Samsung Microwave E-13 Error: Temperature sensor failure
If your Samsung appliance is showing this error, you’re dealing with a samsung microwave e-13 error. Here’s everything you need to know about diagnosing and fixing this issue. Samsung e-13 error code — here is what you need to know. What It Means Error code E-13 on Samsung microwaves means the internal temperature sensor — […]
No
DIY Fixable
From $130
Typical Repair Cost
30-60 min
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe.
Can I reset the code?
Yes.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: The microwave exterior or door handle feels unusually hot to the touch, You smell burning plastic or melting from inside the unit.
Symptoms You May Notice
Convection mode shuts off unexpectedly during baking
The microwave stops a convection cooking cycle prematurely, displaying E-13 before the food has finished baking.
Microwave cavity feels unusually hot after a short cycle
The interior walls and ceiling become excessively hot to the touch after a brief cook cycle, indicating the overheating cutoff did not activate properly.
E-13 appears at power-on before any cooking
The error code displays immediately when the microwave is plugged in, even at room temperature, indicating a sensor circuit open or short.
Cook times vary widely for the same food and settings
Inconsistent cooking results because the temperature sensor provides erratic readings that cause the control board to adjust power levels unpredictably.
Possible Causes
Failed thermistor element
The thermistor that measures cavity temperature develops an open or short circuit from repeated thermal cycling, sending incorrect resistance values to the control board.
Requires ProfessionalCorroded sensor wiring connection
The wire connector between the temperature sensor and control board corrodes from exposure to cooking steam and heat, causing intermittent or no signal transmission.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Power cycle and observe
Unplug the microwave for five minutes, then plug it back in. Note whether E-13 appears immediately at room temperature or only after running a cook cycle.
If E-13 shows only during convection modes, standard microwave cooking may still be safe to use temporarily.
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2
Test manual microwave mode
Run a one-minute manual cook cycle with a cup of water. If the cycle completes without E-13 and the water heats normally, the issue is limited to the temperature sensing circuit used by convection modes.
Avoid using convection or combination modes until the sensor is repaired to prevent potential overheating.
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3
Check for excessive heat after cooking
After a short manual cook cycle, carefully touch the interior ceiling and walls. Compare the heat level to what you normally experience — unusual hotness suggests the safety cutoff is not functioning.
Use caution — the interior may be very hot. Let it cool for a minute before touching.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- E-13 displays at room temperature immediately after plugging in the unit
- Convection baking mode consistently shuts off prematurely with E-13
- The microwave cavity reaches noticeably higher temperatures than normal during standard cooking
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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