Samsung Dryers error code
Temperature or thermistor error
Samsung groups tE with several temperature-related dryer codes. A clogged lint screen or vent can trap heat, but a returning code can also require temperature-sensor or circuit diagnosis.
Also shown as: TE, tS, t5, tC, tO, t0, tE3, tC5, tCS, 1 tC, 1tC5, 1tCS
Direct answer
tE at a glance
- Meaning
- Temperature or thermistor error
- Urgency
- Service recommended
- First safe check
- Stop the dryer and allow it to cool.
- Model note
- Samsung lists tS, t5, tC, tO, t0, tE, tE3, tC5, tCS, 1 tC, 1tC5, and 1tCS in its temperature-error family. Your model may use only some of these displays.
Confirm the symptom
What usually appears with tE
- tE, tC, tS, t5, tO, or a related code appears
- The cycle stops because temperature is not being read normally
- The dryer runs hotter or cooler than the selected cycle suggests
- The code returns soon after airflow is checked
Likely causes
Why tE appears
- 01Lint screen or exhaust path is clogged
- 02Vent connector is crushed or kinked
- 03Temperature sensor or thermistor is not reading normally
- 04Sensor wiring or control needs service
Observation-led diagnosis
Start with what you can actually see
An error code identifies a system, not a replacement part. Match the observable condition before deciding what to check next.
| What you observe | What it suggests | Safest next move |
|---|---|---|
| The lint screen or visible vent path is restricted | Trapped heat is affecting temperature conditions in the dryer | Owner checkClear the accessible restriction and use one monitored test only. |
| The cabinet or laundry becomes abnormally hot | Temperature regulation or airflow may be unsafe | Stop and serviceEnd the cycle, disconnect power if safe, and arrange service. |
| The code returns with strong airflow and normal loading | The thermistor, another sensor, wiring, or control may need diagnosis | Stop and servicePreserve the exact characters and request Samsung service. |
| The code differs by one character, such as tC5 or 1tC | The model is identifying a specific member of the temperature-error family | Owner checkRecord the exact display and model number rather than assuming every t-code is identical. |
Safe diagnostic path
What to check, in order
- 01
Stop the dryer and allow it to cool.
- 02
Clean the lint screen and check the visible connector and safely accessible exterior hood for restricted airflow.
- 03
Confirm the vent is not crushed or kinked behind the dryer.
- 04
Try one controlled cycle after the airflow path is clear.
- 05
Request Samsung service if the temperature code returns.
Know when to stop
Don’t push past this point
Stop immediately for smoke, burning odor, scorching, abnormal heat, a tripped breaker, or a temperature code that returns after the airflow check.
- Do not bypass or replace a temperature sensor from the code alone.
- Do not operate the dryer with the vent disconnected as a long-term test.
- Do not keep restarting a dryer with abnormal heat.
Primary source
How this page was checked
The code meaning and manufacturer-specific guidance were checked against the linked support material on August 31, 2026. Confirm details against the manual for your exact model before removing panels or parts.
Read Samsung US: dryer temperature error-code guidance ↗Common follow-up questions
About Samsung code tE
What does tE mean on a Samsung dryers?
tE means “Temperature or thermistor error.” Samsung groups tE with several temperature-related dryer codes. A clogged lint screen or vent can trap heat, but a returning code can also require temperature-sensor or circuit diagnosis.
Can I clear tE by resetting the appliance?
Samsung prioritizes cleaning the lint screen and vent because trapped heat is a common trigger. If the code persists after the airflow path is clear, arrange service rather than repeating resets.
Does tE mean the same thing on every Samsung model?
Samsung lists tS, t5, tC, tO, t0, tE, tE3, tC5, tCS, 1 tC, 1tC5, and 1tCS in its temperature-error family. Your model may use only some of these displays.
When should I stop troubleshooting tE?
Stop immediately for smoke, burning odor, scorching, abnormal heat, a tripped breaker, or a temperature code that returns after the airflow check.