Samsung Dishwasher TE Error: Temperature sensor fault
If your Samsung appliance is showing this error, you’re dealing with a samsung dishwasher te error. Here’s everything you need to know about diagnosing and fixing this issue. Samsung te error code — here is what you need to know. What Does Error Code tE Mean on a Samsung Dishwasher? Error code tE on Samsung […]
No
DIY Fixable
From $120
Typical Repair Cost
30-60 min
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. Non-heated cycles may work fine. For heated cycles, the dishwasher cannot properly regulate temperature, which affects cleaning effectiveness but is not a safety hazard in most cases. However, if the sensor reads incorrectly, the heater could potentially overheat water.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Power cycle via the breaker for 5 minutes. If tE was a temporary glitch, it will clear. Persistent tE requires sensor replacement.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Steam is escaping from the dishwasher door during a cycle, Water inside feels dangerously hot when opening the door.
Symptoms You May Notice
Dishes not properly sanitized
The sanitize cycle cannot reach the required temperature without accurate sensor feedback, leaving dishes less than fully sanitized.
tE error on display
The control panel shows tE during heated cycles when the sensor reading is out of range.
Cycle ends prematurely
The dishwasher cuts short the wash phase because it cannot verify that the target temperature was reached.
Hot water but no sanitize indicator
The sanitize light does not illuminate even though the dishwasher runs a sanitize cycle, because the sensor cannot confirm the temperature.
Possible Causes
Failed NTC thermistor
The temperature sensor has developed an open circuit from thousands of thermal cycles, reading infinite resistance to the control board.
Requires ProfessionalCorroded wiring or connector
Moisture in the dishwasher environment corrodes the thin wires or connector pins between the sensor and the main board.
Requires ProfessionalShorted thermistor
Less common than open-circuit failure, a short causes the sensor to read near-zero resistance, which the board interprets as extreme temperature.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Power cycle
Turn off the dishwasher breaker for 5 minutes to reset the control board. Start a normal cycle and see if tE clears.
If tE only appears on sanitize or heavy wash cycles, the sensor is failing under heat stress but may work at lower temperatures.
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2
Test a cold rinse
Run a rinse-only cycle that does not engage the heater. If this completes without error, the issue is confirmed as heat-related sensor failure.
You can continue using cold rinse cycles as a temporary workaround while awaiting sensor replacement.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- tE appears on every cycle that uses the heater
- The sanitize cycle never reaches the required temperature
- The sensor reads extreme values in Samsung diagnostic mode
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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