Samsung Dryer tE1 / tE2 / tE3 Error — Temperature Sensor Fix
Samsung dryer tE error codes (tE1, tE2, tE3) indicate a thermistor circuit fault — the control board either cannot read a signal from the temperature sensor or the signal is outside the expected range. The most common fix is replacing a failed thermistor, which is a $15–$25 part and a 15-minute repair. Before ordering parts, test the thermistor resistance and inspect the connector pins for corrosion or a loose connection.
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Common Symptoms
- tE1, tE2, or tE3 error code on the display
- Dryer stops mid-cycle with a temperature sensor error
- Dryer runs but produces no heat (if sensor reads open circuit)
- tE error appears immediately on power-on before starting a cycle
- Error appears randomly during different cycle types
Most Likely Causes
- 1
Failed Thermistor
The thermistor is a resistor whose resistance value changes with temperature. When it fails — typically by developing an internal open circuit or short — the resistance value goes out of range and the control board throws a tE fault. A room-temperature thermistor on a Samsung dryer should measure approximately 10,000 ohms (10k). Far above or below this indicates failure.
- 2
Loose or Corroded Thermistor Connector
The thermistor plugs into a small 2-pin harness connector. If this connector is not fully seated, has corroded pins, or has a single broken wire in the harness, the control board will see an open or fluctuating signal and throw a tE fault. Always check the connector before replacing the thermistor itself.
- 3
Damaged Wiring Harness
The wiring harness between the thermistor and the control board is routed through the dryer cabinet and can be damaged by heat, pinching during a repair, or simple age. A broken wire will cause an intermittent or permanent tE error depending on where the break is.
- 4
Control Board Fault
If the thermistor tests within spec and the wiring is intact, the control board's thermistor input circuit may be faulty. This is the least common cause and is typically confirmed by substituting a known-good thermistor and verifying the tE code persists.
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Quick DIY Checks
Unplug the dryer before removing any panels or testing internal components. Do not operate the dryer without the exhaust duct connected.
- 1Unplug the dryer. Locate the thermistor — on most Samsung dryers it's clipped to the exhaust duct inside the dryer, accessible by removing the back panel or the lower front panel depending on model.
- 2Disconnect the thermistor 2-pin connector. Set your multimeter to ohms (resistance) mode. Probe across the two thermistor terminals. At room temperature (approximately 68–77°F / 20–25°C), a good Samsung thermistor reads approximately 10,000 ohms (10k). A significantly different reading — or an open circuit (OL/infinite) — means the thermistor is faulty.
- 3Inspect the 2-pin connector pins: look for corrosion (green or white deposits), bent pins, or a connector that doesn't click fully into place. Clean corrosion with electrical contact cleaner and a small brush. Push the connector in until it clicks.
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Try Pro — $7.99/mo- 4Trace the thermistor wiring harness back toward the control board. Look for pinched wires, burned insulation, or tight bends that could cause an internal wire break. Gently flex the harness while monitoring the multimeter reading — a fluctuating resistance reading while flexing indicates an intermittent break in the wire.
- 5If the thermistor is faulty, replace it. Thermistors clip into a bracket or tab on the duct — removal requires just depressing the clip and pulling. Install the new thermistor, reconnect the 2-pin connector, and run a test cycle.
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Repair vs Replace
A thermistor is one of the least expensive parts on a dryer and the most common cause of tE errors. Always replace the thermistor and check the wiring before considering the control board. Thermistor replacement is warranted on any Samsung dryer regardless of age.
Est. Repair Cost
$15–$30 (thermistor); $80–$200 (control board if needed)
Est. Replacement Cost
$600–$1,100 for a new Samsung dryer
Recommended Tools & Parts
- Buy on Amazon →
Samsung Dryer Thermistor
Replacement temperature sensor (thermistor) for Samsung dryers. 2-pin connector. Verify your model number — Samsung uses several different thermistor resistance specs across their dryer lineup.
$15–$30
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Samsung Dryer Wire Harness
Replacement wiring harness for Samsung dryers. Use if the thermistor wiring is damaged at a connector or along the harness run. Match to your specific model.
$25–$60
Links are Amazon affiliate links (tag: fixitfastai-20). Prices are estimates.
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Related Repairs
Samsung Dryer Error Codes Explained (HE, HC, FE, Et, bE)
Samsung dryer showing HE, HC, FE, Et, or bE? Here's what each code means and exactly how to fix it.
Read guide →Samsung Dryer HE / HC Error Code — Overheating Fix
HE or HC means the dryer is overheating. Clean the lint trap, clear the exhaust duct, and test the thermistor before anything else.
Read guide →Samsung Dryer FE Error Code — Frequency Fix (Gas Models)
FE error signals a frequency or voltage problem. Check the gas supply valve, verify 240V power supply, and test the control board.
Read guide →Samsung Dryer dO Error Code — Door Open Fix
dO means the dryer thinks the door is open. Firmly close the door, inspect the latch, and test the door switch.
Read guide →Save $150+ on a single service call
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between Samsung tE1, tE2, and tE3?
- On Samsung dryers, tE1 typically indicates a problem with the main exhaust thermistor (the sensor on the duct near the blower). tE2 and tE3 refer to secondary temperature sensors — some Samsung models have additional sensors monitoring the inlet or drum temperature. In practice, all three are thermistor circuit faults and the diagnostic approach is the same: locate the relevant sensor, test resistance, and check the connector. Your model's tech sheet will specify which sensor corresponds to each code.
- My Samsung dryer shows tE1 but the thermistor tests at 10k ohms — now what?
- If the thermistor resistance is within spec and the connector is fully seated, check the wiring harness next. Flex the harness while monitoring resistance — an intermittent break will show up as a resistance spike or drop. If the harness is intact, the control board's thermistor input circuit may be faulty. Try substituting a new thermistor even if the old one tests okay — a thermistor can fail under load (when hot) while appearing fine at room temperature.
- Can I bypass the thermistor to get the dryer running temporarily?
- You can install a fixed resistor of approximately 10k ohms across the thermistor terminals to simulate a room-temperature reading, but this is not safe for regular use — the dryer will run without temperature feedback and can overheat without triggering the tE error. Only do this for a brief test to confirm the control board responds, then install the proper replacement thermistor immediately.