Samsung Oven Error Code tE

Samsung oven tE error is a temperature-related fault code that indicates the oven is detecting an unexpected reading from its temperature-sensing circuit (often the thermistor or temperature sensor). When the control board receives a value that is out of expected range — open circuit, short, intermittent signal, or a wiring/connectivity problem — it will display tE to prevent uncontrolled heating. This protects the appliance and the user but also causes practical impacts: inconsistent oven temperatures, longer or shorter cooking times, undercooked or burned food, disabled bake/broil functions, and in some cases the oven will refuse to operate entirely until the error is resolved. Left unattended, temperature-sensor faults increase energy use, reduce cooking accuracy, and can create safety risks if the control board can no longer regulate heating correctly.

Common causes

• Faulty oven temperature sensor (thermistor) — the most frequent cause
• Damaged sensor wiring or loose connector between sensor and control board
• Corroded or bent sensor connector pins
• Intermittent connection where the sensor mounts to the oven cavity
• Failed main control board (incorrectly reading or interpreting the sensor signal)
• Moisture or food debris affecting the sensor or connector
• Aftermarket or incorrect sensor replacement (wrong resistance/behavior)
• Software/firmware hiccup — rare but possible after power surges

Troubleshooting steps

1. Safety first. Turn power off to the oven at the breaker before inspecting or touching internal components. Do not attempt live electrical work unless you are qualified.
2. Reset the oven. Switch the breaker off for 60 seconds, then back on. If the tE was caused by a momentary glitch, this may clear it and allow normal operation.
3. Locate the temperature sensor. The sensor is usually inside the oven cavity on the rear wall (a thin metal probe secured with two screws). Consult your model’s manual for the exact location.
4. Visual inspection. Look for obvious damage: burnt wiring, melted insulation, loose screws, or a disconnected connector behind the control panel. Check for crumbs, grease, or moisture around the sensor and connector.
5. Check the connector. With power off, unplug and inspect the sensor connector at the control board and at the sensor. Re-seat the connector firmly and clean any corrosion or debris.
6. Test the sensor with a multimeter. Remove the sensor from the oven (or access its harness), set a multimeter to measure resistance (ohms), and measure across the sensor leads. A healthy sensor should show a stable resistance value (not open/infinite and not a short). If the reading is infinite or very low (near 0), the sensor is likely bad. Refer to the service manual or OEM spec for exact resistance ranges for your model.
7. Check wiring continuity. If the sensor reads normally, test continuity between the sensor plug and the control board plug to rule out a broken harness under the back panel.
8. Swap or replace the sensor. If tests show the sensor is faulty, replace it with an OEM or exact-spec replacement. After replacement, reset power and verify the error is cleared.
9. Test the control board. If the sensor and wiring are good but the oven still shows tE, the main control board or its temperature-reading circuit may be defective and require professional diagnosis or replacement.
10. When in doubt, call a technician. If you can’t find a wiring fault or the board may be failing, contact Samsung service or a certified appliance repair technician to avoid unnecessary part replacements or unsafe conditions.

Maintenance / Prevention Tips

• Keep the oven interior clean—excess grease and debris can affect sensors and connectors.
• Avoid high-pressure steam cleaning near the control area; moisture can corrode connectors.
• Inspect the sensor and wiring during annual maintenance checks.
• Use only OEM or exact-spec replacement sensors to ensure proper resistance/behavior.
• Do not slam oven doors or allow impact to the back wall where the sensor is mounted.
• Ensure good ventilation around the oven to reduce overheating of control electronics.
• Avoid using metal foil or pans that direct excessive heat against the sensor location.
• Promptly address any repeated minor faults before they escalate to control-board failures.
• Turn off power at the breaker before any DIY inspections to prevent accidental damage.
• Keep a small kit of terminal cleaner and dielectric grease to protect connectors when servicing.
• Periodically check the mounting screws for the sensor—loose mounting can cause inaccurate readings.
• Use surge protection for kitchen appliances to protect the control board from power spikes.
• Replace worn or frayed wiring immediately—don’t try to tape over damaged insulation.
• Record any intermittent errors and their conditions (time, function in use) to help a technician diagnose the root cause.

FAQs

Conclusion / Safety Notice

tE indicates the oven cannot reliably sense or report its temperature. Because temperature faults can affect both cooking performance and safety, always power the oven down before attempting inspections or repairs. If you are not 100% confident in diagnosing electrical components, or if multimeter checks point to a failed control board, stop and contact a certified technician or Samsung-authorized service. Attempting live repairs on control electronics can cause injury or further damage.

If you prefer to DIY, follow the troubleshooting steps above carefully and use exact-spec replacement parts. For anything beyond basic checks and sensor replacement, schedule professional service to ensure safe, lasting repair.