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Samsung Dishwasher Error Code tE

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Temperature sensor failure — NTC thermistor fault

The most common cause of the tE error on a Samsung dishwasher is thermistor open or shorted (~60% of cases); start with: test the thermistor.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$35 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $135+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Dishwasher error code tE on the display panel
How the tE code appears on a Samsung dishwasher display

What Does Error Code tE Mean on a Samsung Dishwasher?

Temperature sensor failure — NTC thermistor fault.

The NTC water-temperature thermistor is reading out of range, so the control can't verify wash and sanitize temperatures and disables heating and heated dry. A failed thermistor or a loose connector at the sensor is the usual cause; the heating element itself is unaffected.

What Causes Error Code tE?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Thermistor open or shorted 60% of cases
  2. 2
    Connector loose at the sensor 20% of cases
  3. 3
    Wiring harness to sensor chafed/damaged 10% of cases
  4. 4
    Control board sensor input fault 10% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Dishwasher Error Code tE

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Test the thermistor

    With power off, measure the sensor near the heating element — about 6k–7k ohms at room temperature is normal.

    🔩 Multimeter
    ⚠️ Turn off the breaker or unplug before testing.
  2. 2

    Reseat the connector

    Find the two-wire sensor plug and firmly reseat it; a loose or corroded connector reads as an open circuit.

  3. 3

    Replace the thermistor

    If the reading is far off spec, replace the NTC sensor — it's usually clipped near the heating element.

    🔩 Samsung dishwasher NTC ($15–$35)

How to Reset Error Code tE

Turn off the dishwasher at the breaker or unplug it for 5 minutes, reseat the sensor connector, then run a short test cycle; if tE returns and the thermistor reads out of spec, replace the sensor rather than resetting again.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Samsung dishwasher reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

Call a technician if a new thermistor and a securely seated connector still trigger tE, since the fault then lies in the control board's sensor input circuit, which requires board-level diagnosis to confirm.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$280

Related Error Codes

HE
Heater error — water not heating
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code tE appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows tE →

LG logo
LG Dishwasher tE
Temperature sensor failure
LG logo
LG Washing Machine tE
Thermistor error — water temperature sensor reading out of range

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Samsung Dishwasher:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Samsung Dishwasher repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

LC Leak sensor activated — water detected at base of dishwasher 5C Drain failure — water not draining from dishwasher 3C Wash motor error — circulation pump failure 7E Water wall reflector error — water wall sensor blocked 1E Water inlet sensor failure bE2 Button error — control panel button shorted

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Dishwasher when error tE appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the sensor issue behind tE will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes tE on a Samsung Dishwasher? +
Across reported Samsung dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is thermistor open or shorted (60% of cases), connector loose at the sensor (20%), then wiring harness to sensor chafed/damaged (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
tE keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored tE fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — test the thermistor, then reseat the connector — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix Samsung Dishwasher error tE? +
A DIY repair typically runs $15–$35 in parts, versus $150–$280 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $135. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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