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Samsung Dryer Error Codes and Fixes

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A Samsung dryer code is a short message, and most of them point to one of a handful of causes: a clogged vent, an unlatched door, a stuck button or a power problem. This guide follows Samsung’s own US support pages, which group the codes by condition rather than by model, and it says plainly which ones you can act on and which ones are a service call. Find the code on your display, read its group, and do only what Samsung lists for that group.

How to read the display first

Samsung says an upside-down F on the display is really a lower-case t, so a code that looks like an inverted “F” is a temperature code and belongs with the tS and tC group below. Samsung also notes that models without a digital display show their codes as blinking lights instead; those need the separate blinking-lights page for your model.

Before you look up a code, write down the exact characters and whether the dryer is electric or gas. Two codes can look alike on a small display, and the right action depends on the group. If the dryer will not start at all and shows nothing, skip to the Child Lock section, because Samsung lists it as the first thing to rule out.

Samsung code groups

Code group Samsung’s listed condition Samsung’s first action
9C1, 9E, 2E, 9E1 Abnormal voltage supplied to the dryer Use its own circuit with no extension cord; electric models need the cord installed correctly and the right voltage
bE, bE2, bC2, 6E, 6E2, 6C2 A panel button is stuck or continuously pressed Power off, then press and release each button, including the edges
dC, dE, dF, do, d0, 1 DC, 1 dF Door, latch or the sensors that detect them Check the latch, caught laundry and that the door is fully closed
tS, t5, tC, tO, t0, tE, tE3, tC5, tCS, 1 tC, 1tC5, 1tCS Temperature problem or faulty temperature sensor Clean the lint screen and exhaust vent
HC, hE, HC4, 1 HC Overheating, or in some cases a heater that is not hot enough Clean the lint screen and vent; on electric models an electrician checks the supply voltage
AC, Et, AE, EEE, AE4, AE3, AE5, E3, 1 AC Internal components cannot communicate Turn the dryer off for 60 seconds, then back on
FC, FE, 1 FC The power source frequency is invalid Restart the cycle

If any of these returns after Samsung’s first action, its instruction is to request service rather than repeat the reset.

Voltage codes: 9C1, 9E, 2E and 9E1

Samsung describes these as abnormal voltage reaching the dryer. Its steps are to make sure the dryer is on its own circuit and not on an extension cord, and, for electric dryers, to confirm the power cord is installed properly and the correct voltage is supplied. It notes that a dryer moved to another country may show this error because the supply differs. If the code continues, Samsung says to request service.

The vent-test page adds a simpler version of the same code: for 9C1, make sure the power cord is fully plugged in, retest, and request service if it recurs. Neither page tells you to measure voltage yourself, and this guide does not either. A dryer that shows 9C1 and also runs without heat is covered in the electric dryer no-heat guide.

One more cause is specific to Samsung’s multi-control setups. Samsung says a 9C1 can come from the washer if you control the dryer within five seconds of turning the washer on, and that adding the dryer to the SmartThings app and installing the available update, which takes about 20 minutes during which the dryer does not respond, resolves it.

Button codes: bE, bE2, bC2, 6E, 6E2 and 6C2

These mean a button is stuck or continuously pressed. Samsung says to power off the dryer, then press and release each button individually, covering all edges. A button pressed down by a bent fascia or a layer of residue can read as held. If a button is visibly damaged, or the code returns once the dryer is powered back on, request service.

Door codes: dC, dE, dF, do, d0, 1 DC and 1 dF

Samsung groups these as a problem with the door, the latch or the sensors that detect whether they are secured. Check that the latch is secure, that no laundry is caught in the door and that the door is closed properly. If the code persists, or the door or latch is damaged, request service. Do not pry the latch or remove the door switch.

Temperature and heating codes

The tS, tC and related codes are temperature problems or a faulty temperature sensor. Samsung says the most common cause is a clogged lint screen or vent, so clean the lint screen and the exhaust vent, and request service if the error continues. The HC family means the dryer is overheating or, in some cases, the heater is not getting hot enough. The steps are the same for a clean lint screen and vent, with an electrician checking the supply voltage on electric dryers before anything else is replaced.

