What causes Samsung Microwave E-11?

A one-time control glitch that clears after a 60-second power reset (Samsung's first step for any microwave error code). Moisture in the electronics from a spill or from cooktop steam rising into an over-the-range microwave (Samsung US says to let it dry). The gas sensor unplugged, or connector CN301 not seated on the board (first check in the ME21R7051S service flowchart). A broken or damaged wire between the sensor and the board (SMH1927 service manual). A gas/humidity sensor that has failed open (SMH1927 quick test reading 213 or higher). A faulty smart/main board, especially if E-11 appears the moment a sensor function starts (SMH1927 service manual).

How do I fix Samsung Microwave E-11?

Note the exact code and your model number from the label inside the door frame. Make sure it's E-11 and not C-11 or E-12, since the fix path is similar but the meaning differs. Unplug the microwave or switch off its breaker for at least 60 seconds, then power it back on (Samsung US and Canada). If something boiled over inside, or steam from the cooktop has been rolling up into an over-the-range unit, leave it off long enough to dry out completely before testing again. Samsung says moisture can cause error codes. Wipe the cavity dry and clean grease off the vent grille at the top of the cavity, near where the sensor draws in air. Try a sensor button such as Sensor Reheat or Popcorn. If E-11 comes straight back, stop there and book service. Until it's fixed, cook with a set time and power level instead of the sensor or auto-cook buttons, since manual timed cooking doesn't read the gas sensor. Don't open the cabinet to reach the sensor yourself. Microwaves hold a lethal charge in the high-voltage capacitor even when unplugged, and Samsung's service manual warns that testing the sensor terminals with a meter can damage the sensor.

When should I call a pro for Samsung Microwave E-11?

E-11 returns after a power reset and a full dry-out: Samsung says to request service through its support center. A technician checks that the sensor connector (CN301 on ME21R7051S-family models) is seated and the wiring is intact, then runs the sensor quick test. A reading of 213 or higher points to an open sensor, loose plug, wiring or board. If the wiring is fine, the sensor gets replaced. On over-the-range models it sits above the cavity on the left side, so the microwave usually has to come off the wall. If E-11 appears as soon as a sensor function starts even with a good sensor, the SMH1927 service manual calls for replacing the smart board. E-11 along with other codes, burning smells or sparking: unplug it and leave it off until it's inspected.

Code: E-11🔧 Samsung Microwave

Samsung Microwave E-11 Error Code: Open Gas (Cooking) Sensor Error

Q: What does Samsung Microwave E-11 mean?

E-11 on a Samsung microwave means the control has lost the signal from the gas sensor, the humidity/cooking sensor that Popcorn, Sensor Reheat and the other auto-cook buttons rely on. Samsung lists it as an "Open Gas Sensor Error". Unplug the microwave or switch off its breaker for 60 seconds (longer if steam or a spill may have gotten inside), then try again. If E-11 comes back, the sensor, its connector or wiring, or the control board needs service. Until then, timed cooking at a set power level still works. Samsung's US and Canadian error-code articles list E-11 as an "Open Gas Sensor Error" and E-12 as a "Short Gas Sensor Error". "Open" means the control sees a broken circuit: the sensor isn't plugged in, a wire is broken, or the sensor itself has failed open. Samsung's service manual for the SMH1927 over-the-range microwave describes E-11 the same way (sensor open error) and tells technicians to check for an unplugged sensor, the wiring and the smart board, replace the sensor if necessary, and replace the smart board if the code appears as soon as a sensor function starts. That manual's quick test (hold Auto Defrost and Popcorn together) shows a diagnostic number: about 15 to 185 is normal, and 213 or higher means the sensor failed open, is unplugged, or there's a wiring or board fault, which is what E-11 reports. The service manual for the newer ME21R7051S and ME20H705MS over-the-range models starts its E-11/E-12 flowchart by checking that the sensor connector CN301 is seated on the board. This E code style is used on older and many over-the-range Samsung models; newer Samsung microwaves report cooking sensor trouble as C-10 to C-12 instead (see the C-10 page), and E-12 (shorted sensor) and E-13 (sensor timed out) are related codes with the same first checks.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Based on 4 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Samsung's US and Canadian error-code articles list E-11 as an "Open Gas Sensor Error" and E-12 as a "Short Gas Sensor Error". "Open" means the control sees a broken circuit: the sensor isn't plugged in, a wire is broken, or the sensor itself has failed open. Samsung's service manual for the SMH1927 over-the-range microwave describes E-11 the same way (sensor open error) and tells technicians to check for an unplugged sensor, the wiring and the smart board, replace the sensor if necessary, and replace the smart board if the code appears as soon as a sensor function starts. That manual's quick test (hold Auto Defrost and Popcorn together) shows a diagnostic number: about 15 to 185 is normal, and 213 or higher means the sensor failed open, is unplugged, or there's a wiring or board fault, which is what E-11 reports. The service manual for the newer ME21R7051S and ME20H705MS over-the-range models starts its E-11/E-12 flowchart by checking that the sensor connector CN301 is seated on the board. This E code style is used on older and many over-the-range Samsung models; newer Samsung microwaves report cooking sensor trouble as C-10 to C-12 instead (see the C-10 page), and E-12 (shorted sensor) and E-13 (sensor timed out) are related codes with the same first checks.

