Home Improvement Skills & Specialties Electrical Appliances

Troubleshooting Samsung Dryer Error Codes

How to Decipher Samsung Dryer Error Codes

The Spruce / Michela Buttignol

Your Samsung front-load washer might be fine, but your clothes dryer isn't working. Why? Well, there are codes on the display console that tell you why; but, of course, you've lost your user manual.

This chart will help you decipher the Samsung dryer error codes and perhaps even save some money by preventing a visit from the repair technician. The first step before you do anything else to get the dryer back in operational mode is to unplug the dryer and wait at least 30 seconds before reconnecting. Sometimes just doing this will help the dryer's internal motherboard reset and begin to function properly.

Error Codes Explained

Fault
Code

Clothes Dryer Problem

Repair Steps

do

Door open

When this code appears, the solution can be as simple as closing the dryer door firmly. However, the problem may need a bit more attention for the dryer to function properly.

Begin by cleaning the door switch/lock to remove any lint or residue that is keeping it from closing properly. Use a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to clean the connectors. They must make complete contact for the dryer to operate. If that doesn't work:

Unplug the dryer and check for loose or damaged wire connections in the door lock/switch circuit. Reconnect the wires if loose or disconnected or replace the wire harness if damaged.

If the door switch is damaged, it should be replaced. These door switches are easy to replace and much less expensive to purchase than a repair call to a technician.

dF

Door circuit failure

This code is similar to door open but will definitely need a bit more investigation.

Unplug the dryer and check for loose or damaged wiring connections in the door/lock switch circuit. Reconnect the wires or replace the wires if they look burned or damaged.

It may be necessary to replace the entire door lock/switch.

Od

Excessive drying time

This is usually simple problem to solve with just a few steps:

First, empty the lint filter. The lint filter should be cleared after every load of laundry.

Clean the moisture sensor inside the dryer drum with a bit of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. If you use dryer sheets, they coat the sensor with residue and extend drying time by tricking the sensor into thinking that moisture is still present.

Take time to be sure that dryer ducts and vents are open and clog free. Excess lint impedes the air flow and makes the dryer work harder.

Finally, unplug the dryer and inspect the moisture sensor bar wiring connections. Reconnect any loose wires and replace the wiring or sensor bar if there is damage.

FE

Problem with power supply

You can test the voltage the dryer is getting with a voltage meter. If the dryer is getting the 60 Hz power it requires, the electronic control board is faulty and must be replaced. This requires a professional. An electrician or your electrical power supplier should check the frequency of your electrical power supply when they come for the repair appointment.

tS or tO

Defective temperature sensor (electrically shorted or electrically open)

Unplug the dryer and use a volt/ohm meter to test the resistance of the temperature sensor or thermistor. If the resistance is more than 40,000 ohms, replace the thermistor.

If the resistance is 10,000 ohms, replace the wire harness. If this doesn't solve the problem the electronic control board must be replaced.

hE or HE

Gas dryer heating error

Begin by checking that the gas supply cut-off valve for the dryer is fully open.

Unplug the dryer and reconnect any loose wiring connections on the gas valve coils or replace the wire harness if damaged.

If that doesn't solve the issue, have a service technician check the gas heating system.

hE or HE

Electric dryer heating error

First, check the circuit breakers in your home's electrical box to see if they have tripped. Reset if they have tripped.

Next, unplug the dryer and check the wiring connections on the heating element. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged.

Check the heating element for damage and replace the heating element if it appears defective.

bE

 

Stuck button on the control panel

Press all the buttons on the control panel to free the stuck button. If the stuck button cannot be freed, replace the user interface control.

You can find dryer replacement parts from Amazon.com.

Et

Control board failure

Start by unplugging the dryer for five minutes to reset the control board. If the code appears again after you restore power to the dryer, the electronic control board will need to be replaced.