What does tC mean on a Samsung washer?

tC means: Water temperature sensor. The most likely parts involved are water temperature thermistor, heating element assembly.

How much does it cost to fix tC?

A typical control board replacement costs about $200–$500 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.

Can I still use my Samsung washer with a tC code?

Sometimes the washer may run on cold water, but it may not heat water or finish cycles reliably. It's best to get the sensor fixed rather than keep running a machine that shows an error.

Is tC the same as other Samsung temperature codes?

Samsung uses several codes related to water temperature, such as tE or HE on some models. The exact meaning can vary by model generation, so check your model number against your owner's manual.

Error codes › Washer › Samsung

Samsung Washer tC Error Code

Water temperature sensor

Applies to: All digital display models. May also appear as tE, tE1.

What's going on

The tC code on a Samsung washer means the washer is getting a bad reading from its water temperature sensor, called a thermistor. The sensor circuit is either open (broken) or shorted, so the washer can't tell how warm the water is. Try a power reset first. If the code comes back, the sensor or the heating element assembly it is part of likely needs to be replaced.

Many Samsung front-load washers heat water inside the drum with a heating element. A small sensor called a thermistor sits with the heater and tells the control board how hot the water is. The board reads this sensor as an electrical resistance that changes with temperature.

If the reading is far outside the normal range, the board treats it as an open or shorted circuit and shows tC. Without a good temperature reading, the washer can't safely control water heating, so it may stop the cycle or refuse to heat. This code is listed for all Samsung digital display models, but codes can vary by model generation, so confirm with your model number.

Likely causes

water temperature thermistor — The sensor itself can fail over time, giving a reading that is too high, too low, or none at all. This is the most direct cause of a tC code.
heating element assembly — On many models the thermistor is mounted in or with the heating element assembly. Damage to this assembly or its wiring connection can break the sensor circuit and trigger the code.

The same code can mean different things on different model generations. Check the model number on your washer's rating plate before ordering parts.

Can you fix it yourself?

Doable for an experienced DIYer with the right part, but many people still call a technician.

Safe things to check first

Power-cycle the washer: unplug it or switch off its breaker, wait a few minutes, then restore power and run a short cycle to see if the code returns.
Try a cold-water cycle. If the washer runs normally on cold but shows tC on warm or hot settings, that points toward the temperature sensing part of the heater.
Look behind the washer, with it unplugged, for a pinched, crushed, or damaged power cord or anything pressing against the back of the machine.
Always unplug the washer or switch off its breaker before touching anything inside it or moving it away from the wall.

When to call a technician

If tC keeps coming back after a power reset, a handy owner with the right replacement part could replace the thermistor or heater assembly, but call a qualified appliance technician if you're not comfortable unplugging the washer and working behind its panels. Call a technician too if a new sensor doesn't clear the code, since the control board may also be involved.

What the repair usually costs

$200–$500

Control board replacement, parts and labor — national reference range

Confidence: low (based on a single cost guide — treat as a rough guide). Plus a service call fee of about $50–$100, often credited toward the repair.

This is not a quote. Prices vary by region and by model.

Repair or replace?

Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new washer.

A typical new washer costs about $700–$1,300.

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Common questions

What does tC mean on a Samsung washer?: tC means: Water temperature sensor. The most likely parts involved are water temperature thermistor, heating element assembly.
How much does it cost to fix tC?: A typical control board replacement costs about $200–$500 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
Should I repair or replace my washer?: Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new washer.
Can I fix tC myself?: Doable for an experienced DIYer with the right part, but many people still call a technician.
Can I still use my Samsung washer with a tC code?: Sometimes the washer may run on cold water, but it may not heat water or finish cycles reliably. It's best to get the sensor fixed rather than keep running a machine that shows an error.
Is tC the same as other Samsung temperature codes?: Samsung uses several codes related to water temperature, such as tE or HE on some models. The exact meaning can vary by model generation, so check your model number against your owner's manual.