Why is My Samsung Dryer Not Heating Up? – How To Troubleshoot

Last Updated on December 15, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford

Dryers are a year-round quick solution for everything laundry related. But since winter is nowhere, the need for dryers is more emphasized. On the forefront of the best dryers out there would-be Samsung.

It has become a household name for many reasons but how do you troubleshoot a Samsung dryer when it no longer heats? 

There are several reasons why a Samsung dryer is no longer heating and here is a comprehensive Q&A about all these so might as well read on. Some FAQs will also be addressed to guide you in other general dryer issues.

Why is the Samsung dryer not heating? 

As have been mentioned, there are a lot of reasons as to why your Samsung dryer suddenly stops heating. The most probable ones would the following: 

• There is an on-going blockage by the dryer’s vent line. 
• The voltage or the thermostat is damaged. 
• There is a problem with the thermal fuse (cut-off fuse). 
• There is a problem with the heating elements. 
• There have been undetected overheating problems. 
• There are problems with the internal wiring. 

Why is the Samsung dryer blowing cold air? 

Ironically, a Samsung dryer starts blowing cold air when there is overheating happening inside. Of course, dryers are meant to release hot air to do their function. Some of the parts that might have experienced overheating causing cold air to be blown would be the following: 

• Thermostat
• Thermal cut-off fuse
• Air vent line
• Coiled internal wiring
• Heating element

How do I troubleshoot my Samsung dryer?

You cannot troubleshoot a Samsung dryer if you do not know what you are trying to fix in the first place. As such, it is important that you know specific error codes to look out for: 

• bE (something is stuck and it has to be pressed to eject any object stuck in the control panel)
• dF (the dryer’s door switch is malfunctioning)
• do (the dryer’s door is open)
• FE (frequency of power supply is uncontrolled)
• HE/hE (heating element is jeopardized)
• tS (the temperature sensor is damaged)
• tO (the temperature sensor in an electric model is open)

For better visuals on how to troubleshoot a Samsung dryer, here are tutorial clips from Bill Newberry and The Home Improvement Channel. 

7 Reasons Why Samsung Dryer Not Heating And How To Fix

There are several reasons why your dryer may not be heating your clothes up. Either or, these are some of the main reasons behind the problem along with the basic troubleshooting schemes which you can employ. 

1. Samsung dryer thermal fuse

As the name suggests, a thermal fuse is a safety device that functions to prevent the Samsung dryer from overheating. Having a faulty one is one of the most common reasons as to why your dryer would not heat. 

This is often not known by many but professionals. However, they are an added component to your appliances to protect them from overheating. Also known as the sacrificial device because they are meant for protecting devices; mostly the one that is blown out in case of overheating. 

Machines, such as the Samsung dryers have a burn-out thermal fuse but if the temperature goes too high, the thermal fuse will burn out causing your dryers to not work. As the machine owner, always make sure that the heater assembly is in safe levels as a prevention for a possible burning out. 

If you are having this issue, know that there are two parts in fixing this problem. One is replacing the burnt-out thermal fuse. And because there are parts that are meant to be changed, then the second part of fixing this problem would be to change the burnt-out thermal fuse. 

In terms of troubleshooting the problem, the following steps must be followed:

Disassemble the dryer

When dealing with any electrical machine make sure that the first thing you do is to unplug it to prevent injuries. Only then can you disassemble the dryer. 

Remove the top and front panels

For the second step, focus on the back and unscrew the top panel then remove it altogether. This shall be done the same with the front panel.

After which, carefully remove the control panel from the front of the dryer, unbind the wires and place the control panel inside. Removing the control panel will make you see the insides, specifically the screws at the top and front panel which are meant to be removed. 

Remove the front bulkhead

The front bulkhead is the metal plate where the control panel is present. Remove the bucket screw by carefully removing the bracket from the frame. Next, remove the bulb wires and all the wires on the twist retainers. 

Also, make sure that you remove all the screws on the bulk head and the blower. For the last step, remove your bulkhead from the drum and disconnect the moisture sensing wire harness found at the bottom of the drum. Note that this piece is heavy that is why there is a need to be careful.

Disassemble the belt and pulley

You can do this by reaching under the drum and pushing the idler pulley to loosen the tension on the belt. This time, you should be able to unwrap the belt from the pulley and the motor shaft.

Replace the thermal fuse

Disconnect the wire harness from the limit, remove all the mounting screws and replace them. After which, reconnect the wire harness. 

Put the dryer back together

After disassembling your dryers, now is the time to put all the pieces back together. Make sure to have it properly put back as to prevent you from causing more problems along the way. 

