Samsung dryer codes fall into a few groups: power and voltage, stuck buttons, door, temperature, heating, communication and vent test results. Many clear up after you clean the lint filter and vent, close the door properly, or power the dryer off and back on. If the same code returns after those steps, Samsung's guidance is to request service.
Samsung uses several spellings for the same fault across models, so you may see tE on one dryer and tS on another. An upside-down F on the display is actually a t, and dryers without a digital display show codes as blinking lights instead. Check your owner's manual for your exact model.
This site is an independent directory of local repair companies. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Samsung.
Before you troubleshoot
- Unplug the dryer or switch off its breaker before you move it or work on the vent.
- If you have a gas dryer and smell gas, leave the house without touching switches, and call 911 and your gas utility from a safe distance outside.
- Write down the exact code. It helps a technician bring the right parts.
Samsung dryer code chart
| Codes | What it means | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| 9C1, 9E, 9E1, 2E | Abnormal supply voltage | Plug into a dedicated circuit, no extension cord. Electric models need the correct voltage and a properly installed cord. |
| bE, bE2, bC2, 6E, 6E2, 6C2 | A control panel button is stuck | Power off, then press and release each button around its edges. |
| dC, dE, dF, do, d0 | Door, latch or door sensor not secure | Close the door fully and check nothing is caught in it. |
| tS, t5, tC, tO, t0, tE, tE3, tC5, tCS | Temperature or temperature sensor problem | Clean the lint filter and the exhaust vent. |
| HC, hE, HC4 | Overheating | Clean the lint filter and vent. On electric models, low voltage can also be a factor; have an electrician check the supply. |
| AC, AE, AE3, AE4, AE5, Et, EEE, E3 | Internal parts not communicating | Turn the dryer off for 60 seconds, then back on. |
| FC, FE | Power frequency problem | Restart the cycle. |
| dn | Software download in progress | Leave the power on; the dryer restarts when the install finishes. |
| CL | Child Lock is on | Turn Child Lock off using the steps for your model. |
| 3C | Motor error | Power off 2 to 3 minutes, power on, restart. |
| oD | Dry time error | Power off 2 to 3 minutes, power on, restart. |
| HC2 | Gas ignition error (gas models) | Power cycle and restart; confirm the gas supply valve is open. |
| 1 AC7 | Electronic control error | Power cycle and restart. |
On some models the same codes appear with a leading 1, such as 1 dC, 1 tC, 1 HC or 1 AC. They mean the same thing as the codes above. If a code is not listed here, Samsung suggests powering off for 2 to 3 minutes, restarting, and then checking your user manual.
Vent blockage test results
Many Samsung dryers can run a vent blockage test with the drum empty and cool. These codes only appear as results of that test:
- 0 or End: no clog detected.
- Clg or Cg: the vent is clogged.
- C80 or C8: roughly 80 percent of the vent is blocked.
- C90 or C9: more than 90 percent of the vent is blocked.
- C1 or CL1: laundry detected in the drum. Empty it and test again.
- Ct: the dryer is below freezing or above 104 degrees F. Let it sit at room temperature for an hour and retest.
For any clog result, clean the lint filter and the exhaust vent. Samsung recommends rigid metal duct (not plastic or foil), sealed joints and no crushed sections. The U.S. Fire Administration adds that you should check the outdoor flap opens while the dryer runs. Read more in our guide to a clogged dryer vent.
How to clear a code safely
Most codes clear once the cause is fixed and the dryer is restarted. A simple order of steps works for nearly every code:
- Press Power to turn the dryer off. For communication codes, wait 60 seconds; for codes not on Samsung's list, wait 2 to 3 minutes.
- Fix anything obvious: close the door firmly, empty the lint filter, and make sure the vent hose behind the dryer is not crushed.
- Turn the dryer back on and start a new cycle.
- If the same code returns right away, stop running loads and note when it appears, such as at start-up, mid-cycle or only on heated cycles. That pattern helps a technician narrow it down.
Avoid resetting the same heat or temperature code over and over. Those codes are a safety response, and repeated overheating can blow the thermal fuse. Our dryer thermal fuse guide explains how that part works.
Codes that usually need a technician
Some codes point to a part rather than a setting. Call for service if any of these keep returning:
- HC or tS/tE codes after the vent is clean: the technician will check the temperature sensor, thermostats, heater circuit and wiring. Our Samsung dryer not heating guide covers the same parts.
- HC2 on a gas dryer: burner parts such as the igniter or gas valve coils may need testing. See gas dryer not heating.
- 3C: a motor fault can also stop the drum from turning; see dryer not spinning.
- AC, AE or 1 AC7: wiring or control board faults.
- dC or dE with a damaged door or latch: the latch or door switch may need replacing.
- dn showing for more than 24 hours.
Finding help and rough costs
Our Samsung dryer repair directory lists local companies by state, such as California, and by city, such as Los Angeles and Chicago. If your dryer is under manufacturer coverage, check that before paying out of pocket.
Angi puts most dryer repairs between $100 and $430. Fixr lists a diagnostic visit at $50 to $80, plus labor of $50 to $100 an hour. Angi lists a replacement control board part at $90 to $280 before labor. Our dryer repair cost guide has more detail.
Sources
- Samsung - Samsung dryer displays an error code
- Samsung - Clothes are not dry after using Samsung dryer
- U.S. Fire Administration - Clothes Dryer Fire Safety
- Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Gas Emergencies
- Angi - How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost?
- Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?