Samsung Microwave SE Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Key short error: a touch key on the control panel reads as pressed for more than 10 seconds, so the control treats it as stuck or shorted.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- Also shown as
- -SE-, 5E
- Seen on
- Samsung countertop and over-the-range microwaves. The display may show SE or -SE-, which can look like 5E.
SE on a Samsung microwave is a key short error: the control reads a touch key as pressed for more than 10 seconds. Dust, grease or moisture on the panel are common causes. Unplug the microwave, clean and dry the panel, then plug it back in. If SE returns, the touch panel needs service.
Try this first
- Unplug the microwave or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
- Clean the touch panel with a soft cloth, slightly damp, and dry it fully.
- If water or steam may have reached the panel, leave the microwave unplugged until it is completely dry.
- Wait at least 60 seconds, then restore power.
- If SE comes back, request service.
What causes SE
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Dust, grease or water on the touch panel | SE after cleaning the panel or a boil-over | Wipe and dry the panel with the power off |
| Moisture inside the electronics | SE after steam from the cooktop below an over-the-range model | Leave it unplugged to dry |
| Stuck or worn key in the membrane | One button feels different or doesn't spring back | Needs a technician |
| Control board or panel connection fault | SE returns after a reset with a clean, dry panel | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
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Cut the power
Unplug the power cord, or turn off the circuit breaker for an over-the-range model.
Safety: Never remove the outer cabinet or the control panel. A microwave holds a high-voltage capacitor that can stay charged after it is unplugged and can deliver a lethal shock.
-
Clean the panel
Wipe the touch panel with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water. Don't spray cleaner onto the panel, as liquid can seep behind the keys. Dry it fully.
-
Let it dry if wet
If the panel got wet or steam may have reached the electronics, leave the microwave unplugged until it is completely dry.
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Restore power
After at least 60 seconds, plug it back in or switch the breaker on. Don't touch any keys until the display settles.
When to call a technician
If SE returns after a reset with a clean, dry panel, request Samsung service. The touch panel, its connection or the control board needs a technician. Don't open the microwave to check it yourself.
Questions people ask
Is 5E the same as SE on a Samsung microwave?
On the display, S and 5 look nearly the same, so many owners read SE as 5E. Samsung's code lists show SE, or -SE-, as the key short error.
Can I fix an SE code by replacing the keypad myself?
Not safely. The keypad connects inside the cabinet, near a high-voltage capacitor that can hold a lethal charge. Have a technician do it.
Is it safe to keep using a microwave showing SE?
Keep it unplugged until the code clears. A key that reads as stuck can trigger functions you didn't select.