Reassembling the belt and the idler

Returning to their original place and making sure that they align with rollers is now the challenge with these components, hence, the need to be precise when assembling the back. Having the manual to follow is advisable. 

Replace the bulkhead and reconnect wires

Reposition the front bulkhead and put the mounting screws on places where you removed them. Also, re-attach the blower housing mounting screw. You must also reconnect the sensing wire harness, the bulb wire, and fasten it in the twist retainer. Use the support bracket to secure the wires. 

Reattaching the front and top panels

As the last step, it is now time to replace the front panel. When done, it is necessary to check that the replacement properly took off by plugging in the dryer, opening them and seeing if it already generates heat and all the problems now working. 

Where is the thermal fuse on the Samsung dryer? 

The thermal fuse is usually located at the blower’s case or could be attached adjacent to the heating element. In Samsung gas models, the thermal fuse would be at the burner. Ideally, the thermal fused should be always closed to supply continuous electric supply to the dyer. When it is damaged, prepare for overheating. 

How do I know if my thermal fuse is blown? 

Like all else, you must use the multimeter test. You must press the right side of the multimeter to the right side of the thermal fuse. You also must do this with the left side of the multimeter. If the needle fails to move, the thermal fuse is busted. 

How do I test a thermal fuse on a dryer? 

You must also use the multimeter test here. To do this, you must attach the wire terminals of the multimeter to the thermal fuse. If the reading projects an infinity reading, the thermal fuse is working and all fine. Any figure less than that means that it is defective. 

How do you fix a blown thermal fuse? 

If you ever go down this fixing, here are the steps that you must master: 

• Unplug the dryer and remove the thermal fuse case. 
• Detach the screws and terminal wires of the blown thermal fuse to get it off the dryer. 
• Put in the replacement and secure it by re-attaching the terminal wires and screwing the brackets and casing. For a quick visual of the entire process, check this tutorial from Eformance Engineering. 

2. Burnt heating element

When your Samsung dryer lacks this feature, there is a need for you to fix or replace your dryers.

Generating heat is the major function of a dryer so when the heating element gets burnt or goes out of your Samsung dryers, then, you should truly worry. 

While it is a needed element in the machine, there are also varying forms of heating element per model that is why it is also advisable that you check or purchase the right one in times of need.

There are also several reasons why your Samsung dryers’ heating element is not heating up. 

Your Samsung Dryer’s heating element has burned out by 80%:

Always check your dryers for a possible burnout. You can do this by inspecting the heating element through a multimeter or visually. If not, you can also seek professional help to confirm. 

The heating element resistance is below 10 ohms:

The standard resistance is 10 ohms If it is below 10 ohms, you need to check up once again for a possible replacement or change of machine. 

When you already sense a burning smell, or even burn marks somewhere near the element, then these are major indications that it has already burned out and that replacement is soon to follow. However, take note that before beginning repairs, make sure to turn off the power supply to prevent injury. 

If you are wondering about how to fix this problem, here are some of the basic steps to follow:

Unplug the dryer:

Make sure that the machine is not plugged to the electric socket to prevent injury on the person doing the replacement.

Take off the exhaust and remove the back panel:

When engaged in DIY fixing, you might need to have basic tools to make the replacement convenient. So, it is advisable for every homeowner to have emergency tool kits that can be used especially in cases like this.

Check the user manual on how to remove parts so as not to damage the appliance entirely. 

Look at the back of your dryers:

Looking at the heating element of the dryer requires opening the back of your dryer. The metal on the bottom right (depending on the model) is the one you are looking for, talking about the heating element that is making your dryers not work. 

Unscrew both the black sensor on top and the bottom:

To keep your replacement going, follow this fourth step for a faster fixture of the problem.

Unhook the wire below the sensor:

50% of homeowners see these two wires as the problem, talking about the heating element. However, some also suggest that the other wire present which is the heating fuse is located towards the left side can also be the problem. 

When in doubt of a clear reason behind the heating failure between these two, then it is much advisable to seek the help of professionals and give it a shot to measure through a voltmeter of the real reason behind. 

Lift on the metallic or gray casing:

This part can be opened easily otherwise; you have to pull a little bit to have it open. When opened, look for the screw and small bracket that may need to be possibly removed or there are hooks at the bottom that might be probably loose. 

Turn the gray casing upside down:

In here, you can see the one screw is holding the element. What you need to do is to take out the screw and slowly pull out the element and you will find a coil that heats up.

After which, examine the coil for possible breaks or if you have a voltmeter, test the element and also the sensor for a better check.

