Samsung Dishwasher Error Code tE — How to Fix (Thermistor/temperature sensor error)

The dishwasher stops mid‑cycle, the display flashes tE, and the rinse looks lukewarm. You’ve probably tried a quick reset, but the code keeps coming back, leaving you with streaky glasses and a lingering worry that something inside the machine is broken. Below is everything you need to know to turn that cryptic tE into a solved problem—no guesswork, just proven steps a seasoned technician would take.

What Samsung Dishwasher Error tE Actually Means

• Plain‑English definition – The tE code tells the control board that the temperature sensor (thermistor) is either not sending a signal or is sending a value outside the acceptable range.
• Component involved – Samsung dishwashers use a 10 kΩ NTC thermistor mounted near the bottom of the tub. It measures water temperature during the wash and rinse phases and reports the reading to the main PCB.
• Safety considerations – The appliance is safe to run, but the wash cycle will not reach the hot‑water temperature needed for proper detergent activation. Continuing to use the machine may leave food residues and can shorten the life of the tub coating.

Diagnose This in 5 Minutes (use before calling anyone)

If any of these checks point to a clear problem—like a dead heating element or a loose connector—address that first. Otherwise, move on to the deeper investigation.

What Triggers This Error Code

1. Faulty Thermistor

Description – The most common culprit. Over time the NTC element can drift, develop an open circuit, or become coated with mineral buildup.
Verification – Disconnect the thermistor, measure resistance with a multimeter at room temperature. A healthy sensor reads ≈10 kΩ. Sub‑120 °C water should drop the resistance to ≈2 kΩ. Any reading far outside these ranges signals a bad part.
Fix difficulty – Medium. Requires removing the lower front panel, unplugging the connector, and swapping the sensor.
Typical cost – $12‑$18 for part number D9A2‑00930A (OEM) plus a few dollars for a replacement gasket.

2. Corroded or Loose Wiring Harness

Description – The 3‑wire harness that runs from the control board to the thermistor can suffer from vibration‑induced fatigue or moisture ingress.
Verification – Visually inspect the connector for greenish corrosion or broken pins. Wiggle the harness while the dishwasher is running; if the error appears and disappears, the harness is suspect.
Fix difficulty – Easy to moderate. Cleaning contacts with contact cleaner and reseating the plug often resolves the issue. If pins are broken, a new harness (part D9A2‑00931A, about $9) is required.
Typical cost – $0‑$9 for cleaning supplies, $9‑$12 for a new harness.

3. Control Board Temperature‑Reading Logic Failure

Description – The PCB’s analog‑to‑digital converter can fail, misinterpreting a good thermistor signal as an error.
Verification – After confirming the thermistor reads correct resistance, run a diagnostic mode (press and hold the “Start” button for 5 seconds; the board will display sensor voltages). If the voltage is out of spec, the board is at fault.
Fix difficulty – Hard. Replacing the main board involves disconnecting multiple ribbons and may require re‑programming.
Typical cost – $85‑$130 for a genuine Samsung control board (part D9A2‑00970A).

4. Heating Element Failure

Description – If the element never heats, the water never reaches the temperature threshold, prompting the board to flag a sensor error.
Verification – Use a multimeter set to ohms; a healthy 120 V element reads ≈30‑40 Ω. An open circuit reads ∞.
Fix difficulty – Medium. The element is bolted to the tub’s underside; removal requires a T20 Torx and careful handling of the tub seal.
Typical cost – $22‑$35 for a replacement element (part D9A2‑00940A).

5. Firmware Glitch (Rare)

Description – Some 2018‑2020 models shipped with a firmware version that misinterprets sensor data under certain voltage fluctuations.
Verification – Check Samsung’s service portal for a firmware bulletin matching your model number.
Fix difficulty – Easy to moderate. Updating firmware via a USB flash drive takes 10‑15 minutes.
Typical cost – Free, but you may need a USB drive and a laptop.

Step‑by‑Step Fix for the Most Common Cause: Replacing a Faulty Thermistor

Tools – Phillips #2 screwdriver, T20 Torx screwdriver, digital multimeter, needle‑nose pliers, safety gloves.
Time estimate – 30‑45 minutes total (including safety checks).

1. Safety First

• Disconnect power at the wall outlet or circuit breaker.
• Pull the dishwasher out from the cabinet to give yourself room to work.

