How to test and replace the surface element on a Samsung range

One minute, your Samsung electric range is working perfectly, and the next, a burner won’t heat up or cook unevenly. Sounds familiar? A faulty surface element could be to blame. We’ll guide you through testing and replacing it, step by step, so you can get your stove back in top shape!

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 pad
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver
• Sharpie or pencil
• Pliers

The tools you need may vary based on your appliance model and its fasteners, so be sure to check the user manual or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the right tools.

Safety tips

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair.

• 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. 
• Shut off the gas supply to prevent any gas leaks while you work. 
• 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.

How to test and replace the Samsung range’s surface element

Follow these steps to test a faulty surface element and replace it if necessary.

Step 1. Access the surface element

1. Disconnect power to the range by unplugging the power cord or turning off the circuit breaker.
2. Gather necessary tools, including a Phillips screwdriver, a multimeter, and a towel or moving blanket.
3. Take photos of the wiring connections before disconnecting anything for reference.

1. Open the oven door to access the control console screws.
2. Remove the four screws securing the console.
3. Gently pull the bottom of the console out and lift it away.
4. Place a towel or pad on the oven door and rest the console there to prevent scratches.

Step 2. Test the surface element

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the washer 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. Locate the LF (Left Front) switch on the control panel.
2. Plug the range back in or turn the breaker on.
3. Turn the switch to the ON position and select the inner coil setting.
4. Set the multimeter to AC voltage.
5. Place one probe on the H2 terminal and the other on the H1 terminal.
6. Verify the reading is 240 VAC.
7. Turn the switch to the full element setting.
8. Place one probe on the H2 terminal and the other on the P terminal.
9. Verify the reading is 240 VAC.
10. If voltage is present but the element does not heat, the element is defective.
11. If no voltage is detected, inspect for broken or burned wiring.

Step 3. Remove the faulty surface element

1. Unplug the range or turn the breaker off again.
2. Pull the range away from the wall to access the back panel.
3. Remove the Phillips screws securing the back panel.
4. Remove the three screws holding the metal trim strip.
5. Remove the screws securing the cooktop at the top corners.
6. Go to the front of the range and remove the four screws securing the console.
7. Lift the console away and rest it on the oven door with a towel underneath.
8. Remove the two screws at the front corners securing the cooktop.
9. Disconnect the two wire connectors.
10. Lift the cooktop off and place it upside down on a blanket or towel.
11. Remove the two screws on each side, securing the metal pan covering the elements.
12. Remove the ground screws securing the pan.
13. Push the wire connectors through the holes and lift the pan off.
14. Locate the faulty element.
15. Take pictures of the wiring for reference.
16. Mark the mounting bracket position for proper alignment of the new element.
17. Remove the four screws securing the element.
18. Slide the old element out.

Step 4. Install the new surface element

1. Remove the clips from the old element.
2. Install the clips onto the new element in the same positions.
3. Reconnect the wires one at a time to the new element using the reference photo.
4. Attach the new element to the mounting bracket in the marked slots.
5. Secure the mounting bracket with four screws.

Step 5. Reassemble the cooktop

1. Place the pan back onto the elements.
2. Feed the wire connectors through the holes.
3. Secure the pan with the removed screws.
4. Reinstall the ground screws.
5. Place the cooktop back onto the range.
6. Secure the cooktop with the four screws at each corner.
7. Reconnect the two wire connectors.
8. Reattach the console and secure it with four screws.
9. Reinstall the trim piece at the back and secure it with three screws.
10. Attach the back panel using the Phillips screws.
11. Plug the range back in or turn the breaker on.
12. Test the new surface element by turning it on.
13. Verify both the inner and outer coils function properly.

Still need assistance?

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you test and replace the surface element in your Samsung range. For any other parts you may need, just go to AppliancePartsPros.com with your model number and we’ll help you take care of the rest! We’ve got over two million parts in stock, and most orders arrive in just two business days.

Need some extra help? Give us a shout at 1 (877) 477-7278 or start a chat with us at your convenience. While you’re waiting on your new parts, check out our DIY blog and watch our video tutorials on YouTube. Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram to stay connected and explore the latest repair guides!