Install the new element:

As the heating elements need to be replaced to function well, make sure to replace all the sensors, the back panel and the exhaust hose.

When finished, give it a try and see if the element works. However, if it still does not function, it is now time to seek the help of a professional or even change the whole machine for a sure use.

How does the heating element work? 

The heating element automatically turns on when the motor of the dryer is turned on too. It will glow a faint red color and will distribute heat across the dryer. After the first cycle, the temperature will cool down. As soon as you spin for the next drying cycle, the heating element will automatically heat up again.

How long should the dryer heating element last? 

If maintained well, a heating element could last for up to 12years. And since this one is the heart of the dryer, the more you use it, the more that the heating element will be vulnerable to wear and tear. 

How to run diagnostics? 

For this, you must do the vent blockage test, and here are the steps to follow: 

• Close the dryer’s door and make sure that the drum is dried out. 
• Turn the power on. When the controls are on, press and hold the ‘dry level’ and the ‘adjust the time up’ buttons and wait for the InS or In to appear. 
• Push the Start/Pause button to start the test. This will go for at least a minute or two. If ‘HE’ or ‘hE’ appears, the heating element has a problem.  

How to remove and replace the heating element

If you are going down the DIY route, here are the steps in removing and replacing your dryer’s heating element. 

• Make sure that the dryer is unplugged. Unscrew the lid and the back of the dryer. 
• You will find four screws securing the front panel connecting to the dryer’s control panel. The control panel will have to be disconnected by lifting it and then detaching it from its wire harness. 
• There are locking tabs at the bottom part of the front panel. You must disconnect the wires of the door switch. After this, you must lift the panel, disconnect the moisture sensor from it along with the wire harness. 
• Unscrew the heating element from the bracket. Pull it out and disconnect the wire harness attached to it but never from the high limit thermostat switch. 
• Twist the whole thing upward to disconnect the housing of the heating element and from there unbend the wire terminals from the locks. 
• Detach the wire terminals, replace the heating element, and screw everything back in. 

How much does a heating element cost for a Samsung dryer? 

The cost of the entire heating element set replacement is between $40-100. And since you cannot make the fix on your own, the entire fix process by a repair technician will be at around $200-350. This range can go up or less depending on the dryer model. Gas model dryers are more expensive to fix than the electric models. 

3. Gas valve solenoid

A gas valve solenoid is found in gas model dryers. As a matter of fact, there are two of them. This piece functions to open the port of the gas valves. With this, gas will flow into the burner. As such, if the gas valve solenoid is faulty, the dryer will not heat up. If you are hinting a faulty gas valve solenoid, you must probably check the igniter. 

A working igniter should glow for a while, goes off, and then ignites the gas assembly. If it does not ignite the gas, it is damaged or defective. You have to check in with a professional if you are to replace it because once one of the gas valve solenoids is defective, there is a major functioning problem for the dryer. 

For dryers that have a gas driver, there will be two or more gas valve solenoid coils present. It severs an opening port allowing the gas flow to enter the burner assembly. So, if your dryer has a heating issue, it might be that the gas solenoid is not working or is completely damaged. 

To test if the gas valve solenoid is properly working, here are the steps to employ:

• Unplug the dryer’s electricity to avoid harm then remove the access panel while setting it to the side with screws. Make sure that they would not get lost during inspection. 
• Put it into a high heat setting, turn it on and observe the flame sensor. When it glows for several seconds, replace the gas valve solenoid. If the igniter glows and stays longer, then the problem lies in the flame sensor. However, if the glow goes out quickly, then check the air nozzle intake. 
• Using a multi-tester, test the gas valve solenoid for an electrical issue. If the device gives an infinity or zero, then this is an indication that the coil should be replaced.

4. High limit thermostat

The high limit thermostat of your dryer functions by monitoring the temperature of your dryer. If the burner is at borderline overheating, it will automatically shut the dryer off.

You would know that the high limit thermostat is malfunctioning if it shuts off the dryer even if the dryer temperature is way below the overheating limit. 

This device does not commonly fault out, so you have to check for the other adjacent pieces if they are working properly. To be sure, you can run diagnostics by running a multimeter test to check for high limit thermostat continuity. If it does not catch continuity, you have to replace it. 

5. Control board is failing

This one is the navigation board of the dryer and it cannot be easily tested when you suspect that it is malfunctioning. To do this, you must thoroughly inspect the pieces that could easily get damaged.

Look for signs of short-circuits, burnt wires, and other signs of burning. If there are malfunctioning parts, ask for help from a professional, or else you lose the functions of your control board. 