For the full set of vent checks see how to clean a dryer vent and the Samsung dryer not-heating guide.

The vent blockage test and its result codes

Samsung’s heating page includes a built-in vent test. With the drum cool and empty, press Adjust Time Up and Dry Level until “Ins” or “In” appears; if that fails, try Cycle 1 with Wrinkle Prevent, or Air Fluff with Wrinkle Prevent. Then hold Start/Pause and do not open the door during the test. The result stays on the display for five minutes. Models without this test have a separate vent blockage test guide.

Result code Samsung’s meaning What Samsung says to do
0 or End Vent is not clogged Continue with the no-heat steps
CLg or Cg Vent is clogged Clean the vent, check its requirements and retest
C80 or C8 About 80 percent of the vent is clogged Clean the lint filter and vent, then retest
C90 or C9 More than 90 percent of the vent is clogged Clean the lint filter and vent, then retest
C1 or CL1 Laundry is in the drum Empty the drum and retest; with an empty drum, request service
Ct Internal temperature below freezing or above 104°F Leave the dryer at room temperature for one hour and retest
HC Abnormal temperature Check the cord, empty the drum and retest; request service if it recurs with a clean vent
dc Door open Close the door and retest
9C1 Abnormal voltage Plug the cord in fully and retest; request service if it recurs

Samsung lists Cl9, C8o and C9o in a heading without explaining them, so this guide does not assign them a meaning. If the test passes but there is no heat at all, Samsung says to request service.

Communication and frequency codes

AC, Et, AE, EEE, AE4, AE3, AE5, E3 and 1 AC mean internal components cannot communicate with each other. Samsung says to turn the dryer off for 60 seconds, then turn it back on, and to request service if the code remains. FC, FE and 1 FC mean the power source frequency is invalid; the step is to restart the cycle and request service if the code remains.

Other listed codes: 3C, oD, 1 AC7, HC2, dn and CL

Samsung lists 3C as a motor error, oD as a dry time error, 1 AC7 as an electronic control error and HC2 as a gas ignition error. For these it says to power off for two to three minutes, power on and restart the cycle, then check the manual or request service if the error returns. Treat HC2 as a gas-ignition fault that needs a technician. A 3C that returns is covered in the dryer drum not turning guide.

The dn code means a firmware download is in progress, and the dryer restarts when the installation finishes. Do not unplug it or shut off power. If dn is still showing after 24 hours, request service.

CL and Child Lock

CL means Child Lock is on, which disables the control panel buttons and on some models locks the door. Samsung’s no-start page says Child Lock disables the Start button, so the drum will not spin, and that its icon may look like a baby or a lock with a smiley face. Its fix is to press and hold the two Child Lock buttons for three or more seconds, or to follow your manual; the combination is marked on the panel.

Samsung’s Child Lock page adds details that matter if the first attempt does not work. It says to hold both buttons until a chime sounds, that restarting the machine does not turn Child Lock off, and that models with a Temporary off setting need two presses, the first of which makes the icon flash. With Temporary off, Child Lock re-engages after one minute. Samsung’s other support pages suggest unplugging the dryer or switching off its breaker for 60 seconds as a fallback; that conflicts slightly with the statement that a restart does not clear Child Lock, so use the button method first.

Samsung also gives a test for a dryer that turns on but does not start. Select Time Dry, then touch and hold Start. The timer should count down; if it starts at 40 it should show 39 after a minute. If it does not count down after one to two minutes, the cycle did not start, so verify the door is closed and Child Lock is off. If the timer does count down, or the model has no timer, Samsung says service is usually required.

When to stop and call a technician

Stop for a voltage code that returns, a gas ignition code, a burning smell or a damaged vent. Give the technician the model number, the exact code, whether the dryer is electric or gas, what you cleaned and the result of the vent test.

Frequently asked questions

What do C80 and C90 mean on a Samsung dryer?

Samsung uses these supported conduct-test results for vent restriction: C80 indicates 80%, while C90 indicates more than 90%.

What does dC mean on a Samsung dryer?

Samsung groups dC with door-related codes. Check the door is closed as the model page describes.

What should I do if a dryer code returns?

Samsung says some codes can be reset once. If the same fault returns, stop and request service rather than repeating the reset.

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