Likely causes

A one-time control glitch that clears after a 60-second power reset (Samsung's first step for any microwave error code)
Moisture in the electronics from a spill or from cooktop steam rising into an over-the-range microwave (Samsung US says to let it dry)
The gas sensor unplugged, or connector CN301 not seated on the board (first check in the ME21R7051S service flowchart)
A broken or damaged wire between the sensor and the board (SMH1927 service manual)
A gas/humidity sensor that has failed open (SMH1927 quick test reading 213 or higher)
A faulty smart/main board, especially if E-11 appears the moment a sensor function starts (SMH1927 service manual)

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Unplug the appliance and shut off its gas valve before working on it; never disconnect or alter the gas line. If you smell gas, leave and call your gas utility.

Note the exact code and your model number from the label inside the door frame. Make sure it's E-11 and not C-11 or E-12, since the fix path is similar but the meaning differs.
Unplug the microwave or switch off its breaker for at least 60 seconds, then power it back on (Samsung US and Canada).
If something boiled over inside, or steam from the cooktop has been rolling up into an over-the-range unit, leave it off long enough to dry out completely before testing again. Samsung says moisture can cause error codes.
Wipe the cavity dry and clean grease off the vent grille at the top of the cavity, near where the sensor draws in air.
Try a sensor button such as Sensor Reheat or Popcorn. If E-11 comes straight back, stop there and book service.
Until it's fixed, cook with a set time and power level instead of the sensor or auto-cook buttons, since manual timed cooking doesn't read the gas sensor.
Don't open the cabinet to reach the sensor yourself. Microwaves hold a lethal charge in the high-voltage capacitor even when unplugged, and Samsung's service manual warns that testing the sensor terminals with a meter can damage the sensor.

🛠 When to call a pro

E-11 returns after a power reset and a full dry-out: Samsung says to request service through its support center.
A technician checks that the sensor connector (CN301 on ME21R7051S-family models) is seated and the wiring is intact, then runs the sensor quick test. A reading of 213 or higher points to an open sensor, loose plug, wiring or board.
If the wiring is fine, the sensor gets replaced. On over-the-range models it sits above the cavity on the left side, so the microwave usually has to come off the wall.
If E-11 appears as soon as a sensor function starts even with a good sensor, the SMH1927 service manual calls for replacing the smart board.
E-11 along with other codes, burning smells or sparking: unplug it and leave it off until it's inspected.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Microwave gas/humidity cooking sensor

Only if E-11 keeps coming back after a reset and dry-out. Match your exact model number; on over-the-range models it's mounted above the cavity, so leave the install to a technician.

Search eBay →

⚙

Microwave control (smart) board

Only after the sensor, connector and wiring check out. Match your exact model number.

Search eBay →

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-26. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.

Samsung Microwave E-11 Error Code: Open Gas (Cooking) Sensor Error

What the code means

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

🛠 When to call a pro

Parts that commonly fix it

Microwave gas/humidity cooking sensor

Microwave control (smart) board

Related codes

Sources