The control board is known to be the brain of almost all household appliances, including its ability to generate heat. The control panel has a lot of electrical components to control the different parts of the dryer.

That is why when this component fails, there is a possible heater relay failure that is causing a lack of power provided in generating heat. 

Of course, fixing just the heater relay would be possible but if you want to fix it on your own, here are some steps which you can follow. 

• Find the main control board located behind the control panel of your dryer.
• Remove the top panel to gain access to it. However, keep in mind that the location of the components might vary model to model so it is best to refer to the manual for a better result. 
• When you already found the control board, remove the electrical connectors and mounting screws. And put on the new board. Also, there is a need to replace the screws and connectors and put them the same way as before. 

6. Dry sensor

There are two dry sensors in Samsung dryers: sensor dry and eco dry. The function of the dry sensors is to monitor the humidity level inside the drum. As such, this feature automatically regulates and adjusts the drying time corresponding to the option that you selected through the control board. 

One unique feature of sensor dry is that it stops drying when the lighter fabrics are all dried up. However, expect that the heavier fabrics will remain damp. On the other hand, eco dry works to reduce the heat level used in a longer drying time. This way, lesser energy consumption is attained. 

The most common problem that dry sensors face would be lint or fabric residue buildup. When this occurs, the moisture sensor malfunctions leading to the wrong drying time. To avoid this from happening, you must clean it regularly. 

7. Cycling thermostat

The function of the cycling thermostat is to regulate the dryer’s air temperature by controlling the heat cycle when the dryer is on and when it is off. While a malfunctioning cycling thermostat is a rare case, the dryer will not heat if it is defective.

Again, if you are suspecting a malfunction, you must run a multimeter test for continuity. Replace the piece if there is no continuity after running the diagnostics. 

When this happens, your Samsung dryers’ heating element will stop working when it reaches the set temperature. The cycling thermostat is present in most appliances where it is needed because it ensures the appropriate turn on and turn off.

In short, it sets the limit of the work a machine provides. Cycling thermostat failure happens because of the possible low temperature inside the dryer resulting in failure of turning on the heater.

When replacing this one, you have to:

• Unplug the machine to keep you away from harm. 
• Remove the electrical connector and unmount the screws to disassemble. 
• Carefully replace it with a new thermostat
• Make sure that you do it carefully with the manual as your basis.

8. Improper Power Supply

The heating element inside the dryer needs 240V of power supply to keep on generating heat. A dryer is an appliance that needs constant power that is why when it does not receive the proper power supply, it will not work. 

On fixing this matter, you should only restore full power to your Samsung dryer. Make sure that you check your circuit breakers and know how to identify the amount of power your dryer needs.

If the same breaker keeps on tripping, it is a sign that you already need technical help from professionals because the problem might be within the Samsung dryer itself.

How to reset Samsung dryer

Resetting a Samsung dryer only takes about 10minutes. The first step is to unplug it and wait for at least 5minutes to let the electricity run off completely off the wires. After which plug it in and press the Start/Pause button. Try to hold the button up for at least 15seconds. If no error code blinks, you have successfully reset your Samsung dryer. 

How much does it cost to fix a dryer that will not heat?

There are three most common pieces that will malfunction in any dryer: the vent, the thermostat, and the drum. Each of these has small pieces inside that are prone to short-circuit, overheating, and busting. When these small pieces malfunction, your dryer will not heat. 

At best, fixing a dryer that will not heat will cost you between $100-500 depending on the model and brand of your dryer. Evaluate the busted pieces and see for yourself if a temporary fix will be worth the money. Apply the 50% rule on appliance maintenance. If it goes over $250, might as well buy a new one. 

Samsung dryer not heating or spinning

When your dryer starts to stop heating and spinning, these are the reasons why it is not serving its function: 

1. Child lock feature is on: If your dryer is not spinning but the other features are working properly then the child lock feature might be activated. This feature gives a locked start button to prevent children from playing with the clothes. If this happens, look for a button that has a baby symbol and turn it off. 

2. Broken drive belt: If this is the problem, you can just easily replace it at home or seek professional help for assistance. 

3. Bad drum roller: When the drum roller is worn out, no spinning shall happen. When the drum roller needs to be replaced, you will notice that: 

• Your clothes are wrinkled after drying.
• There is a lint buildup.
• There is unpleasant noise coming from the appliance. 

4. Drum roller axle: When it is worn out, the dryer will not continue to work so it is best to have them replaced immediately to avoid a pile up of used clothing at home. 

