Error code · Dishwasher

Samsung Dishwasher Code tE: Temperature Sensor

Medium · inspection needed

Code: tE
Appliance: Dishwasher
Brand: Samsung
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What tE means

tE appears on Samsung dishwashers with a digital display and is a temperature sensor error: the dishwasher is detecting the temperature inside incorrectly. The DW80T5040US is one model in this family, and its technical listing shows the same check as tC, so you may see either spelling. The control looks at the sensor reading and stops the cycle when the reading is far too high, far too low, or missing.

Common causes of tE

The temperature sensor reading outside its normal range
A loose or damaged connection between the sensor and the control
The heating circuit not bringing the water to the expected temperature

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Empty the dishwasher and remove everything from the tub. 2. Add detergent and run a Normal cycle. 3. If tE appears again, turn the dishwasher off at the circuit breaker and wait a moment before turning it back on. 4. Try one more cycle. 5. If the code keeps returning, stop using the dishwasher.

! Why to stop there

A single clean cycle does not prove the sensor is fine, only that the reading was acceptable that once.
We compare the sensor reading against the water temperature during a cycle and check the connection to the control.
We quote the work in writing first and cover it with a 30-day workmanship warranty.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Dishwasher codes

1E / IE (rotary models)Samsung Dishwasher Code 1E / IE on Rotary Models: Heater Overheating SRSamsung Dishwasher Code SR: Water Not Draining Out Blinking: Heavy (without Express 60) / NormalSamsung Dishwasher Heavy or Normal Light Blinking: Leak Detected Blinking: Normal, Delicate + Quick / Normal, Delicate + Smart Auto / Normal, Quick+ + Smart Auto / Smart Auto, Normal + DelicateSamsung Dishwasher Normal Light Trio Blinking: Supply Water Too Hot Blinking: Normal + HeavySamsung Dishwasher Normal and Heavy Lights Blinking: Thermistor Reading Blinking: Normal, Heavy + Express 60Samsung Dishwasher Normal, Heavy and Express 60 Blinking: Thermistor Short Blinking: Normal, Heavy + Quick / Normal, Heavy + Smart AutoSamsung Dishwasher Normal, Heavy and Quick Lights Blinking: Low Water LC / LESamsung Dishwasher Code LC / LE: Leak Detected

tEtE questions

Is tE the same as tC on Samsung dishwashers?

On the DW80T5040US, the on-screen tE is shown as tC in the technical listing. The name differs but the condition is the same: the temperature reading is not valid.

Does tE mean the water is too hot?

Not always. The sensor reading can be too high, too low, or missing, and all of them trigger the error. We measure the actual temperature to see which one it is.

Can I keep using the dishwasher with tE?

We advise against it. If the control cannot read temperature, it cannot manage the wash properly, and dishes may come out unclean. A short test tells us whether it is safe to run.

Book a visit

Still seeing tE?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 561-5298