4 Samsung Dryer Diagnostic Mode Techniques (Quick Guide!)

Samsung dryers are intelligent for a reason, and one of them is their self-built diagnostic ability. By running the Samsung dryer diagnostic mode, you can identify an error code pointing you to a fault you can troubleshoot, eliminating the need to call a dryer expert.

You can put a Samsung dryer on the diagnostic mode by pressing any of these two buttons for 3-5 seconds: D + E, Temp + Time, Power + Start, Start + Pause, or Temp + Mixed Load Bell. After entering the diagnostic mode, you can choose your preferred test mode.

Speaking of test modes, we’ve options like Continuous Run Test Mode, Default Test Mode, System Check, and Display Test Mode. You can run these tests once your Samsung dryer enters the diagnostic mode.

Of course, the diagnostic button pairing depends on the model. Thus, if you are unsure, you can consult your dryer manual, as the manufacturer must have indicated it somewhere.

This guide will help you put your Samsung dryer in diagnostic mode using any of the four key combinations and then run the individual test mode. So, let’s dive in!

Samsung dryer diagnostic mode

In a rush? Below is a quick guide to running diagnostics on a Samsung dryer:

Samsung Dryer Diagnostic Mode Summary

Shortcuts for entering diagnostic modeShortcuts for running the individual service testsExit shortcuts
Press D + E Buttons or Temp + Time for 3 seconds, Power + Start or Start + Pause for 5 seconds, or Temp Keys + Mixed Load Bell for 3 secondsContinuous Run Test Mode (Press Dry Level + Wrinkle Prevent for 7 seconds)Turn the control knob off and then on and press Start/Pause + Cancel Drain for 3 seconds or unplug for 1-5 minutes
Default Test Mode (Press Temp Keys + Wrinkle Prevent for 3 seconds)
System Check (Press Dry + Signal)
Display Test Mode (Press Dry Level + Temp + Time for 2 seconds)

Samsung Dryer Troubleshooting Issues That May Require the Diagnostic Mode

You can run diagnostics on a Samsung dryer for different reasons, but more importantly, when you cannot establish the reason for the fault. Here are some issues that may force you to put your Samsung dryer on diagnostic mode:

a) Dryer Turns On But Won’t Start

While you expect the lack of power to be why your Samsung dryer won’t start, sometimes it’s not. An active Child Lock or another wrong setting could prevent the dryer from starting.

However, if it’s none of those issues and not power, it may help to put your Samsung dryer in diagnostic mode. At least that’ll point you to a specific fault.

b) Dryer Turns On But Won’t Spin

Sometimes, a Samsung dryer may turn on but fail to spin. And if it doesn’t spin, it won’t dry the clothes. While you expect a failed power supply to be one of the most likely explanations for that, sometimes it’s not.

It could be due to a Child Lock or setting issues, just like in our first case. But if it’s none of those, then it may help to run a diagnostic to find an error code that’ll point you to the exact fault.

c) Clothes Still Wet After a Dry Cycle

You expect clothes to come out of the dryer waterless. Sometimes, however, the clothes come out soaking wet, which points to a fault.

The fault could be a power failure, a wrong cycle, a clogged lint filter, or a defective moisture sensor. But if you can’t point to the issue, you can save time by putting the dryer in diagnostic mode.

d) Dryer Takes Too Long to Heat

You also don’t expect your Samsung dryer to take too long to heat. If it does, it’s often due to an obstructed vent, an extra-clogged lint screen, or excessively wet laundry.

However, consider running diagnostics if the issue has nothing to do with restricted airflow or poor loading. That’ll eliminate any guesswork.

e) Non-responsive Controls

Samsung dryers have some of the most sensitive controls. So, you don’t expect them to be non-responsive. If they are, it could be due to a failed power supply, Child Lock, or control panel fault.

You can, nevertheless, run diagnostics to determine the exact cause and take the best troubleshooting steps.

how to enter Samsung dryer diagnostic mode

f) Dryer Stops Mid-Cycle

The only time your Samsung dryer should stop mid-cycle is when you interrupt the cycle yourself. If it happens without your instigation, then something could be faulty.

It could be due to a malfunctioning component, such as the moisture sensor or the thermostat. But to point you in the right direction, it helps to run diagnostics on your Samsung dryer quickly.

g) Dryer Won’t Heat

Lastly, consider putting a Samsung dryer that won’t heat on diagnostic mode if you can’t tell why. That’s after ruling out issues like a wrong setting, a failed power supply, and a defective heating element.

How to Enter Samsung Dryer Diagnostic Mode?

