Seeing **tE1** on a Samsung dishwasher narrows the problem to **temperature-sensor error**. What you do next depends on whether the code is an issue, a normal status/test message, or a model-dependent interpretation. The exact stage when the code appears can be as important as the characters themselves. Note whether it happens at startup, during fill, heating, cooling, draining, spinning, drying, or after a power event. The recorded display form is **tE1**. Search normalization stores it as **TE1** while preserving the characters a homeowner actually sees.
Reviewed by Ethan Mercer · Last reviewed August 17, 2026
Written by
Ethan Mercer Appliance Repair Content SpecialistPublished August 17, 2026Updated August 22, 2026Technically reviewed August 17, 2026
Content status:
Verified
Error codeTE1
ApplianceDishwasher
Quick answer
Temperature-sensor error.
Model compatibility: Samsung can reuse or reformat codes across series and model years, so TE1 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
Seeing **tE1** on a Samsung dishwasher narrows the problem to **temperature-sensor error**. What you do next depends on whether the code is an issue, a normal status/test message, or a model-dependent interpretation. The exact stage when the code appears can be as important as the characters themselves. Note whether it happens at startup, during fill, heating, cooling, draining, spinning, drying, or after a power event. The recorded display form is **tE1**. Search normalization stores it as **TE1** while preserving the characters a homeowner actually sees.
Signs
Symptoms you may notice
One clue that supports the tE1 diagnosis is that the control can stop or limit operation because a temperature reading is missing or implausible.
The tE1 display becomes more meaningful if heating, cooling, drying, or defrost behavior can become inconsistent.
On affected Samsung dishwasher models, the display can return at a similar stage each time the affected sensor is checked.
While tE1 is active, tE1 appears during the dishwasher function associated with temperature-sensor error.
While tE1 is active, the cycle may stop, drain, fail to fill/heat, or repeat a stage.
Why it happens
Possible causes
varies by model/region — cross-region baseline — Temperature-sensor error
Before you call
Safe checks you can make
These are simple, non-hazardous checks only. If anything is unclear, stop and contact a technician.
To rule out an accessible cause, record when the code appears and whether the appliance had just heated, cooled, or defrosted.
The next non-invasive check is to confirm vents, doors, filters, and ambient conditions are normal where they affect the sensor reading.
With tE1 recorded, use the exact model manual before assuming the sensor itself is defective.
As an external check for tE1, record the code before resetting.
As an external check for tE1, check water supply, drain path/filter, door, detergent/suds, and visible leaks only when relevant.
Before opening any service area, if the code returns after the supported owner checks, request model-specific diagnosis.
Important safety warning. When working around a dishwasher that shows tE1, keep the checks external and non-invasive. Stop use for active leakage near electrical parts, burning smell, or repeated breaker trips. Do not defeat leak or door-safety switches.
Get help
When to request repair service
Once tE1 has returned after the safe checks, Persistent temperature-sensor codes usually require resistance/connection checks at the sensor, harness, and control—work best done with the model-specific service procedure. Preserve any accompanying noise, water level, temperature, or operating-stage details for the technician.
Book your repair
Seeing this code on your Samsung appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
Resetting can clear a temporary state, not a persistent issue. If **tE1** comes back, preserve the code and move to the safe checks or model-specific service path.
Short owner-accessible checks may be reasonable when the appliance is safe. Persistent **tE1**, worsening performance, or any electrical/water/heat hazard is a reason to stop use.
Treat **tE1** as a starting point, not a replacement instruction. Wiring, feedback signals, operating conditions, and electronic controls can mimic a failed component.
The same-looking code can be reused on another Samsung appliance family or reformatted by region/model year. Match the appliance type and exact model before applying a meaning. This page therefore keeps **Dishwasher tE1** separate from same-looking codes used by other Samsung appliance families.
