Section
Quick Reference
- HE — Overheating (clean lint filter and vent duct immediately)
- tE / tO / tS — Temperature sensor errors (professional service)
- bE — Button stuck on control panel
- dF / do — Door switch fault or door open
- FE — Power frequency error (check power supply)
- Et / AE / AC — Electronic / communication errors
- Repair cost: $150–$350 | $89 diagnostic — waived with repair
Samsung dryers display error codes on the digital panel when a fault is detected. These codes apply to Samsung electric dryers (plug-in 240V) and Samsung gas dryers. Understanding what each code means can save you time — and money — before calling for service. This complete guide covers every Samsung dryer error code with causes and step-by-step fix instructions.
Samsung Dryer Error Codes — Full Table
| Error Code | Meaning | Common Cause | Fix | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HE / HC | Overheating | Clogged lint filter, blocked exhaust vent, failed thermostat | Clean lint filter and full vent duct; if clear, thermostat or element needs service | Inspect First |
| tE / tC | Thermistor error | Temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) open or shorted | Unplug 60 sec; thermistor replacement required if code persists | Pro |
| tO | Thermistor open circuit | Thermistor wire broken or connector loose | Check thermistor wiring connections; replace thermistor | Pro |
| tS | Thermistor short circuit | Thermistor sensor internally shorted | Replace thermistor sensor | Pro |
| FE | Frequency error | Power supply frequency outside 60 Hz range | Unplug and reset; if recurring, have electrician check supply | Inspect First |
| FiE | Filter check reminder | Lint filter needs cleaning (not a fault — reminder) | Remove and clean the lint filter; reset by holding filter button 3 sec | DIY |
| bE / bC | Button stuck | Control panel key jammed or control board fault | Press all buttons to free stuck key; if persistent, control board service needed | Inspect First |
| AE / AC | Communication error | Main board to sub-board communication failure | Unplug 5 min; check wiring harness connections; board replacement may be needed | Pro |
| Et / E | General electronic error | Control board fault, power fluctuation | Unplug 5 min and restart; if code persists, professional diagnosis required | Inspect First |
| dF | Door switch fault | Door switch failed, door strike misaligned | Close door firmly; inspect door latch and strike; replace door switch if faulty | Inspect First |
| do | Door open | Door is not fully closed or door latch is broken | Close door securely; check for clothing or debris preventing full closure | DIY |
| FC | Fan control error | Blower fan blocked or fan motor failure | Clean vent duct and check for obstructions; if fan motor is seized, professional replacement needed | Pro |
| Clg | Vent clogged warning | Exhaust duct restricted — smart sensor detected reduced airflow | Disconnect and clean full exhaust duct from dryer to exterior vent cap | DIY |
| 7E | Magnetic safety sensor (gas dryers) | Flame sensor or gas valve fault on gas models | Do not use dryer; turn off gas supply and call a certified technician | Pro |
How to Fix the Most Common Samsung Dryer Error Codes
HE — Overheating Error
The HE error is the most important Samsung dryer code to address promptly because sustained overheating is a fire hazard. The dryer's thermal limiter has tripped.
- Clean the lint filter immediately. Remove the filter from the door opening and remove all lint by hand. Rinse with water if it feels coated — a coated filter restricts airflow even when it looks clean.
- Inspect the full exhaust duct. Disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer. Check for lint blockages, bends in the duct, and crushed sections. Use a dryer vent cleaning brush kit to clear the full length from the dryer to the exterior wall cap.
- Check the exterior vent cap. Outside your home, the vent flap should open freely when the dryer is running. A bird nest, damaged flap, or ice buildup in winter can completely block airflow.
If the vent system is completely clear and HE still appears, the cycling thermostat or high-limit thermostat has likely failed. The dryer will need professional service — a technician will test these components with a multimeter and replace the faulty part.
tE / tO / tS — Thermistor (Temperature Sensor) Errors
These three related codes all indicate a fault with the NTC thermistor — the sensor that monitors drum temperature:
- tE — thermistor reading is out of expected range
- tO — thermistor circuit is open (wire broken or disconnected)
- tS — thermistor is internally shorted
Start with a soft reset: unplug the dryer for 60 seconds. If the code returns, the thermistor needs to be tested with a multimeter. A working thermistor measures approximately 10,000 ohms at room temperature and resistance decreases as temperature increases. A faulty thermistor reads open (infinite resistance) or zero ohms.
bE / bC — Button Error
One of the control panel buttons is detected as continuously pressed (stuck closed). This can be caused by a foreign substance on the panel or a physical button stuck in the pressed position.
- Press each button firmly several times to try to free any stuck key.
- Clean the control panel surface with a slightly damp cloth — never spray liquid directly on the panel.
- If a specific button feels different from the others (stiff, spongy, or stuck down), that key is likely the problem.
