Samsung Dryer "tO" error

Dryer Repair
1

Hello friendly appliance repair-type peoples!!!

Dryer is about 1.5 years old, has worked fine up 'til now. It shut off for my wife after about 5-10 minutes and flashed “…a code”. She had the wherewithal to unplug it, and plug it in again and got the same code show gave up. I heard about it this morning, duplicated the problem shortly. It runs for a short while, stops, and displays the code “tO”. I called the handy number inside the machine right away and the friendly lady told me it needs service, as that code indicates a clogged lint screen or exhaust normally.

We have always been diligent about cleaning the lint filter, however, when I first installed the machine I cheaped out and re-used the flexible duct that the previous owners had installed in the house. I have since, about four months ago, replaced that flex duct with rigid, smooth, 4" aluminum with an absolute minimum of “ells”, two to be exact. The through the wall fitting is brand new as well, and all are completely free of accumulation.

This morning I disassembled the panels from the machine and discovered that the vanes of the centrifugal-style blower were almost completely encased in accumulated lint. I cleaned it out thoroughly, toothbrush clean, and cleaned off the sensors (I think one was probably the thermistor?) that live down in the plastic duct on the outfeed side of the blower. The entire airway is free and clear.

After reassembling everything, and (prematurely) congratulating myself that I had fixed it, it ran fine. This time for about twenty minutes. Then it shut off and displayed “tO” again.

I own, and am fairly familiar with using a good multimeter, but I don’t know what values to look for on the various components.

I apologize in advance for posting a question that is so similar to others already found here, but I couldn’t find anything relating to this particular error code.

Edit>> I am assuming that the “tO” code indicates a thermal overload. Is this correct?

Thank you in advance…

2

I could not find much info on this unit.

Did find a reference that t0 is an open thermistor on Samsung dryers.

Then I found the same thermistor was used in a Maytag unit and it’s manual said the thermistor should measure 10,000 ohms at 77 degrees F.
Most thermistors are negative coefficient re: resistance decreases as temperature increases but I could not confirm this for this part.

I would check it at the blower with one side disconnected and if OK check it at the plug on the control board.

With luck someone else will jump in with more info.

3

Thanks very much. I will check it this evening and post back.

4

So, I just checked the thermistor and it is giving me a reading of about 10.8 to 10.4 at a temperature of 72 degrees, which agrees with the earlier reply.

I confirmed that the reading is basically the same up at the control board as well, and experimented with a heat source (well shielded match) and the resistance does indeed drop as temperature rises.

I noticed that the thermostat is pretty much co-located in the airway there, is there a way to confirm its’ operation?

Luckily, it’s a sunny day here in MD and our clothesline is still working…:cool:

5

I noticed that the thermostat is pretty much co-located in the airway there, is there a way to confirm its’ operation?
Usually thermostats are 0 ohms at room temperature.

As I said I do not have a wiring diagram so am guessing.
Often there are two thermostats a high limit and a thermal cut-out.

6

Denman, I appreciate your advice, thank you. On another appliance repair forum, someone was kind enough to provide me with a link to an online wiring diagram… here is the PDF:

I am wondering what any professionals might suggest as a course of action, given that the thermistor SEEMS to be functioning correctly, and the airway is entirely clear. Would it be prudent to order a new thermistor and HOPE that that was the problem? I’m not a professional repair guy, but I really don’t want to spend $200 to get one to my house either.

Thanks…

I see that the PDF did not follow through, sorry

7

:slight_smile: I ordered a new thermistor from a company that allows you to return ANY part for up to a full year, as I had no further ideas. I had checked the resistance and the thermistor appeared to be functioning properly but I had no real way to test it dynamically over a wide range of temps so…

$37 bucks delivered and it was easy as cake to install and button up the machine again. Seems to be a perfect repair. Two full loads and nary a hiccup so…we’ll see.

Thank you all very much for taking time to read and reply or even just to read…this is what makes the Internet great, IMHO.

8

Glad to hear you have fixed it.

Sorry for not getting back to you but I was out at the cottage for a few days.

And thanks for getting back to us. Now when others search for a similar problem they will see what actually worked instead of just suggestions about what could be the cause.

9

Hello,
I’m having the exact same problem and error code on my Samsung dryer.
Is the only way to access the thermsistor is through the back panel? Is it underneath the drum?
Unfortunately the only way for me to get to the back of the dryer is to remove the washer off an elevated built in platform in a narrow long utility closet, then climb over the washer, then turn the dryer 1/4 turn!
Thanks for any advise!

10

[quote=Tim the Tile Guy;507475]:slight_smile: I ordered a new thermistor from a company that allows you to return ANY part for up to a full year, as I had no further ideas. I had checked the resistance and the thermistor appeared to be functioning properly but I had no real way to test it dynamically over a wide range of temps so…

$37 bucks delivered and it was easy as cake to install and button up the machine again. Seems to be a perfect repair. Two full loads and nary a hiccup so…we’ll see.

Thank you all very much for taking time to read and reply or even just to read…this is what makes the Internet great, IMHO.[/quote]

I have cleaned my vent line but I am still getting the “to” error code. I am going to open the back of the dryer and clean it real well tomorrow. I have a feeling that it is going to be like what you just did, replace the thermistor. Would you please tell me where you bought your parts? This way, I can return it if it’s not the problem. Thanks.