Why is my Samsung dryer running but not heating?

If you’ve found your Samsung dryer suddenly runs but doesn’t heat, it can be super frustrating. But don’t worry! We’ll cover the common reasons why your dryer might not be heating and what you can do to get it back in action!

If you need any replacement parts for your Samsung dryer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Causes of a dryer not heating 

• Improperly set controls: Make sure that the dryer settings are correctly configured for the type of load you’re drying. Some settings like air dry may not activate the heater.
• Power supply issues: Insufficient voltage to the dryer, often due to a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse in the home’s electrical system, can prevent proper heating.
• Excessive lint build-up: A lint build-up in the dryer or vent can restrict airflow and cause overheating, leading to the system shutting down heating.
• Blown thermal fuse: As mentioned earlier, a blown thermal fuse will cut power to the heating element, stopping it from heating.
• Heating element failure: If the heating element itself is damaged or burned out, it won’t produce heat.
• Faulty thermostat: A malfunctioning thermostat can disrupt the heating process, preventing the dryer from reaching the desired temperature.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Troubleshooting steps

1. Check the incoming power  

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the appliance needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Make sure that the dryer is plugged into a working 240V outlet.
2. Check for any visible signs of damage on the plug or cord, such as fraying or burn marks.
3. Go to your home’s electrical panel and look for tripped breakers.
4. If one of the two 120V breakers is tripped, flip it back to the “on” position.
5. If the breakers repeatedly trip, it may be necessary to have an electrician inspect your home’s wiring.
6. Remove the dryer’s back panel to expose the terminal block where the power cord connects.
7. Reconnect the dryer to the power source. Be cautious of exposed wires.
8. Set the multimeter to AC voltage (VAC) to measure up to 250V or higher.
9. Place one probe on L1 and the other on L2 on the terminal block. A reading of 240V indicates the dryer is receiving the correct voltage.
10. Place one probe on L1 and the other on Neutral, and check for 120V. Repeat for L2 and Neutral for another 120V reading.
11. Once testing is complete, reattach the back panel.

2. Clean the lint filter and vent  

1. Open the dryer door and pull out the lint filter from its compartment.
2. Use a brush or run the lint filter under water to remove all debris.
3. Shine a flashlight into the lint filter housing to check for additional buildup.
4. Pull the dryer away from the wall and disconnect the vent hose from the back.
5. Look for any visible obstructions or kinks that may restrict airflow.
6. Use a vacuum or a vent cleaning brush to clear the inside of the hose.
7. Check where the dryer vent exits your home for blockages like leaves or bird nests.
8. Once cleaned, reconnect the hose to the dryer and the vent.
9. Run the dryer on an air-dry cycle and check the outside vent to see if air is flowing freely.

Read more: Samsung Dryer Repair Help

3. Test the thermal fuse  

1. Disconnect the power supply to prevent any electrical hazards.
2. Depending on your model, remove the back panel or access the blower housing to locate the thermal fuse.
3. Carefully disconnect the wires from the thermal fuse terminals.
4. Switch your multimeter to the lowest setting for resistance (Ω) or continuity.
5. Place the multimeter probes on the terminals of the thermal fuse.
6. If the multimeter beeps or shows a reading close to 0, the fuse is good. If the multimeter shows “OL” or infinite resistance, the fuse has blown.
7. If the fuse is blown, purchase a compatible replacement thermal fuse.
8. Remove the old fuse and install the new one, connecting the wires securely.
9. Put the back panel or blower housing back in place and tighten the screws.
10. Reconnect the dryer to the power source.
11. Run a cycle to see if the dryer heats properly.

4. Check the heating element  

1. Disconnect the dryer from the power supply.
2. Remove the back panel or front access panel, depending on your Samsung dryer model, to locate the heating element.
3. Look for obvious signs of damage, like breaks or burn marks on the heating coil.
4. Carefully remove the wires attached to the heating element’s terminals.
5. Switch your multimeter to the lowest resistance setting.
6. Place the probes on the heating element’s terminals.
7. A reading between 10 and 50 ohms means the heating element is working. If the multimeter shows “OL” or no continuity, the element is faulty.
8. Attach the wires securely to the new heating element.
9. Replace the back panel or front cover, ensuring all screws are tight.
10. Plug the dryer in and run a cycle to check if the heating issue is resolved.

5. Test the cycling thermostat  

1. Disconnect the dryer from the electrical outlet for safety.
2. Remove the back panel of the dryer or access the blower housing, where the cycling thermostat is usually located.
3. Gently remove the wires connected to the thermostat.
4. Turn your multimeter to the lowest setting for resistance.
5. Place the multimeter probes on the terminals of the thermostat.
6. If the thermostat has continuity (the multimeter beeps or shows near 0 resistance), it’s functioning correctly. If there’s no continuity (the multimeter shows “OL”), the thermostat is faulty.
7. Securely attach the wires and mount the new thermostat in place.
8. Put the back panel back on and secure it with the screws.
9. Reconnect the dryer to the power source.
10. Plug the dryer in and run a cycle to check if the issue is resolved.

Read more: Samsung Dryer Not Heating Help

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you fix your Samsung dryer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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