Samsung · Washer Moderate

tE — / tE1 / tE3 — Temperature sensor (thermistor) error

The water temperature thermistor is reporting an open, shorted, or out-of-range value. Cycle stops because the control can't trust the temperature reading.

Keep using it?
Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty
Moderate
Typical cost
$15-35
Verified against
samsung.com ↗

The fix

Water temperature thermistor

Temperature sensor error (thermistor)

$15-35 moderate difficulty 60 min Tools: screwdriver, multimeter, nut driver

Diagnose first: Thermistor typically reads ~12k ohms at room temp. Disconnect and test before replacing.

Find this part on Amazon →

Didn't resolve it? Next suspect: Heating element (if equipped) ($30-60)

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

How to fix it

  1. Unplug the washer.
  2. Access the heater housing (rear panel on most front-loaders).
  3. Unplug the thermistor and measure resistance — should be ~10k ohms at room temp.
  4. Reseat the harness if resistance is correct.
  5. Replace the thermistor (often integrated with the heating element) if open/shorted.
  6. Power on and run a Rinse+Spin to verify.

Why it happens

Typical signs: tE appears soon after fill · Heater never engages · Water feels wrong temperature

  • Failed thermistor Most common — sensor reads open or short.
  • Disconnected sensor harness Connector at the heater/tub vibrated off.
  • Main control fault Less common — PCB ADC input failed.

More Samsung washer codes

3C 3C / 3E — Motor Fault 4C 4C / 4E — Water Supply Error 4C2 4C2 — Hot water connected to cold inlet 4E 4E — Water supply error (older code, same as 4C) 5C 5C / 5E / SC — Will Not Drain 5E 5E — Drain error (older code, same as 5C)

All Samsung codes → All washer codes →

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: samsung.com.