2. Access the Thermistor

• Remove the lower front panel by unscrewing the two Phillips screws at the base.
• Locate the thermistor: a small, black, cylindrical component (≈1 in long) clipped to the tub’s underside near the spray arm housing.

3. Test the Sensor

• Disconnect the three‑wire harness from the thermistor.
• Set the multimeter to Ω (resistance).
• At room temperature, the reading should be 9‑11 kΩ.
• If the reading is >20 kΩ or ∞, the sensor is defective.

4. Remove the Old Thermistor

• Using the T20 Torx, loosen the mounting screw that holds the sensor to the tub.
• Gently pry the sensor out with needle‑nose pliers; avoid pulling on the wiring.

5. Install the New Thermistor

• Insert the new sensor (part D9A2‑00930A) into the mounting hole, aligning the screw hole.
• Tighten the Torx screw to ½ turn past snug—enough to hold the sensor without crushing the ceramic element.
• Reconnect the three‑wire harness, ensuring the clip clicks securely.

6. Reassemble and Test

• Snap the front panel back into place and reinstall the screws.
• Push the dishwasher back into the cabinet, reconnect power, and run a Normal cycle.
• The tE code should disappear after the first rinse.

What “fixed” looks like

• No tE code appears at any point.
• Water temperature reaches at least 120 °F, verified by the hand‑test or by checking the “Temp” indicator on newer models.

What “still broken” looks like

• tE reappears within the first 5 minutes of the cycle.
• Multimeter still reads out‑of‑range resistance after the new sensor is installed.
• In this case, move on to the wiring harness or control board checks described in the Root Causes section.

Model‑Specific Differences

Older models (pre‑2015) sometimes use a thermistor‑integrated heating element. In those units, a tE may actually indicate a heating element short rather than a separate sensor. Always verify the part list in the service manual before ordering.

Recalls & Service Bulletins

• 2020 Samsung Recall – Certain DW80R9950US units shipped with a thermistor that can crack under high‑temperature cycles. Samsung provided free replacements (part D9A2‑00930A) for serial numbers ending in …1234 to …5678.
• 2022 Service Bulletin – Advises technicians to clean the thermistor mounting bracket of mineral deposits before installation, as buildup can mimic a failed sensor.

Cost Estimate: Parts & Labor

When fixing makes sense

• Thermistor – Most units under $1,200; a $15 part plus labor is a fraction of the appliance cost.
• Control board – If the dishwasher is older than 10 years, compare the total repair cost (~$250) with the price of a comparable new model ($800‑$1,200).

Warranty coverage

• Samsung’s 1‑year limited warranty covers parts and labor for thermistor failures if the appliance is registered. Call 1‑800‑726‑7864 and provide the serial number.
• For units still under the 10‑year tub warranty, the thermistor is typically covered as a “major component.”

Proactive Maintenance Checklist

1. Rinse aid and detergent balance – Over‑use of detergent can leave residue on the thermistor housing, insulating it from water. Use the recommended amount and keep the rinse‑aid dispenser full.
2. Monthly hot‑water flush – Run an empty cycle with the hottest setting and a cup of white vinegar. The acidity dissolves mineral film that can coat the sensor.
3. Inspect the water inlet valve – A partially clogged valve reduces water flow, causing the water to stay cooler longer and forcing the thermistor to work harder. Clean the screen filter every 6 months.
4. Avoid hard‑water buildup – If your home has >10 gpg hardness, install a water softener or use a dishwasher‑specific descaler tablet once a quarter.
5. Check the door seal – A compromised gasket lets cold air in, making the water temperature drop during the cycle and stressing the sensor. Replace seals showing cracks or deformation.

Following these steps dramatically reduces the chance of a repeat tE and keeps your dishes sparkling.

Related troubleshooting reads

• If you encounter a HE code on the same model, see our guide on Samsung Dishwasher HE error.
• For similar temperature‑sensor issues on other brands, compare with the LG Dishwasher error FE and the Bosch Dishwasher error E24.

You now have the full picture: what tE means, how to confirm the cause, the exact fix for the most common fault, model quirks, cost expectations, and steps to keep it from happening again. Armed with this knowledge, you can decide whether to roll up your sleeves or call a certified Samsung service tech.

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