Samsung Microwave C-10 Error Code: Cooking (Gas) Sensor Fault (How to Fix It)

What the code means

Samsung's US and Canadian error-code articles group C-10, C-11 and C-12 together as an "Error with Gas/Easy/PH Sensor", and Samsung Russia describes C-10 as a malfunction of the cooking sensor. The owner's manual for Samsung's MS22M8074 built-in microwave lists C-10 as "Cooking sensor is needed to check". According to Samsung's service manual for the ME21M706BAG over-the-range microwave, the Sensor Cooking function uses a special gas sensor that detects both humidity (steam) and hydrocarbons (food odors) while food cooks. On that model the sensor is a plug-in part in the vent area at the top left corner of the cavity, behind the grille. When the control can't get a sensible reading from it, it shows C-10. The service flowchart for C-10 checks, in order: whether the sensor is unplugged, whether its wire is connected properly, and whether the sensor's voltage changes as humidity, temperature and weight change. If the voltage doesn't change, the sensor is faulty and gets replaced. If the sensor checks out and the fault comes back after power is cycled, the board is replaced. Because the code is about the sensor, it usually shows up when you use Popcorn, Sensor Reheat or other auto-cook buttons. Other Samsung codes mean different things: C-20 to C-22 are the temperature sensor, C-d0 is a key held down or shorted, and C-F0 to C-F2 are communication faults between boards.

Likely causes

• A one-time control glitch that clears after Stop and a power reset (Samsung's first check)
• Moisture inside the microwave from a spill or steam from the cooktop below an over-the-range model
• The cooking sensor unplugged, or its wire or connector loose (first checks in Samsung's service flowchart)
• A failed gas/humidity cooking sensor whose output no longer changes with steam and heat
• A faulty main control board when the sensor and wiring check out

Safe DIY checks

1. Press Stop (Stop/Clear or Stop/Eco on some models), then start the same mode again. Samsung says that's the first thing to try.
2. If C-10 comes back, unplug the microwave or switch off its breaker. Samsung Russia and the MS22M8074 manual say 30 seconds; Samsung US and Canada say 60 seconds. Waiting 60 seconds covers both.
3. If liquid boiled over inside the cavity or steam from the cooktop has been rolling up into an over-the-range microwave, leave it unplugged long enough to dry out before you test again. Samsung US says moisture can cause error codes.
4. Wipe the cavity dry and clean any grease or splatter off the vent grille inside the top of the cavity, since that's near where the sensor draws in air.
5. Restore power and try the same sensor mode. If it works now, Samsung Russia says it may have been a one-time glitch; watch it, and book service if the code comes back within a few days.
6. Until it's fixed, timed cooking at a set power level doesn't use the cooking sensor, so you can use that instead of the sensor or auto-cook buttons.
7. Don't open the cabinet to reach the sensor yourself. Microwaves have a high-voltage capacitor that can hold a dangerous charge even when unplugged, and Samsung's service manual warns that testing the sensor terminals with a meter can damage the sensor.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• C-d1 Samsung Microwave C-d1
• SE Samsung Microwave SE
• E-11 Frigidaire Microwave E-11
• F3 GE Microwave F3
• PF GE Microwave PF

All Samsung codes →

Sources

1. Samsung US: What does the error code on my Samsung microwave mean? (C-10, C-11, C-12 error with gas/easy/PH sensor; unplug or breaker off, let moisture dry or wait 60 seconds, request service if it returns)
2. Samsung Canada: Understanding the meaning of error codes on your Samsung microwave (C-10/C-11/C-12 error with gas/easy/PH sensor; 60-second reset, then service)
3. Samsung Russia: C10 error on a Samsung microwave (cooking sensor fault; press Stop/Eco and rerun, unplug 30 seconds, rerun, contact service if it returns or recurs within days)
4. Samsung MS22M8074AT/EE owner's manual, Information code table (C-10: cooking sensor is needed to check; Stop/Eco, 30-second power off, then Customer Care)
5. Samsung ME21M706BAG/AA service manual (ManualsLib), 4-14 Sensor and 5-3-1 C-10 flowchart (gas sensor detects humidity and food odors; check connection and wiring, sensor voltage response, replace sensor, then PCB)