How to Fix Samsung Dryer Error Code DE

Image
Fleet Appliance
January 3, 2022
Dryer Repair

A Samsung dryer error code DE means that the dryer’s control board is detecting a “door error.” In most cases, the DE error code can be resolved by making sure the door is closed correctly. If the door is closed correctly, a control board glitch may be responsible for the error code. However, if the error code remains, the dryer’s door switch, the door itself, the wiring, or the control board may be responsible for the error code. Fortunately, our guide is here to take you through how to diagnose and fix the issue.

This guide applies to most Samsung dryer models, including the following:

DV203AEWXAA

DV203AGSXAA

DV203AGWXAA

DV206AESXAA

DV206AGSXAA

DV209AEWXAA

DV210AEW/XAA

DV210AEWXAA

DV210AGWXAA

DV218AEBXAA

DV220AEW/XAA

DV330AEW/XAA

DV350AEWXAA

DV419AEWXAA

DV42H5000EW/A3-0000

DV42H5200EP/A3-0000

DV42H5200EW/A3-0000

DV448AEP/XAA

DV448AEPXAA

DV45H7000EW/A2-0000

DV48H7400EW/A2-0000

1. Door not shut correctly

When the door is not shut correctly, many Samsung dryer models will display a DE error code. Typically, the door does not shut because there is something in the dryer that is stopping the door from closing. If you haven’t already, make sure there is nothing in or around the dryer that is stopping the door from closing. If nothing is blocking the door, move on to the next step.

2. Has the child lock function been activated?

If your Samsung dryer has a child lock function, it could be causing or have caused the DE error code. Typically, if the child lock is activated, the dryer’s control panel will display “CL.” However, if someone is trying to open the door, but the door will not open because the child lock is on, some models may display the DE error code. Before moving to the next step, make sure that the child lock has not been activated.

Even if the DE error code is not resolved by turning off the child lock, the issue with the door may have been caused by someone trying to open the door with force while the child lock was activated.

3. Control board glitch

Occasionally, the dryer’s control board can have a glitch that causes the DE error code. If there was a glitch, there is nothing wrong with the dryer, and all you need to do is disconnect the power to reset the dryer and clear the error code.

To reset the dryer, the power to the dryer must be disconnected for five minutes to allow the electrical charge time to dissipate. When you restore the power, if it was a glitch, the error code will have cleared. However, if the DE error code returns, there likely is a fault with the door, which we will troubleshoot below.

4. The door hinge

The DE error code refers to the door not closing correctly. One of the causes of the issue could be the door hinges. If the hinges are loose or damaged, it could be affecting how the door closes. You may be able to lift or lower the door slightly when you close it to temporarily resolve the DE error code. If there is a problem with the door hinges, replacing them should resolve the DE error code.

5. The door latch assembly

Like the hinges, if the door latch and strike are not aligning, it could be causing the DE error code. Over time, parts of the door latch assembly can become bent or deformed, which causes the door not to close correctly. If the door latch assembly is damaged, you may be able to adjust parts of the door latch assembly to fix the issue; otherwise, the door latch assembly will need to be replaced.

6. The door switch or wiring harness

The dryer’s door switch is a safety precaution that allows the dryer to operate only when the dryer door is closed. If there is a problem with the door switch, depending on your model, the dryer will likely display a DF error code that means “door circuit failure.” However, some models may still display a DE error code if there is a problem with the door switch.

Another potential cause of the DE error code is if the door switch’s wiring harness is loose or damaged. If the wiring harness is loose, plugging it in securely will likely resolve the DE error code. If the wiring is damaged, you may want to try and repair or replace the wiring; however, with the cost of repairing the wiring and the chance of it breaking again, it may make more sense to replace the entire wiring harness.

Accessing and checking the door switch and wiring harness will likely require the removal of the dryer’s control panel, top dryer panel, and front panel. Also, a multimeter will be required to test the door switch for continuity (a continuous electrical path). The instructions below apply to most Samsung dryer models. Some models may not require the removal of the front or top panel.

Follow these instructions to check the door switch and wiring harness:

  1. Disconnect the power to the dryer. If you have a gas dryer, turn the gas off.
  2. Remove the screws that secure the dryer’s top panel.
  3. With the screws removed, lift the top panel off the dryer.
  4. Disconnect the wiring harness.
  5. Remove the screws that secure the front panel (at the top of the dryer).
  6. Open the dryer door and remove the remaining screws that secure the front panel to the dryer.
  7. Use a flathead screwdriver to depress the locking tabs that hold the front panel to the dryer (at the top of the panel).
  8. Disconnect the door switch wiring harness.
  9. Inspect the door switch wiring harness for signs of damage. If the wiring harness is damaged, consider replacing the wiring harness or replacing the wires.
  10. Remove the front panel from the dryer.
  11. Locate the door switch on the front panel and remove the retainer from the door switch.
  12. Remove the door switch from the panel by depressing the tab that secures it to the panel.
  13. Inspect the door switch for signs of damage, such as burn marks or a broken component.
  14. Test the door switch for continuity with a multimeter. A functioning door switch should show a reading of infinity that changes to zero when the door switch is activated. If the door switch is defective, it will need to be replaced.

7. Control board

If the above instructions have failed to resolve the DE error code, the control board may be defective. Testing and repairing the control board is best left to a trained professional. However, if you are certain the control board is responsible for the error code, it can be carefully removed from the dryer and replaced with a new one to fix the dryer and resolve the DE error code.

Sharing

Leave a Reply