Problem: The dishwasher’s control board has detected an issue with the thermistor, which is the temperature sensor. This indicates a potential problem with the temperature sensor itself or its wiring.
Samsung Dishwasher tC Error Code: Possible Causes
- Loose or corroded connections: The thermistor connector may be loose, damaged, or corroded, preventing proper signal transmission.
- Faulty thermistor: The thermistor itself may be damaged or out of specification.
- Wiring issues: Damaged or broken wiring between the thermistor and the control board.
- Control board malfunction: In rare cases, the control board itself may be the source of the error.
Corrective Action (Troubleshooting Steps):
Safety First:
- Disconnect Power: Before performing any troubleshooting, disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
1. Inspect the Thermistor Connector:
- Location: The thermistor is typically located near the heating element or in the wash pump area. Refer to your dishwasher’s service manual for the exact location.
- Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect the thermistor connector for any signs of looseness, damage, or corrosion.
- Reconnect: If the connector is loose, firmly reconnect it.
2. Test the Thermistor:
- Tools Required: You will need a multimeter capable of measuring DC voltage and resistance (ohms).
a) Voltage Test (Connected Thermistor):
- Reconnect Power (Temporarily): Reconnect the dishwasher to the power supply.
- Access the Connector: carefully access the thermistor connector while the unit has power.
- Measure Voltage: With the dishwasher powered on, measure the DC voltage between the two terminals of the thermistor connector.
- Expected Range: The voltage should be within the range of 0.05 to 4.95 VDC.
- Reference Table: For more accurate results, refer to the table below for specific voltage values at different temperatures.
b) Resistance Test (Disconnected Thermistor):
- Disconnect Power: Disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply again.
- Disconnect Connector: Disconnect the thermistor connector from the wiring harness.
- Measure Resistance: Using your multimeter, measure the resistance between the two terminals of the thermistor.
- Reference Table: Compare the measured resistance value to the values in the table below, considering the current temperature of the dishwasher.
Thermistor Resistance and Voltage Table:
| Temperature (°F) | Resistance (kΩ) | Voltage (VDC) |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | 125.814 | 0.865 |
| 50 | 98.36 | 1.026 |
| 59 | 77.48 | 1.203 |
| 68 | 61.477 | 1.393 |
| 77 | 49.12 | 1.594 |
| 86 | 39.51 | 1.804 |
| 95 | 31.985 | 2.018 |
| 104 | 26.053 | 2.234 |
| 113 | 21.347 | 2.447 |
| 122 | 17.59 | 2.656 |
| 131 | 14.573 | 2.475 |
| 140 | 12.136 | 3.048 |
| 149 | 10.157 | 3.228 |
| 158 | 8.541 | 3.396 |
Interpretation of Results:
- Voltage Outside Range: If the voltage is significantly outside the specified range, or does not change as expected with temperature changes, the thermistor or wiring is likely faulty.
- Resistance Outside Range: If the measured resistance is significantly different from the values in the table, the thermistor is likely faulty.
- Continuity Issues: If there is no continuity (infinite resistance) or very low resistance (near zero ohms), the thermistor is likely damaged.
3. Replace the Thermistor (If Necessary):
- If the thermistor is determined to be faulty, replace it with a new, genuine Samsung thermistor.
- Refer to your dishwasher’s service manual for instructions on how to replace the thermistor.
4. Check Wiring:
- Visually inspect the wiring between the thermistor and the control board for any signs of damage.
- If you suspect a wiring issue, use a multimeter to check the continuity of the wires.
5. Control Board (Last Resort):
- If all other components are functioning correctly, the control board may be faulty.
- Control board replacement should be performed by a qualified appliance technician.
Important Notes:
- Always disconnect power before working on electrical components.
- If you are not comfortable performing these tests, contact a qualified appliance technician.
- Always use the correct replacement parts.
- The voltage of 2.475 at 131 degrees F appears to be a typo, it should be a value that is between 2.656 and 3.048.
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the Samsung dishwasher tC error code.
I am a master Appliance Repair technician with over 35 years of experience in the field. I am passionate about helping people troubleshoot their appliances and fix common problems. My website, appliancemode.com, provides a wealth of information on troubleshooting common appliance issues and deciphering error codes. This website aims to empower people to tackle appliance repairs themselves and save money on service calls.
