6 Ways to Enter the Samsung Dryer Diagnostic Mode!

One advantage of modern Samsung dryers is the option of running diagnostics, which offers you an error code that points to a hidden problem. The question, however, is; how do you enter the Samsung dryer diagnostic mode?

You can put a Samsung dryer on the diagnostic mode by pressing several keys for 3-7 seconds. The key combinations can be Start + Pause, Wet-Dry + Time, Dry + Signaling, Wrinkle-Prevent + Temp, Dry-Level + Wrinkle Prevent, or Dry Level + Time + Temp + Time.

Essentially the diagnostic button combination depends on the mode of the dryer, and that’s where the options I’ll cover come in. They include service test, service mode, system check, default service mode, continuous mode, and display mode.

I’ll discuss all these modes to enable you to correctly enter your Samsung dryer into the diagnostic mode, identify a probable fault, and eventually try to troubleshoot it. 

In a rush? See below a quick summary of the various ways you can put a Samsung dryer in diagnostic mode. 

Samsung Dryer Diagnostic Mode Summary 

Samsung Dryer Troubleshooting

Not every Samsung dryer problem requires you to call an expert. Some only need you to run a diagnostic to identify the fault and possibly reset the fault code (or dryer).

In that case, we’re going to discuss the following three elements under this Samsung dryer troubleshooting guide:

• How to put Samsung dryer in diagnostic mode?
• Common Samsung dryer diagnostic codes and their troubleshooting
• How to reset a Samsung dryer?

Let’s get into it!

How to Enter Samsung Dryer Diagnostic Mode?

Generally, there are six common ways of putting a Samsung dryer in diagnostic mode, and they involve pressing a set of two keys for 3 –7 seconds. The techniques include:

1. Service Test (Best for Most Samsung Dryers)

The service test works in most Samsung dryers and is one of the easiest techniques to execute. Here’s how to go about it:

• Locate the Pause and Start buttons and press them for 5 seconds
• Wait for the dryer to enter the service test
• Choose the service test you want the dryer to perform from the available options and let it do its thing 
• Note any error code that pops up 

2. Service Mode (Best for Most Samsung Dryers)

The service mode is another typical technique for running diagnostics on Samsung dryers and works on most dryers. The diagnostic involves the following:

• Locate Time and Wet-Dry keys on your dryer and press them simultaneously for 5 seconds to enter diagnostic 
• Wait for d to appear on display to indicate that the dryer is already in diagnostic mode
• Press Wrinkle Release to fully access diagnostic and Temp Keys (A/V) to view the codes. 
• Note down the uppermost code (which is the newest) and try to find out its meaning
• Press Wrinkle Prevent + Very Dry for 5 seconds to clear the error codes

3. System Check (Best for Most Samsung Dryers)

The system check is another common diagnostic technique for most Samsung dryers. The procedure involves these steps:

• Locate the Dry and Signal Keys on the dryer and press them for 3 seconds simultaneously to enter diagnostic 
• If SC appears on display, give the dryer about 5 minutes to resume normal mode 
• Note down the faulty code if any 
• Press Wet-Dry + Sensor Dry for 5 seconds or off-key buttons to exit the mode

4. Default Service Mode (Best for Samsung DV456 and DV220AEW Dryer)

The default service mode is ideal for the Samsung DV456 dryer, and it involves these steps:

• Locate Temp and Wrinkle Prevent on your dryer and press the keys simultaneously for 3 seconds or until you hear the beeping sound
• Wait to see if there’s any fault code and note it down 
• If there’s none, allow the dryer to resume its normal mode

5. Continuous/Run Mode (Best for Samsung DV456 Dryer)

You can also put a Samsung DV456 dryer on the diagnostic mode by pressing Dry Level instead of Temp together with Wrinkle Prevent. 

Here’s how to go about the test mode:

• Locate Dry Level and Wrinkle Prevent on your dryer and press them for 7 seconds 
• Wait for the dryer to display cc to show that it’s in continuous/run mode
• Press Dry Level + Wrinkle once again to resume normal mode 

6. Display Mode (Best for Samsung DV42H5200EP/A3)

If you have a Samsung DV42H5200EP/A3 dryer, you can put it in diagnostic mode using the display mode technique. The technique involves:

• Press Dry Level + Time + Temp + Time quickly (within 2 seconds) to enter the display mode
• Adjust the cycle selector knob to change the diagnostic mode 
• Note any error code that pops up

Samsung Dryer Diagnostic Codes

As far as a malfunctioning Samsung dryer goes, any of the following error codes can pop up once you enter the diagnostic mode:

1. Heating Error Codes (hE, HC, 1HC, or HC4)

Sometimes the Samsung dryer overheats, and when it does, any of the above heating errors may pop up. In most cases, the dryer gets too hot because of a blocked lint screen, vent, or both. But still, a low voltage condition may result in heating error codes. 

