Electric Samsung range cooktop element isn’t working: DIY troubleshooting tips

If you have a Samsung range cooktop element that’s not working, you’ll be happy to know that you can fix it yourself without an expensive repair technician.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Samsung range while you’re troubleshooting, 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 troubleshooting information in this article is based on model FTQ387LWGX and 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.

What you need

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Multimeter

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: Range Burner Receptacle Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide  

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 you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.

Read more: Electric Range Heating Coil Cleaning & Upkeep

How to troubleshoot a Samsung range with a cooktop element that won’t work

Follow these steps to find out why your Samsung range’s cooktop element won’t work and how you can fix it yourself.

Step 1: Check the infinite switch

1. Unplug the range from the power outlet.
2. Remove the rear panel on the back of the control panel by taking out the screws.

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the range 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.

3. Find the 5 terminals on the single infinite switch: L1, L2, H1, H2, and P.
4. Plug the range back in.
5. Set a multimeter to volts AC mode.
6. Use the meter probes to test for 240 VAC between the L1 and L2 terminals (double black and double red wires).
7. If you see 240 VAC, set the infinite switch to turn the element on.
8. Test for 240 VAC between the H1 (orange and orange with violet stripe) and H2 (yellow) terminals.

If you get the proper voltage readings, then the infinite switch is good and you’ll need to continue troubleshooting. If you didn’t get acceptable readings, then the infinite switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step 2: Check the wire harness

With the range unplugged, inspect the wiring between the infinite switch and the element for any burned, broken, or damaged wires or insulation. Replace any damaged wiring or insulation as needed.

If the wiring and insulation look good, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Test the element

1. Make sure the range is unplugged from the power outlet.
2. Set your multimeter to continuity mode.
3. Use the meter probes to test between terminals 1b (black and brown) and 2b (yellow and violet). There shouldn’t be continuity here.
4. Set the multimeter to resistance mode (Ω) and test between terminal 2a (yellow) and terminal A (double violet) on the element. You should get 45-50 Ohms here.
5. Plug the range back in.

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the range 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.

6. Set the multimeter to volts AC mode and test between terminal 2a (yellow) and terminal A (double violet). You should get a reading of 240 VAC.

If the infinite switch passes testing, the wiring is intact, and you have the proper resistance and voltage at the element terminals, then the element itself is likely faulty and will need to be replaced.

Read more: Electric Range Element Won’t Heat: Top 7 Reasons & Fixes  

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your electric Samsung range working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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