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Samsung Dishwasher Error Code tE

Call a professionalReviewed November 2026Checked against manufacturer documentation
What this code means
tE: Temperature sensor error

The sensor that tells the control board how hot the water is has failed or is sending an impossible reading, so the machine stops rather than wash blind. It is an electrical fault in most cases, not something the wash load caused.

Also shown as: tE1

Fix level
Call a professional
The checks on this page are preliminary. The likely fix involves a part, wiring or the control board.
Time to run the checks
About 20–40 minutes
For the 4 checks on this page — not a full repair.
You may need
Multimeter
Named in the checks below.
Parts that may be involved
Thermistor, Wiring harness (+1 more below)
Parts are model-specific; see the note below before ordering.

Common causes

  1. Thermistor has failed open or shorted
  2. Loose or damaged wiring between the sensor and the control board
  3. Main control board fault
  4. Moisture or corrosion at the sensor connector

What to check, in order

Safety first. Switch the dishwasher off and unplug it (or turn off its breaker) before checking hoses or filters. Expect water in the bottom of the tub and around the filter; keep a tray and towel ready. If you are not comfortable with any step, stop and call a technician.
  1. Switch the power off at the breaker for at least five minutes, then restore it.
  2. Run the dishwasher empty with detergent on a normal cycle once, as Samsung suggests, to see whether the code clears.
  3. If tE returns on the test cycle, stop there; testing the sensor itself needs a multimeter and access under the tub.
  4. Book a technician to test or replace the thermistor and check its wiring.

Clear the code and test

  1. Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, the spray arms freed. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
  2. Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
  3. Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
  4. If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write down the code and when it appeared before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.

When to call a professional

This code usually points to a faulty part, wiring or the control board on a Samsung dishwasher. Run the checks above to rule out the simple causes, then book a technician — and book one straight away if any of these apply:

  • The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
  • You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
  • Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
  • The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.

When you call, give the brand, the code tE, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.

Repair or replace?

This fault is in professional territory: the fix usually means a major part or board-level work, and the labour adds up. If your machine is already well into its service life, get the repair quote first, then compare it with the price of a current equivalent model before you decide. Paying a large share of a new machine's price to repair an old one is rarely the better deal; replacing a machine over one cheap fault is wasteful too.

Parts that may be involved

ThermistorWiring harnessMain control board

Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.

Questions people ask about tE

What does tE mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

tE means: Temperature sensor error. The sensor that tells the control board how hot the water is has failed or is sending an impossible reading, so the machine stops rather than wash blind. It is an electrical fault in most cases, not something the wash load caused.

Can I fix Samsung tE myself?

Only the preliminary checks. Code tE usually means a part, wiring or the control board has failed, which is a technician job. Run the checks to rule out simple causes before you book.

How do I clear Samsung tE?

Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.

Sources checked

The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.

Other Samsung dishwasher codes

Samsung 1EClogged filter error on WaterWall models; a low-water or circulation problem on some othersSamsung 3CPump operation error: the wash pump is not running properlySamsung 3EHigh temperature water supply error: the incoming water is too hotSamsung 4CWater supply error: the dishwasher is not filling with waterSamsung 5CDrain error: the dishwasher cannot drain the water outSamsung 7EWaterWall reflector error: the moving spray bar cannot travel properlySamsung 9ELow water level error: not enough water in the dishwasherSamsung APAccess Point mode: the dishwasher is waiting to connect to a phone or Wi-Fi (not a fault)Samsung CECommunication error between the control boardsSamsung HEHeater error: the water temperature is read incorrectly or runs too hotSamsung LCLeakage error: the leak sensor has detected moistureSamsung OCOver-level water error: there is too much water in the dishwasherSamsung PCZone Wash / dividing valve error: the valve that directs water between zones is not workingSamsung bE2Button error: a button has registered as pressed for too long