Samsung Dryer Thermistor / Thermostat Kit
Replacement temperature sensor if HC persists on a clear vent.
$25
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Stop the dryer. HC means the machine reached a dangerously high temperature and the overheat protection tripped. This is not a minor glitch — dryer fires are a real risk when the vent is blocked and HC shows up. Clean the vent before you run the dryer again.
Quick Reference
| Code | Meaning | Severity | DIY or Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| HC / hC | Over-temperature | High | DIY — clean vent |
| HE | Heating error | Medium | DIY |
| tS | Thermistor short | Medium | DIY |
What This Error Means
HC is Samsung’s high-temperature protection code. When the internal temperature sensor detects air in the drum is too hot, the control board shuts the heating system down and displays HC.
The cause is almost always restricted airflow. Heat builds up inside the drum because it can’t exhaust fast enough. The machine correctly identifies this as dangerous and stops.
Common Causes
- Blocked exhaust vent — Lint builds up in the duct over months and years. Even a partially blocked vent causes heat to build faster than it can escape.
- Crushed flexible duct — The accordion-style foil duct behind many dryers can get crushed when the dryer is pushed back against the wall. Even a small crush dramatically restricts airflow.
- Exterior vent cover blocked — Bird nests, lint buildup, or a flap stuck closed at the exterior wall vent will trap heat inside.
- Vent run too long or too many bends — Maximum vent length for most dryers is 25 feet of straight duct. Each 90-degree elbow counts as 5 feet. A long or convoluted vent path builds lint and restricts airflow.
- Full lint screen — A completely packed lint screen reduces airflow significantly. Should be cleaned after every load.
- Failed thermistor — Rare but possible: the temperature sensor fails high, causing a false HC reading even with adequate airflow.
Step-by-Step Fix
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Do not run the dryer again until you’ve completed at least steps 2 and 3.
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Clean the lint screen. Pull it out, rinse it under the faucet if it’s coated with dryer sheet residue (run water through it — if water beads up, wash with dish soap and a brush), let dry, reinstall.
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Inspect and clean the exhaust duct. Pull the dryer away from the wall. Disconnect the duct from the back of the dryer. Reach in and pull out any lint packed inside. Use a dryer vent brush kit to clean the full length of the duct.
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Check for duct damage. If the duct is a flexible foil accordion type, inspect it for crush points or tears. Replace with rigid metal duct if possible — rigid stays cleaner, lasts longer, and reduces fire risk significantly.
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Clean from the exterior. Go outside and find the exterior vent termination. Remove the cover or flap and clean out any lint packed inside. Confirm the flap opens freely when you blow into the duct from inside.
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Reconnect and test. Push the dryer back with at least 4–6 inches of clearance from the wall for duct clearance. Run a timed dry cycle — HC should not return if airflow is restored.
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Test the thermistor if HC persists. If the vent is completely clean and HC still appears, the thermistor (temperature sensor) is sending a false reading. Test with a multimeter — it should read approximately 10,000–50,000 ohms at room temperature. Replace if open circuit.
Parts You May Need
- Dryer vent cleaning rotary brush kit
- Rigid metal dryer vent duct kit
- Dryer exhaust vent cover exterior
- Samsung dryer thermistor
When to Call a Technician
If the vent is fully clean and HC keeps appearing, the thermistor or the high-limit thermostat has failed. Both are relatively inexpensive parts. An appliance technician can diagnose and replace them in a single visit if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.