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Error code reference

Samsung Range Error Code C-31

Oven overheating error

Samsung codesSamsung range codes

Oven overheating error — temperature does not reach the expected threshold in Bake mode or exceeds limits in Broil mode.

First step from the service manual

Disconnect power, open the rear cover, disconnect the two harness connectors to the oven temperature sensor, and measure resistance at room temperature. If problematic, replace oven temperature sensor.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What C-31 means on a Samsung range

The C-31 error code on a Samsung range signals an oven temperature fault with two distinct trigger conditions depending on the active cooking mode. In Bake mode, the error appears when the oven cavity fails to reach the expected temperature threshold within the required time frame. In Broil mode, the error triggers when the oven temperature exceeds the upper limit set by the control system. Both conditions point toward a failure in the temperature sensing circuit or the component responsible for monitoring heat levels inside the oven cavity.

The oven temperature sensor, also called an RTD (resistance temperature detector), is the primary component involved in this fault. This sensor changes its electrical resistance in proportion to the temperature inside the oven. The control board reads those resistance values to determine whether the oven is heating correctly. When the sensor itself fails, its resistance output can read too high or too low, causing the control board to misinterpret the actual oven temperature and trigger C-31 even if the heating element and igniter are functioning properly.

The first diagnostic step involves disconnecting power to the range, removing the rear cover, and unplugging the two harness connectors attached to the oven temperature sensor. Measuring the sensor's resistance at room temperature will reveal whether it is within acceptable operating range. A reading that falls outside the expected range confirms sensor failure, and replacement is the appropriate repair. If the sensor measures correctly, the fault may originate in the wiring harness connecting the sensor to the control board, or in the control board itself.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of C-31

  1. 01

    Failed oven temperature sensor

    Part replacement

    The oven temperature sensor is the most frequent cause of C-31. A failed sensor produces incorrect resistance readings, leading the control board to believe the oven is either too cool in Bake mode or overheating in Broil mode. Disconnecting the sensor harness and measuring resistance at room temperature will confirm or rule out this cause.

  2. 02

    Damaged or broken sensor wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The two-wire harness connecting the oven temperature sensor to the control board can develop shorts, breaks, or corroded connectors over time, especially near the rear of the oven cavity where heat exposure is high. Inspect the harness for visible damage after disconnecting the connectors during diagnostics.

  3. 03

    Loose or corroded harness connectors

    Wiring / connection

    Corrosion or a poor connection at either of the two harness connectors to the sensor can create intermittent or inaccurate resistance readings without the sensor itself being defective. Cleaning and reseating the connectors is a low-cost step before replacing the sensor.

  4. 04

    Faulty oven control board

    Part replacement

    If the temperature sensor and its wiring both test within normal parameters, the control board may be misreading the resistance signal or failing to regulate heating cycles properly. A defective control board is a less common but possible cause of C-31 after other components have been ruled out.

  5. 05

    Heating element or igniter issue causing extreme temperatures

    Part replacement

    In Broil mode, a stuck relay on the control board or a continuously energized broil element can cause actual overheating, which the sensor correctly detects and reports as C-31. If the oven genuinely overheated rather than misreading the temperature, inspect the broil element and relay function.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about C-31

What does C-31 mean on a Samsung range?
C-31 is a temperature fault code indicating that the oven did not reach the expected temperature during Bake mode, or that it exceeded the upper temperature limit during Broil mode. The error is rooted in the oven temperature sensing circuit, which includes the sensor itself, the connecting wiring harness, and the control board. Samsung ranges display this code to prevent unsafe operation when temperature control cannot be confirmed.
Can I fix the C-31 error myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can perform the initial diagnostic by disconnecting power, removing the rear cover, and measuring the resistance of the oven temperature sensor. If the sensor reads outside the normal range, replacing it is a straightforward repair that does not require specialized tools. However, if the control board is at fault, that repair is more involved and some technicians prefer professional service for board replacement.
Is it safe to use my Samsung range while C-31 is displayed?
It is not recommended to continue using the oven while C-31 is active. The code indicates that temperature control is unreliable, meaning the oven could fail to heat properly or could overheat without the control system detecting it. Continuing to operate the oven in this condition creates a potential fire or food safety hazard. Resolve the fault before resuming normal use.
Will resetting the range clear the C-31 error?
Disconnecting power briefly may temporarily clear the C-31 display, but the code will return if the underlying fault has not been corrected. The control board monitors oven temperature continuously during operation, so any persistent sensor or wiring problem will trigger the code again during the next cook cycle. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but it is not a permanent fix.
How much does it cost to repair a Samsung range C-31 error?
If the oven temperature sensor is the cause, replacement sensor parts typically range from $20 to $60 depending on the model, and the repair is often manageable without a service call. If a wiring harness needs replacement, costs are similar. A control board replacement is the most expensive scenario, with parts generally ranging from $150 to $350 or more, plus labor if a technician is hired. Getting a diagnosis before ordering parts helps avoid unnecessary expenses.

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