The Samsung tE error indicates a temperature sensor malfunction—either the internal temperature exceeds 176°F or the thermistor has failed. Do not open the door immediately—wait 15-30 minutes for cooling. Then power cycle for 10 minutes and run an empty Normal cycle. Persistent tE errors require thermistor replacement.
| Error Code | tE (also: tE1) |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Temperature sensor error—excessive heat or sensor failure |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Time to Fix | Diagnosis: 45 min; Repair: Professional |
| Tools Needed | None for diagnosis |
| DIY Fixable | Professional recommended |
| Official Source | Samsung Support |
The tE error code on Samsung dishwashers indicates a temperature sensor (thermistor) malfunction. This error appears when internal temperature exceeds 176°F (80°C) or when the thermistor fails to communicate properly with the control board.
What the tE Error Code Means
When your Samsung dishwasher displays tE (or tE1), the control board has detected one of two conditions:
- Internal temperature exceeds safe limits (above 176°F/80°C), OR
- The thermistor has failed and cannot report temperature to the control board
The dishwasher stops operation to prevent damage and potential safety hazards from excessive heat.
Safety Warning
Do not open the dishwasher door immediately when tE displays.
Water inside may be dangerously hot—hot enough to cause burns. Wait 15-30 minutes for the unit to cool naturally before opening the door or attempting any troubleshooting.
Model Coverage
This guide applies to Samsung dishwashers displaying tE or tE1 error codes:
- DW80CG, DW80BB, DW80B series (2022+)
- DW80R, DW80T series (2019-2022)
- DW80M, DW80K, DW80J, DW80N series (2015-2020)
Common Causes
The tE error typically results from:
- Thermistor failure—the temperature sensor no longer provides accurate readings
- Heater relay stuck closed—causing continuous heating beyond set points
- Incoming water too hot—water heater set above 150°F
- Loose wiring at thermistor or control board connection
- Temporary electronic glitch (rare)
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1: Wait for Cooling
Before any troubleshooting, allow the dishwasher to cool.
- Note the time when tE error appeared
- Do not open the door
- Wait 15-30 minutes
- You can turn off the circuit breaker during this time
Step 2: Power Cycle the Dishwasher
After the cooling period, reset the control system.
- Turn off the circuit breaker (if not already off)
- Wait 10 full minutes
- Restore power at the breaker
- Turn on the dishwasher
- Check if tE error has cleared
If the error clears immediately, a temporary glitch may have been the cause.
Step 3: Check Home Water Heater Temperature
Excessively hot incoming water can contribute to overheating.
- Check your water heater thermostat setting
- Recommended setting: 120°F or below
- Settings above 150°F can cause problems
- If set too high, lower it and wait 2-3 hours for temperature to stabilize
- Test kitchen hot water temperature with a thermometer if unsure
A water heater set to 120°F is optimal for both safety (reducing scald risk) and appliance performance. Higher settings waste energy and can damage appliances over time.
Step 4: Run an Empty Normal Cycle
Test the temperature system without dishes.
- Ensure the dishwasher is empty
- Don’t add detergent
- Select a Normal cycle (not Sanitize or Heavy—avoid maximum heating)
- Start the cycle
- Monitor for tE error return
- If cycle completes without error, run a second cycle with dishes to confirm
Step 5: Monitor for Pattern
If tE errors occur intermittently, note the pattern:
- During Sanitize/Heavy cycles only: May indicate marginal thermistor readings at high temperatures
- Random cycles: Likely thermistor failure
- Every cycle: Definite component failure requiring service
Understanding the Thermistor
The thermistor is a temperature-sensitive resistor that tells the control board the current water temperature. When it fails:
- It may read artificially high (triggering tE)
- It may read artificially low (causing overheating that triggers tE)
- It may fail to communicate at all (triggering tE)
Thermistor testing (if you have electrical experience):
- Disconnect power
- Locate thermistor (usually attached to sump or heating assembly)
- Disconnect thermistor leads
- Test resistance with multimeter
- At room temperature: expect approximately 50k ohms (varies by model)
- Resistance should decrease as temperature increases
Why DIY Repair Is Limited
Thermistor replacement involves:
- Accessing internal components (removing panels, possibly the sump assembly)
- Working near electrical connections
- Proper identification of the correct replacement part
While the thermistor itself is inexpensive ($20-40), improper installation can cause additional problems. Professional service is recommended.
Typical Repair Costs
| Component | Part Cost | Total with Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Thermistor | $20-40 | $100-175 |
| Heater relay (on main board) | Board replacement | $200-350 |
When to Call a Tech
Contact a professional if:
- tE error persists after power cycle and water heater check
- The error returns on every cycle
- You notice other heating-related issues (dishes not drying, not sanitized)
- You’re not comfortable testing electrical components
What to tell the technician:
- Exact error code (tE or tE1)
- When the error occurs (specific cycle types, random, every time)
- Your water heater type and approximate temperature setting
- Any other symptoms or error codes
Sources
For official Samsung support: