Samsung · Oven Serious

C-20 — Oven Temperature Sensor Open/Short

The oven temperature (RTD) sensor circuit is open or shorted, so the control board can't read cavity temperature. Oven will refuse to heat to protect itself.

Keep using it?
Limited use only
DIY difficulty
Moderate
Checked against
manualslib.com manufacturer manual seen via a third-party republisher, which we do not link — re-sourcing to the manufacturer is pending

How to fix it

  1. Power down at the breaker before working inside.
  2. Pull the oven from the wall (range) or open the rear access (wall oven) to reach the sensor.
  3. Unplug the temperature sensor connector and measure resistance — should be roughly 1080 ohms at room temperature.
  4. If resistance is open, shorted, or off by more than ~200 ohms, replace the sensor.
  5. Inspect the harness for burn marks and reseat the connector at the main PCB.
  6. If sensor and harness are good, replace the main control board.

Why it happens

Typical signs: C-20 on display, oven won't heat · Code appears as soon as bake is selected · Cavity stays cold · Code may pair with C-21 if reading is erratic

  • Failed oven temperature sensor RTD element has gone open or shorted; should read ~1080-1100 ohms at room temp.
  • Broken or burned sensor harness Wire from sensor to main PCB chafed or melted near oven cavity.
  • Loose connector at main PCB Sensor plug backed out of header on the control board.
  • Failed main control board sensor circuit PCB input stage damaged; rare but possible after a surge.

Parts you may need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Samsung oven temperature sensor (RTD probe) Common replacement
    Amazon →

Related repair guides

Oven Not Heating or Not Reaching Temperature →

More Samsung oven codes

---- ---- — Invalid Temperature Setting -dC- -dC- — Flex Duo Divider Missing or Removed -dE- -dE- — Flex Duo Divider Not Installed bAd LinE bAd LinE — Bad Power Connection C-10 Range C-10 — Temperature Sensor Reading Error C-21 C-21 — Overheat / Sensor Short (Model-Dependent)

All Samsung codes → All oven codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the C-20 code mean on a Samsung oven?

The oven temperature (RTD) sensor circuit is open or shorted, so the control board can't read cavity temperature. Oven will refuse to heat to protect itself.

What causes the C-20 code on a Samsung oven?

Failed oven temperature sensor: RTD element has gone open or shorted; should read ~1080-1100 ohms at room temp. Broken or burned sensor harness: Wire from sensor to main PCB chafed or melted near oven cavity. Loose connector at main PCB: Sensor plug backed out of header on the control board.

Is it safe to keep using a Samsung oven with a C-20 error?

Limited use only. This is rated a serious-severity fault.

How do I fix C-20 on a Samsung oven?

Power down at the breaker before working inside. Pull the oven from the wall (range) or open the rear access (wall oven) to reach the sensor. Unplug the temperature sensor connector and measure resistance — should be roughly 1080 ohms at room temperature.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. How we verify: manualslib.com — manufacturer manual seen via a third-party republisher, which we do not link — re-sourcing to the manufacturer is pending.