Samsung Range Error Code Top Sensor Short

The Top Sensor Short error on a Samsung range indicates that the analog-to-digital (A/D) value being read by the MICOM (microcontroller) from the cooktop temperature sensor has dropped below 10. This threshold represents an out-of-range reading that signals a short circuit condition in the sensor circuit. The cooktop sensor is responsible for monitoring surface or element temperatures on the range top, and the MICOM continuously reads its resistance-based output to regulate heat and protect against overtemperature conditions. When the A/D value collapses this low, the control board interprets it as an abnormal short rather than a valid temperature reading.

The three primary causes of this fault are a defective top sensor itself, misrouted or pinched wiring in the sensor circuit, and a defective PCB with a shorted sensor terminal. A short circuit in the sensor or its wiring will pull the resistance and corresponding voltage signal down dramatically, causing the A/D conversion to read below the minimum valid threshold. Foreign substances such as spilled liquids, food debris, or corrosion on the PCB sensor terminals can also create conductive paths that mimic a short circuit and trigger this error.

Diagnosing this fault requires inspecting the PCB sensor terminal block for signs of shorting, contamination, or corrosion, and clearing any foreign material found. The sensor resistance should then be measured directly at the sensor leads to confirm whether the sensor itself has failed internally. If resistance is abnormally low or reads near zero, the sensor should be replaced. If the sensor measures correctly but the error persists, the PCB may have a damaged input circuit requiring board replacement.