Troubleshooting 

Check the lint filter and vent and clean them if dirt-clogged. Also, ensure your dryer has sufficient power. 

2. Temperature Error Codes (t0, tO, tS, t5, tC, tE, tCS, tC5, 1tCS, 1tC5, or 1tc)

Any of the above error codes may pop up when your Samsung dryer doesn’t get hot enough, primarily due to a clogged lint screen, vent, or both. In such a case, the clothes will remain wet, or the cycle may take longer. 

Troubleshooting 

Check the lint screen and vent for dirt obstruction and clean the vent if it has kinks/folds. Call Samsung if the error code won’t go away.

3. Voltage Error Code (2E, 9E, 9E1, or 9C1)

Any of the above voltage error codes may pop up if there’s an issue with your dryer’s power/voltage supply. That includes but is not limited to these issues:

• Plugging into the extension cord instead of the wall socket 
• Loose power plug 
• Tripped circuit breaker
• Overloaded circuit

Troubleshooting 

Ensure the dryer is on its dedicated circuit and well plugged into the wall. Reset the circuit breaker if it is tripped. 

4. Door Related Error Codes (dO, d0, 1DC, 1df, df, dC or dE)

A faulty Samsung dryer door will trigger any of the above error codes. It could be that the door is not properly latched, the door latch is faulty, or something obstructs the door. 

Troubleshooting 

Check if something is impeding the dryer door and remove it. Then try to latch the door firmly. If the door latch looks damaged, replace it or call an expert. 

5. Jammed Button Error Codes (bE, 6E, bE2, 6E2, bC2, or 6C2)

If there’s a stuck button on your control panel, any of the above error codes may pop up. That mostly happens when you continuously and forcefully press the control panel. 

Troubleshooting 

Check if there’s any stuck button and try to free it by pressing it gently on the sides. If the buttons are broken or the error code returns after a reset, talk to Samsung.

6. Frequency Error Codes (FC, 1FC, or FE)

A frequency error code pops up when there’s an invalid power frequency. 

Troubleshooting 

Reset the dryer and restart it. If the error code persists, call Samsung. 

7. Vent Blockage Error Code (ct, Cl9, C90, C9O, C80, C8O, Cg, C9 or C8)

A vent blockage error code pops up when there’s a vent blockage. C80 or C8 pops up when the vent is 80% clogged, while C90 or C9 pops up when the dryer is 90% clogged. 

Troubleshooting 

Check the dryer vent for blockage and clean it properly.

8. Communication Error Codes (AC, AE, AE3, AE4, AE5, Et, E3, EEE, or 1AC)

Any of the above communication error codes will pop up if there’s miscommunication between the in-dryer components. 

Troubleshooting

Reset the dryer and restart. You can also power it down for 60 seconds and then restart it. 

Other Samsung Dryer Diagnostic Codes

In addition to the above error codes, a Samsung dryer may display any of these errors:

• 3C – The error code 3C shows a motor error. Something could be wrong with the motor in the form of an obstruction, or the motor could be faulty.
• HC2 – If you have a gas dryer, the code HC2 may come on to show a problem with the gas ignition. In that case, check the igniter, gas flame sensor, and solenoid for fault.
• oD – The code oD stands for Dry Time fault. So, it could be a setting issue, and as a result, try resetting the dryer.
• 1AC7 – The code 1AC7 implies an issue with the electronic control which you can fix with a reset. 
• Dn – Dn means download in progress. So, wait for the process to complete. 

Samsung Dryer Reset 

A reset clears most Samsung dryer error codes. Here’s how to reset your Samsung dryer:

• Power off the dryer and then pull it out of the power outlet
• Alternatively, flip off its circuit breaker 
• Wait for 5 minutes to restore its power (plug it back or flip the breaker on)
• Restart the dryer 

Closing Thought 

As shared, entering the Samsung dryer diagnostic mode is critical to troubleshooting a failing or malfunctioning Samsung dryer. The self-test enables you to identify error codes, interpret them (using the guide shared earlier), and take the necessary steps to clear them, sometimes resetting the dryer.