What Does Error Code CE Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?
Check that your cold water hose is connected to the blue inlet valve and the hot water hose to the red inlet valve — swapping them back to the correct positions resolves the majority of CE errors (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code CE points to a problem with how the washing machine is reading or receiving water at the correct temperature. Samsung machines monitor incoming water temperature closely, and when the cold water inlet receives water that is too hot — or the supply lines are crossed — the machine triggers CE to protect the drum, garments, and internal components from heat damage.
When CE appears, the wash cycle will typically pause or fail to start altogether. The machine is not necessarily broken; in most cases the fault lies with the plumbing connection rather than any internal component. You may also see CE appear after a new installation or after maintenance work that involved disconnecting the water supply hoses.
This guide walks you through the most likely causes and the practical steps you can take to clear the error yourself, along with advice on when it makes sense to call a service technician.
Causes
- Hot and cold water hoses connected in reverse — This is by far the most common reason for a CE error. If the hot water hose feeds into the cold water inlet valve, the machine detects an unexpectedly high incoming water temperature and raises the fault immediately.
- Single cold-water supply plumbed incorrectly — Some installations supply only cold water to both inlets. If the hose routing is incorrect or a previous installer connected both hoses to the same cold tap without following Samsung's guidance, the machine can misread the supply and trigger CE.
- Faulty or damaged NTC temperature sensor — The NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor monitors water temperature inside the drum. If this sensor has failed or its wiring has become loose or corroded, it can send incorrect readings to the control board, causing a false CE error even when the hoses are correctly connected.
- Faulty water inlet valve — The inlet valve controls the flow of water into the machine. A valve that is sticking open, partially blocked, or failing electrically can allow water to enter at the wrong time or in the wrong volume, which may confuse the temperature monitoring system.
- Main control board fault — In a small number of cases, the PCB (printed circuit board) that processes sensor data may develop a fault and misinterpret temperature readings. This is usually only suspected after all other causes have been ruled out.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Switch off and unplug the machine
Before touching any hoses or connections, turn the washing machine off at the programme dial and unplug it from the mains socket. Turn off both water supply taps at the wall. This is a basic but essential safety step before you inspect the plumbing.
- 2
Check the water supply hose connections
Pull the machine away from the wall enough to access the back panel. Locate the two inlet hoses — the cold water hose should connect to the inlet valve marked with a blue label or 'C', and the hot water hose to the inlet marked with a red label or 'H'. If they are crossed, swap them over, tighten the connections by hand until firm, and check for any signs of leaking washers.
- 3
Inspect the hose washers and connections for damage
While the hoses are disconnected, check the rubber washers inside each hose fitting. A cracked or missing washer can cause a slow leak and, in some cases, affect water flow in a way that contributes to temperature errors. Replace any damaged washers before reconnecting.
- 4
Restore power and run the Calibration cycle
Reconnect the machine, turn the water supply back on, and plug it in. Samsung recommends running a Calibration cycle after any plumbing change — press and hold Start/Pause as directed in your model's manual to initiate this. The calibration helps the machine re-establish baseline readings and can clear the CE code if the hose swap was the root cause.
- 5
Run a short test wash and monitor for the error
Select a quick wash programme at 30°C and start the machine. Watch the first few minutes of the cycle to confirm water is entering normally and the CE code does not reappear. If the cycle completes without error, the fault is resolved.
- 6
Check the NTC temperature sensor and its wiring
If CE persists after correcting the hoses, the NTC sensor is the next component to inspect. The sensor is typically located on the heater assembly inside the drum area. With the machine unplugged, check that the sensor's wiring connector is fully seated and free from corrosion. A multimeter can be used to test sensor resistance — consult your model's service data for the expected value at room temperature.
- 7
Test or replace the water inlet valve
If the sensor checks out, inspect the inlet valve for signs of scale build-up, debris in the filter mesh, or electrical failure. Remove the mesh filter from the valve inlet, rinse it under running water, and refit it. If the valve solenoid tests open-circuit with a multimeter, the valve will need replacing.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have confirmed the water hoses are correctly connected, the NTC sensor wiring is secure, and the inlet valve filter is clean, but the CE error continues to appear on every cycle, the fault is likely inside the machine's main control board or the sensor itself has failed electrically. These components require proper diagnostic tools and, in the case of the PCB, careful handling to avoid further damage.
You should also call a service technician if you notice any signs of water leaking from the inlet valve area, burning smells from the machine, or if the machine is still under warranty — attempting further disassembly yourself could void that cover.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Samsung washing machine while the CE error is showing?
It is not advisable. The CE error causes the machine to halt the cycle specifically to prevent damage from incorrect water temperatures. Running a wash while the fault is active risks damaging fabrics, and the cycle is unlikely to complete normally anyway. Resolve the hose connection first, then resume use.
My Samsung washing machine only has a cold water supply — could that cause CE?
Yes, it can if the single cold water hose is connected to the hot water inlet by mistake. Samsung machines designed for cold-fill-only operation should have the hose connected to the cold inlet. Check your installation manual for the correct configuration for your specific model, as some models require a blanking plug on the unused hot inlet.
How do I run the Calibration cycle on my Samsung washing machine?
The exact method varies slightly by model, but on most Samsung front-loaders you hold the Start/Pause button for several seconds with the drum empty and the door closed. The display will show 'CA' or 'CAL' to confirm the cycle is running. Check your model's user manual for the precise button sequence, as some models require a combination of buttons.
Will the CE error clear itself, or do I need to reset the machine?
The CE error will not clear on its own while the underlying cause remains. Once you have corrected the hose connections or replaced the faulty component, you can reset the machine by unplugging it for two to three minutes, then plugging it back in. Running the Calibration cycle afterwards is also recommended to ensure the machine re-establishes correct temperature baselines.
How much does it typically cost to replace an NTC temperature sensor on a Samsung washing machine?
NTC sensors are generally one of the more affordable washing machine parts, often available for between £10 and £30 depending on the model. Fitting the part yourself is straightforward if you are comfortable with basic appliance repair. If you prefer a service technician to carry out the replacement, labour costs will add to this figure.