Samsung dryer error codes identify specific problems from overheating to electrical issues. The most common codes—HE/HC (overheating), tE (temperature sensor), and dE (door)—are usually caused by clogged vents or simple mechanical issues. Critical correction: bE is a BUTTON error (stuck button), not a motor/belt error. Always clean lint filter and exhaust vent first.
Samsung dryers display error codes on digital panels or through blinking LED patterns when the control system detects a problem. This guide covers all error codes for Samsung electric (DVE series) and gas (DVG series) dryers manufactured from 2015-2025, including Bespoke AI and Smart Dial models.
How to Identify Your Samsung Dryer Model
Samsung dryer model numbers follow a consistent pattern. Example: DVE45T6000W/A3
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DV | Dryer |
| E | Electric (G = Gas) |
| 45 | Capacity indicator |
| T6000 | Series/feature code |
| W | Color (W=White, V=Black, P=Platinum) |
Electric dryers (DVE): Require 240V, 30-amp dedicated circuit Gas dryers (DVG): Require 120V, 15-amp circuit plus gas connection
Display Types
Digital display models (2018-present): Show alphanumeric codes (HE, dC, 9C1). Note: An upside-down “F” displays as “t” (temperature errors).
LED indicator models (older/basic): Use blinking light patterns. Reference Samsung’s blinking lights guide for pattern interpretation.
Error Code Reference Table
| Code | Meaning | DIY? | Quick Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| HE/HC/HC4 | Overheating | Yes | Clean lint filter and vent |
| HC2 | Gas ignition error | Pro | Gas dryers only—check gas supply |
| tE/tS | Temperature sensor | Yes | Test thermistor (~10kΩ at 77°F) |
| Clg/C80/C90 | Vent blockage test result | Yes | Clean exhaust vent system |
| dE/dC/dF | Door not closed | Yes | Close door firmly, check latch |
| 9C1/9E | Voltage error | Yes | No extension cords, reset breaker |
| bE/bE2 | Button stuck | Yes | Press each button to free |
| 3C | Motor error | Maybe | Reset, check belt, reduce load |
| AE/AC | Communication error | Maybe | Wait 60 sec, power cycle |
| FC/FE | Frequency error | Yes | Power fluctuation—restart cycle |
| PF | Power failure | Yes | Press Pause/Cancel twice |
Heating and Temperature Errors
HE / HC / HC4 — Overheating (Most Common)
What it means: The dryer is getting too hot, usually from restricted airflow.
Common causes (ranked by likelihood):
- Clogged lint screen or exhaust vent (60%+ of cases)
- Faulty thermistor sending incorrect readings
- Shorted/grounded heating element (electric models)
- Stuck relay on control board
- Low voltage (electric models)
Fix procedure:
- Unplug dryer and wait 5 minutes
- Clean lint filter completely—wash with warm soapy water if needed
- Disconnect vent hose and check for blockages
- Inspect entire vent path to exterior
- Check exterior vent hood opens freely
- Reconnect and run Time Dry cycle to test
Testing the thermistor: Should read approximately 10,000 ohms at 77°F. Replace if significantly off or over 40,000 ohms.
Testing heating element (electric): Test continuity between element terminals and chassis—should read infinity (OL). Any reading indicates a short requiring replacement.
Complete HE/HC troubleshooting guide →
NFPA reports 15,970 home fires annually involve dryers, with 34% caused by lint buildup. Clean your exhaust vent at least once per year—more often with heavy use.
tE / tS — Temperature Sensor Error
What it means: The thermistor is shorted or reading out-of-range temperatures.
Codes covered: tE, tE1, tE2, tE3, tS, t5, tO, t0, tC
Common causes: Shorted thermistor, lint buildup causing actual overheating, damaged wiring, loose connections.
Thermistor resistance chart:
| Temperature | Resistance |
|---|---|
| 77°F (25°C) | ~10,000Ω |
| 104°F (40°C) | ~6,500Ω |
| 140°F (60°C) | ~3,500Ω |
| 212°F (100°C) | ~1,200Ω |
Replace thermistor if: Resistance exceeds 40,000 ohms or reads very low (112Ω = shorted, dryer “thinks” it’s 300°F+).
Part: Thermistor DC32-00007A (~$15-25)
Complete tE/tS troubleshooting guide →
Vent Blockage Test Codes
Clg / C80 / C90 — Test Results (NOT Error Codes)
These codes appear ONLY after running the Vent Blockage Test—they indicate test results, not automatic errors.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Clg/Cg | Vent is clogged |
| C80/C8 | ~80% blocked |
| C90/C9 | Over 90% blocked |
| End/0 | Vent is NOT clogged (pass) |
| dc | Door is open—close to run test |
| C1/CL1 | Laundry in drum—remove it |
| Ct | Temperature extreme (below 32°F or above 104°F) |
How to run the vent blockage test:
- Ensure drum is EMPTY and dryer is cool
- Close door and power on
- Press and hold Adjust Time Up + Dry Level simultaneously
- “InS” appears when entering test mode
- Press Start
- Display shows “0000” during diagnosis (~2 minutes)
- Do NOT open door during test
Door Errors
dE / dC / dF / dS / dO — Door Issues
What it means: Door is not properly closed or latched.
Codes covered: dE, dE1, dE2, dS, dO, do, d0, dC, dF
Important clarifications:
- dC during normal operation = door not closed
- dC during vent test = close door to proceed with test
- dF = DOOR fault (not “drum fault” as sometimes claimed)
Common causes: Door not fully closed, laundry caught in door, Child Lock engaged (displays “CL”), worn door latch, faulty door switch.
