How to Test and Replace the Thermal Cut-Off on a Samsung Dryer

Ever had your Samsung electric dryer run perfectly, but your clothes come out just as damp as they went in? If your dryer isn’t heating, a blown thermal cut-off could be the reason. This small but important safety component shuts off power to the heating element when the dryer overheats, and once it’s tripped, your dryer won’t produce heat. The good news? You can test and replace it yourself with a few simple steps. Let’s walk through the process and get your dryer back to working like new!

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.

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

• Phillips screwdriver,
• Flat head screwdriver
• 14mm socket

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.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

How to test and replace the Samsung dryer’s thermal cut-off

Follow these steps to access, test, and replace the thermal cut-off in your Samsung dryer to restore proper functionality.

Access the thermal cut-off

1. Disconnect power to the dryer by unplugging the power cord or turning off the circuit breaker.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the top panel at the back.
3. Slide the top panel toward the rear, lift it up, and set it aside.
4. Disconnect the wires behind the console on the right.
5. Lift the console and pull it away from the dryer while feeding the wires through the top bracket.
6. Set the console aside.

Remove the front panel and lint filter

1. Remove the two screws behind the door in front of the lint trap using a Phillips screwdriver.
2. Remove the four screws at the top of the front panel.
3. Slightly lift the front panel and rotate it forward.
4. Disconnect the door switch harness and remove the front panel.
5. Set the front panel aside.
6. Remove the lint filter and set it aside.

Detach components to access the thermal cut-off

1. Unlatch the wire retainers from the wire harness.
2. Disconnect the wires from the drum lamp.
3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the five screws from the top plate.
4. Set the top plate aside.
5. Remove the four Phillips screws securing the front bulkhead.
6. Disconnect the sensor bar wire connector.
7. Unscrew the lint duct, pull it down, and set it aside.
8. Reach back and remove the belt from the idler pulley.
9. Lift the front bulkhead up and pull it forward.
10. Lift the drum off of the rollers and set the bulkhead aside.

Test the thermal cut-off

1. Set a multimeter to continuity mode (indicated by a sideways Wi-Fi symbol).
2. Remove one wire from the thermal cut-off at the center side of the heating element.
3. Test the thermal cut-off for continuity.
4. If there is no continuity, the thermal cut-off needs to be replaced.
5. If continuity is present, another issue is causing the problem.

Remove the faulty thermal cut-off

1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the mounting screws.
2. Pull the thermal cut-off out of the element housing.

Install the new thermal cut-off

1. Insert the new thermal cut-off into the element housing.
2. Secure it with the Phillips screws removed earlier.
3. Plug the wires onto the new thermal cut-off.

Reassemble the dryer

1. Install the drum and belt, securing the belt to the motor and idler pulley.
2. Install the front bulkhead and secure it with the Phillips screws.
3. Reconnect the sensor bar wires.
4. Install the lint filter housing.
5. Connect the drum lamp wires.
6. Install the top plate and secure the wire harness with the retainers.

Reattach the front panel and console

1. Guide the front panel onto the bottom hinges.
2. Connect the door switch wires.
3. Rotate the panel into place.
4. Secure it with the screws removed from behind the door and at the top.
5. Position the console back in place.
6. Guide the wires through the top plate.
7. Press the console into place.
8. Reconnect the console wires.

Secure the top panel and restore the power

1. Slide the top panel back onto the dryer.
2. Secure it with the final screws.
3. Plug the dryer back in or turn the breaker back on.

Looking for more?

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you test and replace the thermal cut-off in your Samsung dryer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We have over two million parts in stock 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.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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