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Quick answer: The Samsung tE error code (temperature error) means the control board cannot get a valid reading from the water temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) or the heater element circuit. A faulty thermistor is the most common culprit; a failed heater element runs a close second. A replacement Samsung heater element costs $38–$40.
Decode any appliance error code — instant lookup
Samsung heater element DC47-00033A / DC47-00033B · find your model
What the Samsung tE code means
Front-load Samsung washing machines heat the water to the temperature you select. An NTC thermistor — a small temperature-sensing resistor — sits in contact with the wash water and reports the temperature to the control board. When the board cannot read a plausible temperature (because the thermistor is open-circuit, short-circuit, or the heater has failed), it stops the cycle and displays tE.
On many Samsung models the thermistor is built into the heater element assembly, so replacing the heater resolves both faults at once. On some newer platforms the thermistor is a separate harness-mounted component.
Common causes of Samsung tE
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Faulty NTC thermistor (open or shorted) | Most common | Moderate — access requires removing rear or front panel |
| Failed heater element (burned out) | Common | Moderate — same access as above |
| Loose wiring connector to heater/thermistor | Moderate | Easy once access is gained |
| Scale build-up on heater element (extreme cases) | Less common — severe hard-water areas | Descale first; replace if still faulty |
| Control board fault | Rare | Technician required |
How to diagnose and fix Samsung tE
- Power cycle. Switch off at the wall for 30 seconds and restart. A one-off tE can result from a loose connector that reseats itself. If the code returns immediately, continue below.
- Locate the heater element. On most Samsung front loaders the heater element sits at the rear of the tub, accessible by removing the rear panel. On some models it is accessed from the front. Check a YouTube search for your specific model if unsure.
- Unplug and remove the rear panel (4–6 screws). You will see the heater element bolted to the tub, with two spade connectors and usually the thermistor either attached to the heater body or mounted close by.
- Check the connectors first. Reseat any loose spade terminals. Corroded or burned terminals will need cleaning or replacing.
- Test the thermistor with a multimeter — set to resistance (ohms). At room temperature (around 20 °C) a healthy NTC thermistor typically reads 10–12 kΩ on Samsung machines. An open circuit (infinite resistance) or a near-zero reading confirms the thermistor has failed.
- Test the heater element — set to resistance. A working element reads approximately 20–30 Ω. Infinite resistance means an open-circuit failure — replace the element.
- Replace the faulty component. If the thermistor is integral to the element assembly, replace the whole heater. If it is a separate sensor, replace just the sensor.
Note: tE does not affect cold-wash or rinse-only cycles. If you need to run a cold wash while you wait for the part, select a programme that does not heat — the machine will complete it normally.
Samsung heater elements in stock
- Samsung Front Loader Heater Element — DC47-00033A / DC47-00033B — $37.95
- Samsung Heater Element — DC47-0006V (WD10F7S7SRP, WD13J7825KP and more) — $37.95
- Samsung Heater Element — WD10F7S7SRP, WD10F8K9ABG, WD1102XVMX — $37.95
- Samsung Heating Element — DC47-00006J (WD0804W8E1, WF8704LSW) — $39.95
To confirm the correct part number for your model, use the Part Finder or check the model sticker inside the door frame.
How to replace a Samsung washing machine heater element (about 30 minutes)
- Unplug the machine and pull it forward to access the rear panel.
- Remove the rear panel (4–6 screws).
- Photograph the heater wiring before disconnecting any connectors.
- Disconnect the spade terminals from the heater element.
- Undo the central retaining nut (usually 10–13 mm) that holds the element flange against the tub.
- Ease the element out gently — residual water in the tub will drip out, so have a towel ready.
- Fit the new element with a new rubber seal if supplied, tighten the retaining nut firmly (do not overtighten), and reconnect the wiring.
- Refit the rear panel and run a hot wash cycle to confirm normal operation.
Frequently asked questions
My Samsung shows tE only on hot wash programmes — is that normal?
Yes — tE only triggers when the machine attempts to heat the water. Cold-wash cycles will complete normally. This confirms the fault is with the heating circuit (thermistor or element), not the control board.
Can I still wash clothes with a tE error?
Yes — select a cold wash (30 °C or lower, or a dedicated cold programme). The machine will fill, tumble and spin normally. Warm and hot programmes will abort.
What is the correct thermistor resistance for a Samsung washing machine?
At approximately 20 °C ambient temperature, most Samsung NTC thermistors read 10–12 kΩ. Resistance drops as temperature rises. An open circuit (OL on a multimeter) means the thermistor has failed.
Do I need to replace the whole heater assembly or just the thermistor?
On older Samsung models the thermistor is integral to the heater assembly and cannot be purchased separately — replace the whole heater. On some newer models it is a separate sensor. Check your model or contact us.
How do I find my Samsung model number?
Open the door — the model sticker is on the inside of the door frame.
Related
- Samsung washing machine heater elements — all in stock
- Samsung washing machine error codes — complete guide
- Part Finder — enter your model number for exact-fit parts
Ready to fix it?
- Run your model number through the Oz Appliance Spares Part Finder — model in, exact-fit heater element out.
- Browse Samsung washing machine parts in stock
- Order before 12 pm Sydney time → ships same day from our Sydney Northern Beaches warehouse, Australia-wide.
Disclaimer: this article is general information only and is provided without warranty of any kind. Appliance designs vary between models and production runs — always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, switch off and unplug the appliance before starting any work, and confirm parts against the model number on your appliance’s model sticker. Any repair is undertaken at your own risk and Oz Appliance Spares accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage arising from work performed after reading this guide, to the maximum extent permitted by law. If in doubt, use a qualified technician.
