temperature sensor errors, and names the most common cause: a clogged lint screen or vent trapping heat. Clean both and restart before you suspect the sensor itself. Newer Samsung dryers show the same fault as tC. If the code keeps coming back, it’s a service call.
Try this first
- Clean the lint screen.
- Check the vent duct behind the dryer and the outside hood for lint, crushing or kinks.
- Restart the cycle.
- If tE comes back, contact Samsung service.
What causes tE
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged lint screen | Long drying times | Clean the screen before every load |
| Restricted vent | Weak airflow at the outside hood | The duct and the outside flap |
| Failed temperature sensor (thermistor) | tE returns with a clean vent | Needs a technician |
| Loose or damaged sensor wiring | tE comes and goes | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Clean the lint screen
Pull out the lint screen, clear it and slide it back in.
Safety: A dryer produces combustible lint. Never run it without the lint screen.
-
Check the vent
Pull the dryer out carefully and check the 4-inch duct for crushing, kinks and lint. Samsung requires rigid or semi-rigid metal duct, not plastic or foil, and a flap on the outside hood that opens freely.
Safety: Unplug an electric dryer or switch off its breaker before you move it. On a gas dryer, don't disturb the gas line.
-
Run the Vent Blockage Test
On models that have it: with the drum empty and the door closed, press Power, then hold Adjust Time and Dryness for 3 seconds until InS appears. Press Start/Pause. After about 2 minutes, 0 means the vent is fine; Clg, C80 or C90 means it's blocked.
Safety: Run the test with the dryer cool. The drum is hot during and after the test.
-
Restart
Restart the cycle and watch for the code.
When to call a technician
If tE or tC returns after the lint screen and vent are clean, contact Samsung service. The temperature sensor and its wiring sit inside the dryer, and Samsung advises against repairs beyond the user maintenance steps. If you smell gas, leave the building and call your gas supplier from outside.
Questions people ask
Is tE the same as tC on a Samsung dryer?
Yes. Older Samsung dryers show tE and newer ones show tC for the same temperature sensor error.
Why does my Samsung dryer show an upside-down F?
Samsung says that character is meant to be a lowercase t, so you're looking at a t code such as tE or tC.
Is tE the same as HE?
No. tE is a temperature sensor error. HE is a heating error, usually overheating from blocked airflow. Both start with cleaning the lint screen and vent.