Now that you know when to run diagnostics on your Samsung dryer, let’s see how you can do it. Depending on the model, you can put a Samsung dryer on diagnostic mode by pressing any of these two button combinations for 3-5 seconds:

  1. D + E: Press the D and E buttons on the control panel for 3 seconds
  2. Temp + Time: Press the Temp and Time buttons on the control panel for 3 seconds
  3. Power + Start: Press the Power and Start buttons on the control panel for 5 seconds
  4. Start + Pause: Press the Start and Pause buttons on the control panel for 5 seconds
  5. Temp Keys + Mixed Load Bell: Press the Temp and Mixed Load Bell buttons for 3 seconds

After pressing the above key combinations, your Samsung dryer should enter diagnostics mode, after which you should run an individual test mode. The test mode could be any of the following:

  • Continuous Run Test Mode – Where you press Dry Level + Wrinkle Prevent for 7 seconds or until you see the symbols CC on the display
  • Default Test Mode – Where you press Temp Keys + Wrinkle Prevent for 3 seconds or until the dryer beeps
  • System Check – You press Dry + Signal for 3 seconds and wait for the symbol SC to appear to indicate that the System Check is running
  • Display Test Mode – Where you press Dry Level + Temp + Time for 2 seconds and adjust the setting using the cycle selector 

Once the above test modes run and you end up with an error code, note it down and exit diagnostics. Let’s talk about the last part next.

How to Exit the Samsung Dryer Diagnostic Mode?

A reset is essential for exiting a Samsung dryer out of diagnostic mode. You can do that using any of these two techniques:

Option – Control Knob Reset

You can reset your Samsung dryer by adjusting the main control knob. That requires you to turn off the control knob and turn it back on before pressing Start/Pause + Cancel Drain for about 3 seconds.

Option 2 – Hard Reset

You can also reset a Samsung dryer by plugging it out of the power outlet for 1-5 minutes. That’s what we call a hard reset. It’s quicker and often more effective in exiting the diagnostic mode, clearing error codes, and fixing minor dryer hitches.

Samsung dryer troubleshooting

Samsung Dryer Diagnostic Codes

Since the whole essence of putting your Samsung dryer on diagnostic mode is to obtain an error code or display symbol that will direct you to a possible fault, we’ve got to talk about the error codes.

Here are groups of error codes that may pop up on your Samsung dryer and their troubleshooting:

Error code categoryError code examplesMeaningTroubleshooting
1.Communication error codesAC, E3, AE, Et, 1AC, EEE, and AE3Miscommunication between the dryer partsReset (or restart) the dryer
2.Door-related error codesdO, d0, de, df, 1df, and 1dcThe door won’t latch properlyCheck for door obstruction or a damaged door latch and fix it
3.Frequency error codesFE, FC, and 1FCInvalid power frequencyReset (or restart) the dryer
4.Heating error codesHC, 1Hc, hE, and HC4Restricted airflowCheck the lint screen and dryer vent for clogging and clean them
5.Jammed button error codesbE, bC2, bE2, 6E, or 6C2Possible stuck or damaged buttonRelease any stuck buttons; if they are damaged, replace the control panel.
6.Temperature error codestO, t0, tC, tS, t5, tcS, tc5, tE, tE5, 1tcS, and 1tc5Temperature sensor faultCheck for a clogged lint screen or dryer vet and unblock them
7.Voltage error codes2E, 9E, 9E1, or 9C1Voltage supply faultAvoid extension cords and ensure the dryer is on its dedicated circuit

People Also Ask

1. Can You Reset a Samsung Dryer?

Yes, you can reset a Samsung dryer. All you must do is plug out the dryer for at least 1 minute and, at most, five and then restore its power supply. That will most likely clear possible error codes.

2. How Do I Manually Reset My Samsung Dryer?

You can manually reset your Samsung dryer by unhooking it from the wall socket and waiting 1-5 minutes. The dryer should have reset once you plug it in and restart it. You can use this manual reset to clear error codes from Samsung dryers and fix minor hitches.

3. What Are the Codes On a Samsung Dryer?

The codes on a Samsung dryer show the dryer’s status and possible faults. While a Samsung dryer may have a variety of error codes, here are the commonest types:

  • Communication error codes such asAC, E3, AE, Et, 1AC, EEE, and AE3 – which indicate a possible miscommunication between various dryer components
  • Door-related error codes such asdO, d0, de, df, 1df, and 1dc – which shows a possible door fault
  • Heating error codes such as HC, 1Hc, hE, and HC4 – which shows restricted airflow
  • Jammed button error codes such as bE, bC2, bE2, 6E, or 6C2 – which shows a possibly stuck or damaged button
  • Temperature error codes such as tO, t0, tC, tS, t5, tcS, tc5, tE, tE5, 1tcS, and 1tc5 – which show a temperature sensor fault

Concluding Thought On the Samsung Dryer Diagnostic Mode:

Above is a guide to putting your Samsung dryer in diagnostic mode. So, the next time your dryer malfunctions and you can’t place your finger on the issue, just run diagnostics. That’ll give you an error code you can look up and decipher, and you have the basics above to get you started.    

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