5. Worn out drum bearing: When the bearing is damaged, it may be the cause of your dryers not spinning. You will notice an unusual grinding or squeal-like sound when the bearing is at fault, hence, when this happens, it is best to call for technicians for a repair because this will not be easy doing it just on your own.

6. Malfunctioning drive motor: If no signs of blockage which results in a drive motor malfunction, then it is the time to repair or replace your drive motors as this may be the major problem of your dryers not serving its function. 

7. A broken idler pulley: The main function of this is to reduce noise produced by vibrations that are happening from a running dryer. However, when the noise gets too loud or dry, then there might be a problem with your dryer’s idler pulley. 

8. A damaged drum glide: If you notice that your clothes take longer than usual tumbling on your dryers plus it creates an unusual loud noise then it is probably a damage in a drum glide.

9. Electrical problem: If this is the problem with your dryers then it is now time to go and find a new one that will help you dry your clothes for a short time. Hurry and do not think twice as the repair might cost just like purchasing a new one. 

FAQs

Of course, there are other things that you must know when it comes to issues about your Samsung dryer. Here are some pointers that you must watch out for. 

When do I replace the dryer’s igniter? 

Igniters are small pieces and most of the time they are taken for granted. But in gas models, they are very important as their continuity makes sure that the dryer is heating up properly. If your Samsung dryer is not heating up, the igniter is one of the easiest to assess. 

You just must run the multimeter to see if it is working properly. If it does not, note that there is no remedy to faulty igniters, so you have to replace them immediately. 

What other faulty pieces could affect gas model Samsung dryers? 

Another commonly unlisted piece would be the flame sensor. In gas dryers, this device measures the amount of heat emitted by the burner. Once it is damaged, your dryer will not heat up. Now, the flame sensor is dependent on the burner and the igniter. If one of them is damaged, expect that the flame sensor is damaged too. 

In some circumstances where the igniter and the burner work but the dryer is still not heating up, run a multimeter test at room temperature. If the flame sensor does not work at room temperature, you must replace it immediately. 

Does a faulty timer cause a Samsung dryer not to heat up? 

As ordinary as it may seem to be, a faulty timer is a sign of overheating. When it malfunctions, there is no chance that you can even have one complete spin.

There are two ways to check for the extent of the damage. You can always run diagnostics with the multimeter test or you could check the wiring diagram to identify where the damage is. 

Why is my Samsung dryer taking too long to dry my clothes? 

When your dryer is taking too long to dry your fabrics despite the pressed drying time, the most common issue is a clogged vent. A clogged vent will restrict airflow.

To address this immediately, you must check for lint buildup and clean it off. This is a common issue for newly installed dryers, by the way so you do not need to worry when it happens to you. Just check for vent clogging. 

If the vent is clean and still has this issue, you might call for a repair consult if you are not too confident to navigate your user’s manual or if you think you are not able to look for the cause on your own.   

Why is my Samsung dryer stopping early? 

When the spinning time stops earlier than what you keyed in, this might mean that the moisture sensor in your Samsung dryer is damaged. The sensor basically detects if all the fabrics are dried so when it stops early even if the entire batch is not yet done drying, there is a problem that mere resetting cannot remedy. 

How do I reset my Samsung dryer without heating?

There are two basic steps in resetting your Samsung dryer without heating: 

• Unplug the machine from an electric socket.
• Wait for one to five minutes interval then plug in again. 

In these steps, you can clear out all the error codes in your dryer’s memory and your dryer will start working again. However, they can inflict other issues when not done properly. Also, you have to note that if after the reset and the dryer is still not working properly, enforce your warranty coverage or request for service from Samsung. 

Does a Samsung dryer have a reset button?

While it is innate for other brands to have a reset button, Samsung dryers do not have one. Hence, it is not resettable. However, plugging in and out of the socket has been most of their way of resetting but some resorts to coming up with a new machine so as to not have any other problem than resetting. 

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Conclusion

Dryers have become important home appliances, especially in a busy household. It does an exemplary job in making sure that our fabrics do not stink even if they were not dried naturally. When your Samsung dryer doesn’t heat, there are three major pieces to dig from: the vent, the thermostat, and the drum. 

Within these three pieces are smaller devices that are crucial because they deliver specific functions that dry the fabrics we put in the dryer. When one of these pieces malfunctions, the go-to remedy is to run diagnostics by resetting the dryer (and wait for error codes to appear) or run the multimeter test and look for continuity paths. 

If none of these works and you cannot remedy it by yourself or through thorough checking of the manual, professional consultation is always a good choice.