Samsung Dryer Error Codes Explained

Quick answer: On many Samsung dryers, tS or tC is a temperature sensor code, HC or hE means the dryer is overheating, dC or dE is a door problem and 9C1 is a voltage problem. Samsung says a clogged lint screen or vent is the most common cause of the temperature and overheating codes, so start there.

Samsung dryer codes appear on the display, and the same fault can carry several names depending on the model, such as tS, t5, tC or tE for temperature. If a code looks like an upside-down F, Samsung says to read it as a "t". For codes not covered here, Samsung's first step is to turn the dryer off for two to three minutes, turn it back on and restart the cycle. Communication codes get a slightly different reset: 60 seconds off, then back on.

Samsung Dryer Error Codes list

tS / t5 / tC / tE / tO

Temperature or temperature sensor problem

Common causes: A clogged lint screen or vent (most common), or a failed thermistor

What you can try: Clean the lint screen and check that the vent hose is not crushed and the outside vent flap opens.

Call a technician if: The vent is clear and the code persists.

HC / hE / HC4

Dryer is overheating

Common causes: Restricted airflow from lint, or low supply voltage on electric models

What you can try: Clean the lint screen and vent. Have an electrician check voltage if you suspect a supply problem.

Call a technician if: Airflow is good and the dryer still overheats. This is a fire-safety issue, so stop using it.

dC / dE / dF / d0

Door, latch or door sensor problem

Common causes: Clothing caught in the door, a damaged latch or a faulty door switch

What you can try: Make sure nothing is in the door opening and close it firmly.

Call a technician if: The door shuts properly and the code stays, or the latch is damaged.

9C1 / 9E / 9E1 / 2E

Abnormal voltage supplied to the dryer

Common causes: An extension cord, a shared circuit, a cord installation problem, or a stacked washer on a multi-control kit

What you can try: Plug the dryer into its own outlet with no extension cord. If it is stacked with a washer on a multi-control kit, Samsung offers a software update through SmartThings.

Call a technician if: The power supply checks out. Voltage and cord wiring checks belong to a technician or electrician.

bE / bE2 / 6E

A control panel button is stuck

Common causes: A button held down by residue or physical damage

What you can try: Power off, then press and release every button, covering the edges.

Call a technician if: A button is damaged or the code returns after power-on.

AC / AE / Et / E3

Internal components cannot communicate

Common causes: A loose connection or a failing control board

What you can try: Turn the dryer off for 60 seconds, then back on.

Call a technician if: The code remains after the reset.

FC / FE

Invalid power frequency

Common causes: An unusual power supply condition

What you can try: Restart the cycle.

Call a technician if: The code returns.

Clg / Cg

Vent is clogged (Vent Blockage test result)

Common causes: Lint buildup in the vent duct or a blocked outside hood

What you can try: Clean the lint filter and the exhaust vent.

Call a technician if: You cannot reach the full vent run. A professional vent cleaning may be needed.

C80 / C8

About 80% of the vent is clogged

Common causes: Heavy lint buildup in the duct

What you can try: Clean the lint filter and exhaust vent before running more loads.

Call a technician if: The code returns after cleaning.

C90 / C9

More than 90% of the vent is clogged

Common causes: A nearly blocked duct, crushed hose or jammed outside flap

What you can try: Stop drying and clean the vent and lint filter.

Call a technician if: You cannot clear the blockage yourself.

C1 / CL1

Laundry detected in the drum (during vent test)

Common causes: Items left in the drum

What you can try: Remove the laundry and run the test again.

Call a technician if: It appears with an empty drum.

HC2

Gas ignition error (gas models)

Common causes: A gas supply or ignition problem

What you can try: Power off for two to three minutes and restart. Do not touch gas fittings.

Call a technician if: It returns. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility first.

Motor error

Common causes: A drum or motor problem

What you can try: Power off for two to three minutes and restart.

Call a technician if: It returns after the reset.

How to clear the code

Most codes: turn the dryer off for two to three minutes, turn it on and restart the cycle.
Communication codes (AC, AE): off for 60 seconds, then back on.
Stuck button (bE): with the dryer off, press and release every button.
Not errors: CL is Child Lock and dn means a firmware download is in progress. Do not unplug the dryer during dn.

Why vent codes matter on a Samsung dryer

Many Samsung dryers can test their own venting and report the result as Clg, C80 or C90. A clogged vent makes the dryer run hotter and longer, and it is behind most tS and HC codes as well. Lint is flammable, so a blocked vent is a safety problem, not only a slow-drying one.

Clean the lint screen before every load and check the outside vent hood a few times a year. If a vent code returns soon after cleaning, part of the duct may be crushed behind the dryer or inside the wall. For heating problems, see our guide on a dryer that is not heating.

Samsung dryer repair in Metro Atlanta

Mr. Fixer repairs Samsung electric and gas dryers across Metro Atlanta. Visit our dryer repair or Samsung appliance repair pages for more. Call (678) 866-3669 or book online with your code and model number.

Code still showing?

Our technicians repair Samsung dryers across Metro Atlanta, usually the same day. Diagnostic from $80, credited toward your repair.

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FAQs

What does tS mean on a Samsung dryer?

tS is a temperature or temperature sensor code. Samsung says the most common cause is a clogged lint screen or vent. If cleaning both does not clear it, the sensor or its wiring needs testing.

Why does my Samsung dryer say 9C1?

9C1 means the dryer is getting abnormal voltage. Make sure it is on its own circuit with no extension cord. Stacked units on a multi-control kit may need a software update through SmartThings.

Is it safe to keep using a Samsung dryer showing HC?

No. HC means the dryer is overheating. Clean the lint screen and vent, and if the code returns, stop using the dryer until it is inspected.

Codes and meanings vary by model and model year. Check your owner's manual for your exact model.

Samsung Dryer Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them