How To Fix a Samsung Range Hot Surface Light That Stays On

That hot surface light on your Samsung electric range won’t turn off—but why? Even when the cooktop is cool, the light stays on, likely due to a faulty burner switch. We’ll show you how to troubleshoot the issue and replace the part so your range works as it should.

If you need any replacement parts for your Samsung range, 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.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you need

• Multimeter
• Blanket or shipping pad
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or its parts. 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.
• 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.

How to troubleshoot a Samsung range hot surface light staying on all the time

Step 1. Identify the issue

1. Check if the hot surface light remains on even when the cooktop is cool.
2. Confirm the difference between the hot surface light and the ON indicator light.
3. Determine that a faulty hot surface switch inside an element is likely causing the issue.
4. Unplug the range from the power outlet or turn off the circuit breaker.
5. Wait for the cooktop to cool completely before starting.

Step 2. Access the cooktop and elements

1. Pull the range away from the wall to access the back panel.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws securing the back panel.
3. Set the panel aside.
4. Locate the metal trim strip at the back of the cooktop and remove the three screws.
5. Remove the screws securing the cooktop at the back corners.
6. Move to the front and remove the four screws securing the control console.
7. Pull the bottom of the console outward and lift it up, resting it on a towel or protective surface.
8. Remove the two screws at each front corner securing the cooktop.
9. Disconnect the two wire connectors attaching the cooktop to the range.
10. Lift the cooktop carefully and place it face-down on a soft surface such as a towel or moving blanket.

Step 3. Test the surface elements

NOTE: Generally, for every 1 degree in temperature difference, 2 Ohms could be added or subtracted. If the temperature in your home is cooler, resistance would be subtracted.

1. Locate the heating elements on the underside of the cooktop.
2. Identify the two small terminals on each element connected to the hot surface switch.
3. Set a multimeter to continuity mode (Ω or diode symbol).
4. Touch the multimeter probes to the two small terminals of an element.
5. If the multimeter beeps or shows continuity when the element is cold, the switch is stuck closed, indicating a defective element.
6. Repeat the test for all elements if necessary.
7. Identify which element needs to be replaced based on test results.

Step 4. Remove the faulty element

1. Mark the mounting position of the faulty element on the bracket.
2. Remove the four screws securing the element bracket.
3. Slide the defective element out of its mounting position.
4. Take a picture of the wires connected to the old element for reference.
5. Disconnect the wires from the old element one at a time.
6. Remove the clips securing the element to the mount.

Step 5. Install the new element

1. Attach the mounting clips to the new element in the same position as the old one.
2. If the terminals are in the same position as the old element, transfer the wires one by one.
3. If the terminals are different, use the reference picture to reconnect the wires correctly.
4. Secure the new element in the same mounting position as the old one.
5. Reattach the element bracket using the four screws removed earlier.

Step 6. Reassemble the cooktop

1. Guide the wire connectors back through the holes.
2. Reattach the pan and secure it with the four screws.
3. Reinstall the ground screws.
4. Place the cooktop back onto the range frame.
5. Secure the cooktop with the four corner screws.
6. Reconnect the two wire connectors.
7. Reattach the control console and secure it with the four screws.
8. Install the metal trim piece at the back of the range and secure it with three screws.
9. Reattach the back panel with the screws removed earlier.
10. Plug the range back into the wall outlet or turn the circuit breaker back on.
11. Check if the hot surface light turns off once the burners cool.
12. If the light remains on, repeat the testing process for additional faults.
13. If the ON indicator light stays on instead of the hot surface light, test and replace the infinite switch instead.

We’re here to help

Thanks for sticking with us! We hope this guide got your Samsung range back up and running. If you’ve got other appliance repairs on your list, take a look at our other guides and videos for some more help. When you’re ready to order new parts, just grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. You can chat with a pro, check out our DIY blog, view diagrams and more. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube and connect with us on Facebook, X and Instagram!