tC points to a temperature sensor failure on a Samsung dryer. The thermistor that reports drum temperature to the control board is sending a reading outside the normal range — too high, too low, or erratic — so the board stops the cycle rather than heat blindly.
What Causes This
- A thermistor that’s failed or drifted out of calibration with age
- A loose or corroded wiring connector at the sensor
- Lint or debris built up around the sensor housing, insulating it from accurate airflow readings
- A wiring harness pinched or chafed from normal drum vibration over years of use
What You Can Check
Unplug the dryer, then check that the lint trap and exhaust duct are clean — restricted airflow can make an otherwise healthy sensor report inconsistent temperatures, which sometimes mimics a sensor failure. With the dryer unplugged, a look inside the cabinet at the sensor’s wiring connector (usually near the blower housing) for anything visibly loose or discolored from heat is reasonable if you’re comfortable removing the back panel; if not, this is where most owners stop.
Plug the dryer back in and run a short cycle. If tC returns immediately or partway through every cycle, the sensor itself has likely failed rather than a one-time glitch.
When to Bring in a Technician
Replacing a thermistor is a quick fix for a technician who can confirm the exact resistance reading against factory specs before swapping the part. Our Samsung dryer repair team diagnoses tC with the right meter rather than replacing parts by guesswork. For upkeep between service visits, see our dryer care tips.
This is an independent repair service and is not affiliated with Samsung.
