Troubleshooting error code tE1 on a Samsung top load washer

Is your Samsung top load washer displaying the error code tE1? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This is a troubleshooting problem that you can fix yourself without the need for a costly service call, and we’re here to help!

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The error code information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. The disassembly information is based on models starting with WA45H7 and WA422P.  

What does the error code mean?

The tE1 error on a Samsung top load washer indicates an issue with the temperature sensor, also called the thermistor, for the washing heater. This is often due to a wiring or connection problem that is causing an improper temperature reading and triggering the error code.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it.
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Read more: How to Fix a Washing Machine That Smells Bad

Tools and materials needed

• Multimeter
• Screwdrivers
• 10mm and 17mm nut drivers
• Pliers

Read more: How to Decide What Water Temperature to Use for Laundry

Troubleshooting steps

Inspect the sensor/thermistor

1. Locate the heater sensor or thermistor, which is located near the bottom of the washer tub.
2. Carefully inspect the wiring connections to the sensor. Ensure the connector is securely plugged in and the wires are not loose or damaged.
3. Check for any signs of corrosion or damage on the connector or wiring.
4. If the connections appear to be in good condition, use a clean, dry cloth to gently clean the sensor and the surrounding area.
5. Using a multimeter, measure the resistance of the sensor. It should read about 50k to 57k ohms.
6. If the resistance is outside the expected range, the sensor is faulty and needs replacement.

Check the tub

1. Inspect the washer tub to ensure there is no ice buildup or other blockages that could be preventing proper water flow.
2. If the water level sensor operates without water due to a frozen condition, the temperature sensor may detect high temperatures and trigger the tE1 error.
3. Unplug the sensor connector on the control board, wait a few seconds, and then firmly reconnect it. This can sometimes help resolve issues with intermittent connections.
4. Plug the washer back in and run a test cycle to verify the error has been resolved.
5. If the tE1 error persists, there may be an issue with the control board.

Read more: Expert tips for using & maintaining a washing machine

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Samsung washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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