E5
Samsung Washing Machine
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
The E5 error on a Samsung washer means the water temperature inside the drum is too high — hotter than the washing program expects. This is the temperature error version of an overheat detection. It can appear if the hot water supply is extremely hot, if the temperature sensor is faulty, or if the heating element is stuck on. The washer stops mid-cycle to protect the drum, door seal, and your clothing.
Affected Models
- WF210ANW
- WF203ANS
- WF328AAW
- WF338AAW
- Older Samsung front-load washers with numeric error displays
Common Causes
- The water temperature sensor (thermistor) has failed and is reporting a falsely high temperature
- The incoming hot water supply is exceptionally hot — over 140°F (60°C) — which exceeds the program's limits
- The water inlet valve for the hot water connection is not closing properly, allowing too much hot water in
- The heating element is stuck on and cannot be turned off by the control board
- A faulty main control board sending incorrect commands to the heating element
How to Fix It
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Stop the cycle and let the washer and water inside it cool for at least 30 minutes. Do not open the door if you see steam or if the drum feels hot to the touch.
Hot water trapped in a front-load washer drum can be scalding. The door lock may automatically hold the door shut until the temperature drops to a safe level.
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Check whether the hot water supply to your home is set unusually high. The hot water heater in your home should be set to 120°F (49°C). Water any hotter than this can trigger temperature errors in washers.
Reducing your water heater temperature to 120°F is a safety best practice that also prevents accidental burns from taps and showers. It typically saves energy too.
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Check that the hot and cold water hoses are connected correctly at the back of the washer. The hose from the HOT tap goes to the hot inlet (marked H or HOT). A reversed connection feeds too much hot water into the machine.
Both hoses look identical. It is easy to swap them when moving the washer or after replacing hoses. Double-check the labeling on both the taps and the washer inlets.
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Restart the washer on a cold water cycle only. If E5 appears during a cold wash (where no heating should occur), the temperature sensor is almost certainly faulty — it is reading too high even without heat being applied.
A faulty thermistor can trigger E5 at the start of any cycle because it is already reporting an incorrect temperature before any water is even loaded.
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If E5 persists or returns consistently, have a Samsung-authorized technician test the thermistor and the heating element with a multimeter. Do not continue using the washer with an active temperature error — overheated water can damage the drum seal and your clothing.
The thermistor is a small probe inside the drum or water inlet path. A technician can test it in about 15 minutes and confirm whether it is the faulty component.
When to Call a Professional
E5 requires inspection of the temperature sensor and heating system. Thermistor replacement costs $100–$200 including labor. If the heating element is shorted on, replacement costs $150–$300. If the control board has failed, expect $200–$400. Contact Samsung support at 1-800-726-7864 to check your warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E5 the same as tE on Samsung washers?
E5 and tE are closely related — both involve the water temperature system. E5 specifically means the temperature is too high, while tE is a general temperature sensor error. Newer Samsung models display tE instead of E5. The causes and fixes are very similar for both codes.
Can E5 damage my clothes?
If the water got genuinely hot rather than just reading hot due to a sensor error, yes — very hot water can shrink or damage delicate fabrics. The washer stops automatically when E5 appears, which limits further damage. Check the clothing before restarting. If the error was a sensor glitch and the water was not actually hot, clothes should be fine.
How do I check my water heater temperature setting?
Electric water heaters have a dial or digital setting behind an access panel on the unit. Gas water heaters have a temperature dial on the gas valve. Most have markings in degrees or settings like Warm, Hot, and Very Hot. The recommended setting is 120°F (49°C). If you are unsure of the current temperature, use a kitchen thermometer under the hot tap — let the water run for 2 minutes before measuring.