Samsung · Oven
Samsung Oven E-18 Error Code
Main temperature sensor shorted
What this error means
E-18 (E-22/E-28 family) is a shorted Oven Temperature Sensor error—resistance below 930 Ω. The board sees invalid low readings and shuts heat to prevent uncontrolled temperature rise.
How E-18 is detected
When E-18 appears on a Samsung oven, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Samsung NE63T8751SS, Samsung NV51K6650DS, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most E-18 calls are resolved without parts: turn off breaker before touching the probe harness. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If E-18 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Sensor wire pinched against cavity metal during rack install
- Shorted RTD after grease fire or broil overshoot damage
- Moisture bridge after steam cycle before dry-out
- Harness chafe at the door hinge area
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Turn off breaker before touching the probe harness
- 2Measure ohms at the sensor plug—should be ~1080 Ω at 77 °F, not near zero
- 3Inspect wiring along the upper oven cavity for pinches
- 4Allow 24 hours dry time if E-18 triggered once after steam moisture
When to call a technician
Short persists with sensor unplugged from the probe side—replace RTD and damaged harness section.
Affected models
- Samsung NE63T8751SS
- Samsung NV51K6650DS
- Samsung NE59M6850SS
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use ovens to prevent E-18 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when E-18 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Samsung oven—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for E-18; Samsung uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting E-18; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.