Is your Samsung microwave working but somehow making your food very dry? If you’re experiencing this issue along with an E-11 error code, you most likely have a faulty moisture sensor.
Luck for you, an E-11 error is easy to fix. You can perform the repair by yourself in 30 minutes or less.
In our guide, we’ll help you figure out what the E-11 error code on your Samsung microwave means. We’ll also help you understand what causes it to happen and what you can do to resolve it.
What does the Samsung microwave E-11 error code mean?
An E-11 error code on a Samsung microwave indicates a problem with the smart moisture sensor, which prevents your food from getting undercooked or overcooked.
If the wiring is loose or the sensor is faulty, your Samsung microwave will malfunction and display an E-11 code.
Not all Samsung microwaves have a humidity control function and a smart moisture sensor. Only those models with these features will encounter an E-11 error code.
The smart moisture sensor is located behind a panel on the upper left side of your Samsung microwave. During the cooking process, the sensor measures the steam emitted by the food and automatically adjusts the cooking time based on its readings.
If it malfunctions, it can’t optimize the cooking settings. Thus, you often end up with dry food.
| Quick Note: The gas or humidity sensor is usually located on the upper left side of a Samsung microwave. However, its location may vary depending on your specific microwave model. If you are unsure, check your user manual to locate the sensor in your microwave. |
How to Fix the Samsung Microwave E-11 Error Code
To resolve an E-11 error on a Samsung microwave, power cycle your unit. Disconnect it from the power source and wait for at least 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
If that doesn’t fix the error, check for loose connections or signs of damage. If there are any, you need to replace the sensor.
Below, we’ll show you different ways to resolve an E-11 error code on a Samsung microwave, starting with the easiest fix. Work your way down until you find a solution that works for you.
| Cause | Solution |
| A glitch in the system | Unplug your microwave or turn it off at the circuit breaker. Keep your microwave unplugged for at least 60 seconds. If you suspect that moisture got into the microwave and caused the glitch, open the door and keep it unplugged for a bit longer. Plug your microwave back in and check if your E-11 error is resolved. |
| Loose wiring to the sensor | Unplug your microwave and open the microwave door. Unmount your microwave’s top cover and set it aside. Locate the metal panel that houses the sensor, which is usually on the upper left side. Remove the screws on the metal panel. Unlock the panel by pushing the two tabs on the right side. Then, use a screwdriver to push the tabs on the left and carefully pry open the panel. Carefully remove the metal housing to access the sensor. Check for any loose or damaged connections. Simply twist the wires together to restore contact. Use electrical tape to secure the connection. Reinstall the metal housing and its screws. Mount your microwave’s top cover and secure it with its screws. Plug in your microwave and check if the E-11 error is resolved. |
| Malfunctioning humidity sensor | Unplug your microwave. Open the door and remove everything inside. Remove the screws mounting the flanges to the cabinet. Then, remove the washers. Pull out the microwave from the cabinet and place it on a solid and even surface. If its wire isn’t long enough, use a crosshead screwdriver to remove the fixing screws and disconnect the wires. Gently lift the top cover and slide it forward to remove it. Locate the smart moisture sensor on the left side of the microwave. Remove its screws and disconnect it. Install the new sensor and lock it in place with its screws. Connect the cable to the control board and tie them together. Reinstall your microwave’s top cover and secure it in place with its screws. Then, return your microwave to the cabinet. Reinstall the washers on the flanges and secure the screws. Plug your microwave back in. Turn it on, and check if your fix has resolved the E-11 error. |
A Glitch in the System
If you encounter any error code on your Samsung microwave, the first thing you need to do is power cycle it.
Most of the time, these error codes are caused by a glitch in the system. In such cases, they will go away once your microwave resets.
Solution: To power cycle your Samsung microwave, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug your microwave or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
- Step 2: Keep your microwave unplugged for at least 60 seconds—unless you think moisture is causing the error.
Whether it’s steam from your cooktop or a spill, moisture can make your microwave glitchy. Thus, if you think there’s moisture in your fridge, give it enough time to dry before plugging it back in.
- Step 3: Plug your microwave back in.
- Step 4: Check if your fix resolved the E-11 error code.
If power cycling your microwave doesn’t resolve the error, you might have to replace the gas sensor. Call Samsung’s support center and request service if you don’t feel comfortable performing the repair.
Loose Wiring to the Sensor
A loose or damaged connection to the smart humidity sensor can also cause an E-11 error code. You can confirm this by opening your Samsung microwave and inspecting your sensor.
Lucky for you, it’s an easy fix, which you can finish in under 20 minutes, depending on your skills. You also don’t have to remove your microwave from the cabinet.
Solution: To fix the loose connection to your smart humidity sensor, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug your microwave.
- Step 2: Open the microwave door so it’s easier to remove the top panel.
- Step 3: Unmount the top panel, remove it, and set it aside.
- Step 4: Remove the screws on the metal panel, housing the sensor.
- Step 5: Push the two tabs on the right side of the metal housing.
- Step 6: Use a screwdriver to push the tabs on the left side.
- Step 7: Carefully remove the metal housing to access the sensor.
- Step 8: Check for any loose or damaged connections to the sensor.
- Step 9: Restore a loose connection by twisting the wires together. Then, wrap the wires together with some electrical tape for added security.
- Step 10: Mount the metal housing and its screws.
- Step 11: Reinstall your microwave’s top cover and lock it in place with its screws.
- Step 12: Plug in your microwave and check if the E-11 error is resolved.
Malfunctioning Sensor
If you have a damaged sensor, the first thing you need to do is get a replacement. Make sure to get a genuine humidity sensor from Samsung to prevent further damage to your microwave.
Instead of going in from the front like the previous fix, this one will require pulling your over-the-range microwave out of its cabinet. Then, we will show you how to remove the top cover and access the sensor from there.
Solution: To replace a faulty sensor on a Samsung microwave, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Disconnect your microwave from the electrical outlet.
- Step 2: Open the door and remove the turntable inside.
- Step 3: Remove the screws mounting the flanges to the cabinet. Then, remove the washers.
- Step 4: Pull out the microwave from the cabinet and place it on a solid and even surface.
If its wire isn’t long enough, use a crosshead screwdriver to remove the fixing screws and disconnect the wires.
- Step 5: Unmount the ventilation panel and slide it forward to access the humidity sensor.
- Step 6: Locate the smart moisture sensor and disconnect it from your microwave.
- Step 7: Install the new sensor and lock it in place with its screws.
- Step 8: Connect the cable to the control board and tie them together.
- Step 9: Mount the top panel and reinstall the screws.
- Step 10: Lift your microwave and reinstall it into the cabinet.
- Step 11: Reinstall the washers on the flanges and secure the screws.
- Step 12: Plug your microwave back in. Turn it on and check if the E-11 error is resolved.
If none of these solutions are fixing the problem, we recommend calling Samsung’s support center. Ask for a professional who can verify the error code and diagnose your microwave.