Fix procedure:
- Firmly close door—push until latch clicks
- Check for laundry caught in door seal
- Disable Child Lock if engaged (hold Child Lock button 3 seconds)
- Unplug 5 minutes to reset
- Inspect door latch alignment
- Test door switch with multimeter if error persists
Part: Door switch DC64-00828B (~$15-25)
Electrical and Power Errors
9C1 / 9E — Voltage Error
What it means: Abnormal voltage supply to the dryer.
Common causes:
- Extension cord usage—dryer must be plugged directly into wall
- Dryer sharing circuit with other appliances
- Loose power cord connection
- Half-tripped circuit breaker (one leg of 240V tripped)
- Faulty main control board
Fix procedure:
- Turn off circuit breaker and unplug dryer
- Verify dryer plugged directly into wall outlet (NO extension cords)
- Check power cord securely connected at terminal block
- Reset circuit breaker: turn OFF both circuits 30 seconds, then ON
- For electric dryers: Verify outlet provides 240V
Safety: Electric dryers use 240V—potentially lethal. If burn marks visible on outlet/cord, call an electrician immediately.
Complete 9C1 troubleshooting guide →
FC / FE — Frequency Error
What it means: Invalid power source frequency detected.
Critical correction: FE is a FREQUENCY error, NOT a lint filter error despite common misconception.
Common causes: Temporary power fluctuation, unstable power supply, generator with inconsistent frequency.
Fix: Restart the cycle. If persistent, unplug 2-3 minutes and restart.
AE / AC — Communication Error
What it means: Internal components cannot communicate with each other.
Codes covered: AE, AE3, AE4, AE5, AC, Et, EEE, E3
Fix procedure:
- Turn off dryer completely
- Wait 60 seconds minimum (Samsung-specified time)
- Turn dryer back on
- If error persists: Unplug for 5 minutes
PF — Power Failure
What it means: Dryer lost electrical power during operation.
Fix: Press Pause/Cancel/Stop twice to clear. Check circuit breaker. Start new cycle.
Motor and Button Errors
bE / bE2 — Button Error (NOT Motor/Belt)
Critical correction: Despite common misconception, bE is NOT a motor or belt error. It indicates a stuck button on the control panel.
Codes covered: bE, bE2, bC2, 6E, 6E2, 6C2
Fix procedure:
- Power off dryer completely
- Press and release EVERY button individually
- Press edges and corners of each button to free stuck buttons
- Clean around buttons with dry microfiber cloth
- Remove debris or residue around button edges
- Power on and check if code clears
Complete bE button error guide →
3C — Motor Error
What it means: Motor cannot operate properly.
Codes covered: 3C, 3C1-3C8
Common causes: Motor relay stuck, overloaded dryer, drum obstruction, worn drive belt, faulty motor.
Fix procedure:
- Unplug dryer for at least 3 minutes to reset
- Reduce load size if overloaded
- Check drum for obstructions (coins, small items)
- Inspect drive belt for wear
- Manually rotate drum to feel for resistance
Part: Drive belt 6602-001655 (~$10-20)
Complete 3C motor error guide →
Gas Dryer Codes
HC2 — Gas Ignition Error (Gas Dryers Only)
What it means: Gas dryer cannot ignite.
Critical note: HC2 is the ONLY officially documented Samsung gas ignition code. Codes “gF,” “nF,” and “Et” were NOT found in Samsung documentation—they may be misattributed from other manufacturers.
Common causes:
- Gas valve solenoid coils defective
- Failed igniter
- Faulty flame/radiant sensor
- Gas supply issues (shutoff valve closed)
- Blocked exhaust vent
- Failed gas valve assembly
Gas shutoff valve:
- OPEN: Handle PARALLEL to gas pipe
- CLOSED: Handle PERPENDICULAR to gas pipe
Safety warnings:
- If you smell gas strongly, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and call gas company from outside
- Never attempt gas valve repairs without proper training
- Install carbon monoxide detector near laundry room
Professional service recommended for most users due to gas safety concerns.
Complete HC2 gas error guide →
Reset Procedures
Standard Reset (Official Samsung)
- Unplug dryer from wall outlet OR turn off circuit breaker
- Wait 1-5 minutes for electrical charge to clear
- Plug back in or turn circuit breaker on
- Press Power button to turn dryer on
Electric vs. Gas: Electric dryers may need BOTH legs of 240V circuit reset (two breakers). Gas dryers need single 120V breaker plus verify gas shutoff valve is open.
Hard Reset
Same as standard but wait 5-10 minutes for full power dissipation. Use after power surge or when standard reset doesn’t clear issue.
Important Reset Guidance
Samsung states: “Resetting your dryer will clear out all the error codes in memory… Reset AFTER performing all troubleshooting first.”
Resetting wipes error history, making technician diagnosis harder. If code returns after reset, do NOT reset again—request service.
Complete reset procedures guide →
When to Call a Professional
Contact Samsung support (1-800-726-7864) or a technician if:
- HC2 gas ignition error (gas safety concerns)
- Error returns after cleaning vents and resetting
- 9C1 with burn marks visible on outlet or cord
- Thermistor tests good but temperature errors persist
- Any burning smell or sparking
- You smell gas (leave immediately, call from outside)
Fire Safety
Critical statistics:
- 15,970 home fires annually involve dryers
- 92% of laundry fires are from dryers
- 34% caused by lint buildup
- Electric dryers 2.5x more likely to cause fires than gas
Warning signs:
- Clothes take longer than normal to dry
- Dryer exterior very hot to touch
- Burning smell during operation
- Vent flap doesn’t open when dryer runs
Maintenance: Clean lint filter after EVERY load. Clean exhaust vent at least annually.
Sources
For official Samsung support:
- Samsung Dryer Error Codes
- Samsung Dryer Reset Instructions
- Samsung Vent Blockage Test
- Samsung Dryer Support Hub
Other Samsung Appliances
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