How to fix a left front dual element on an electric Samsung range that isn’t working

Are you unable to use your left front dual element on your Samsung electric range because it isn’t working and you don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. This is a problem that you can troubleshoot and fix yourself without the need for a costly service call, and we’re here to help you do it!

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: 6 Electric Stove Safety Tips  

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.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: How to Clean a Glass Stovetop

How to troubleshoot the range

Find out what’s going wrong with your electric Samsung range and how you can fix it by following these steps.

Step 1: Test the dual infinite switch

1. Disconnect power to the range.
2. Remove the rear panel on the back of the control panel to access the dual infinite switch.

   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. Plug the range back in.
4. Set your multimeter to Volts AC mode.
5. Use the multimeter probes to test for 240 Volts AC between the P1 (double red wire) and P2 (double black wire) terminals of the infinite switch.
6. If there is 240 VAC, set the infinite switch to turn on the inner element, then use the probes to test for 240 VAC between terminal 4 (yellow and violet with gray) and terminal 2 (blue wire).
7. Set the infinite switch to turn on the inner and outer elements.
8. Test for 240 VAC between terminal 4A (violet wire) and terminal 2 (blue wire).

If the infinite switch doesn’t pass any of the tests, it will need to be replaced. If the switch passes all testing, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Check the wiring harness

1. Disconnect power to the range by unplugging it or flipping off the circuit breaker.
2. Inspect the wiring between the infinite switch and the dual element for any signs of damage, such as frays, burn spots, breaks or damaged insulation. Replace any damaged wiring or insulation as needed.

If the wiring looks good, continue troubleshooting.

Step 3: Test the elements

1. Make sure the range is disconnected from the power source.
2. Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
3. Use the meter probes to test for continuity between connector 1B (black wire) and 2B (yellow wire) with the element set to the off and on positions. If there’s continuity, the meter should make a beeping sound.
4. Set the multimeter to resistance mode (Ω).
5. Use the meter probes to test the resistance of the inner element from 2A (gray wire) to terminal A (blue wire) and look for 45-55 Ohms.
6. Test the resistance of the outer element from 2A (gray wire) to terminal B (orange wire) and look for 42-48 Ohms.

If any of the readings are out of range, then the affected element will need to be replaced.

If the elements pass testing, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Test element voltage

1. Make sure the range is plugged in and powered on.
2. Set the multimeter to Volts AC.
3. Use the meter probes to test for 240 VAC between the 2A (gray wire) and terminal A (blue wire) for the inner element.
4. Use the meter probes to test for 240 VAC between the 2A (gray wire) and terminal B (orange wire) for the outer element.

If you have 240 Vac at the element connections but it’s still not working, then the dual element is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Read more: How To Replace A Range/Stove Glass Cooktop Assembly  

Additional information

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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