What to check, in order
- Reset it
Unplug the dryer, wait at least 30 seconds and plug it back in.
- Clean the lint filter
A clogged lint screen is the first thing Samsung asks you to check.
- Clean the heat exchanger
On dryers that have one, Samsung UK and Australia list it alongside the lint filter. See FIL tEr for how.
- Check the vent
On vented dryers, make sure the exhaust vent isn't restricted. See CLg for how to test and clean it.
- For tC5 or tE5
Wait 2 to 3 minutes, switch back on and start again.
When to call an engineer
If the code stays after cleaning. The sensor itself is an engineer's job, and Samsung says to contact its service centre.
Parts people end up buying
Only if the checks above point to a part. Match it to your model number first: it's on a label inside the door, around the door frame or on the back.
- Thermistor (temperature sensor)Search on Amazon
- Dryer vent cleaning kitSearch on Amazon
Affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. It never changes a verdict.
Quick answers
What does the Samsung tC error code mean?
There's a problem with the temperature inside the dryer, or with a sensor that measures it. tC5 and tE5 point at the compressor temperature sensor.
Can I fix Samsung tC myself?
Easy (about 30 minutes). Start with: reset it; clean the lint filter; clean the heat exchanger. If the code stays after cleaning. The sensor itself is an engineer's job, and Samsung says to contact its service centre.
Is Samsung tC worth repairing?
Worth fixing. Cleaning often clears it. If not, a temperature sensor is an inexpensive part.
Checked against
- Samsung US: dryer error codes
- Samsung UK: tumble dryer information codes
- Samsung Australia: dryer information codes
Last reviewed October 2026. Manufacturers update their pages, and your manual is the final word. Spotted a mistake? Email contact@appliance-error-codes.com.