If the panel buttons feel and operate normally but bE persists, the control board itself has a failed switch contact and needs replacement.
dF — Door Switch Fault
The dryer cannot confirm the door is properly closed and latched. Check the door gasket for any clothing or debris preventing a full seal. Inspect the plastic door latch hook and the strike plate inside the door opening. If the latch hook is broken or cracked, the door switch assembly needs to be replaced.
do — Door Open
This code simply means the dryer detected an open door during a cycle. Check that the door is fully pushed closed until it clicks. If clothes are caught in the door edge or the door spring is weak, the door may not be staying latched. This is a simpler fix than dF and usually DIY-resolvable.
FiE — Filter Check Reminder
FiE is not a malfunction — it is a scheduled reminder to clean the lint filter. Remove the filter, clean it, reinstall, and press and hold the filter reset button (or Start/Pause on some models) for 3 seconds to clear the reminder.
FC — Fan Control Error
The blower fan that moves heated air through the drum is not operating correctly. Check the exhaust vent for severe blockage first. If airflow is fine but FC persists, the fan wheel may have a foreign object lodged in it, or the blower motor has seized and needs replacement by a technician.
AE / AC / Et — Communication and Electronic Errors
These codes indicate a failure in the communication between the dryer's main control board and the sub-board (motor or display board). Start by unplugging the dryer for 5 minutes to allow the electronics to fully reset. If the code returns:
- Check all wiring harness connections inside the dryer — vibration can loosen connectors over time
- If connections are secure, one of the control boards has failed and needs professional replacement
Clg — Vent Clog Warning (Smart Models)
Samsung's smart dryers with moisture and airflow sensors can detect reduced exhaust airflow before it becomes a full HE overheating event. When Clg appears, clean the entire vent system from the dryer connection to the exterior vent cap. This is a preventative warning — address it promptly to avoid the more serious HE code.
7E — Gas Sensor Error (Gas Dryers Only)
Samsung Electric vs Gas Dryer Error Codes
Most Samsung dryer error codes apply to both electric and gas models. The key differences are:
- Electric-specific: FE (frequency error relates to 240V power supply), heating element faults show as tE
- Gas-specific: 7E (gas valve/flame sensor), and some models show a gas-specific igniter error
- Both types: HE, tE, tO, tS, bE, dF, do, AE, AC, Et, FC, FiE, Clg
How to Reset a Samsung Dryer
To perform a soft reset on any Samsung dryer:
- Press the Power button to turn the dryer off.
- Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet.
- Wait 60 seconds (longer for persistent codes — up to 5 minutes for AE/Et).
- Plug the dryer back in and turn it on.
- Select your cycle and press Start.
If the error code returns within minutes of starting the first cycle, the underlying fault still exists and needs to be diagnosed.
Frequently Asked Questions — Samsung Dryer Error Codes
When an appliance is not working in the Greater Toronto Area, the usual culprits are a worn part, a failed motor or pump, a faulty sensor or control board, or normal wear after years of use. Our technician pinpoints the exact cause during the $89 diagnostic and gives you a clear repair quote — most appliance repairs are finished the same day.
Yes. Nick's offers same-day appliance repair across the Greater Toronto Area and the wider GTA, Monday to Saturday 8am–8pm and Sunday 9am–6pm, with no travel surcharge.
As a rule of thumb, repair is worth it when the fix costs less than half the price of a comparable new appliance. Our technician gives you an honest recommendation during the diagnostic so you can decide with no pressure.
In most cases we can book your appliance repair the same day or the next day in the Greater Toronto Area, and the majority of repairs are completed in that single visit.
The tE error indicates a thermistor (temperature sensor) failure. The dryer cannot accurately measure the drum temperature and shuts down to prevent overheating or damage to clothes. Unplug the dryer for 60 seconds and restart. If tE returns, the thermistor needs to be tested with a multimeter and replaced — this is a professional repair.
HE means the dryer is overheating. The most common cause is a clogged lint filter or blocked exhaust vent. Clean the lint filter and disconnect the vent duct to check for blockages. If the vent is clear and HE still appears, the high-limit thermostat or heating element (electric) may have failed.
bE means a control panel button is stuck or shorted. Try pressing each button firmly to free any stuck keys. If the code persists, the control panel board may need to be replaced. Avoid using the dryer until this is resolved as a stuck button can cause the dryer to run unexpectedly.
dF indicates a door switch fault — the dryer cannot detect whether the door is open or closed. Check the door for proper closure and inspect the door strike and latch. If the door closes firmly but dF persists, the door switch assembly needs to be replaced.
Et (or E or Err on some models) indicates a general electronic error, usually a communication failure between the control boards. Unplug the dryer for 5 minutes to reset. If Et returns, a technician needs to inspect the wiring harness and control board connections.
FE on a Samsung dryer indicates a frequency error — the power supply frequency is outside the expected range (60 Hz in Canada). This is typically caused by power supply fluctuations rather than a dryer fault. If FE appears once during a storm or power event, try resetting the dryer. If it appears regularly, have an electrician check your home's power supply.
Samsung dryer repairs in the Greater Toronto Area typically cost $150–$350 depending on the fault. Nick's Appliance Repair charges an $89 diagnostic fee that is waived when you proceed with the repair, plus $40 OFF any repair as a current promotion.