Short answer: To replace the heating element in a Samsung dryer, disconnect the power, disassemble the dryer, access the element, replace it, and reassemble.
Replacing a heating element in a Samsung dryer is a practical and cost-effective solution when your dryer fails to produce heat. Over time, heating elements can wear out or become faulty, leading to ineffective drying cycles. Instead of replacing the entire dryer, which can be expensive, learning how to replace the heating element can extend the life of your appliance and ensure it continues to function efficiently. In this guide, I will walk you through the steps required to safely and effectively change the heating element in your Samsung dryer, allowing you to enjoy perfectly dried laundry once again.
What Is A Dryer Heating Element?
A dryer heating element is a vital component of an electric clothes dryer. Its primary function is to generate heat, which is then used to dry clothes efficiently. The heating element consists of a coiled wire made of a high-resistance material, typically nichrome. When an electric current flows through this wire, it produces heat due to its resistance to the electrical flow. This heat is transferred to the air inside the dryer drum, and as the warm air circulates through the wet clothes, it evaporates moisture, effectively drying them. In essence, the heating element is responsible for elevating the temperature within the dryer to facilitate the drying process. If the heating element malfunctions or fails, it can lead to issues such as clothes not drying properly or the dryer shutting off prematurely. In such cases, replacing the heating element is a common repair solution to restore the dryer’s functionality.
How Do You Know That Samsung Dryer Heating Element Is Broken?
A malfunctioning or broken Samsung dryer heating element can lead to various issues, and there are several signs that can help you identify the problem. Here’s how you can tell if the heating element in your Samsung dryer is broken:
- Clothes Not Drying Properly: One of the most common signs is that your dryer is running, but your clothes remain damp or take much longer to dry than usual.
- Cool or Lukewarm Air: When you open the dryer door mid-cycle, you can check if the air inside feels cool or lukewarm instead of hot. A properly functioning heating element should produce hot air.
- Incomplete Cycle: The dryer may shut off before the cycle is complete because it’s unable to maintain the required temperature due to a faulty heating element.
- Visible Damage: In some cases, you might visually inspect the heating element and see physical damage, such as breaks, cracks, or visible wire damage. However, this might require disassembling the dryer.
- No Heat at All: In extreme cases, the heating element can completely fail, leading to no heat being produced by the dryer. This is a clear indicator of a broken heating element.
- Increased Energy Usage: If your dryer runs longer than usual or requires multiple cycles to dry a load of laundry, it can result in higher energy bills, indicating a potential heating element issue.
- Error Codes: Some Samsung dryers may display error codes on their control panels that specifically indicate a heating element problem. Refer to your dryer’s manual for code meanings.
Where Is The Heating Element In Samsung Dryer Located?
The heating element in a Samsung dryer is typically located behind the dryer’s drum, within the dryer’s main cabinet. It is situated at the rear of the drum, and its positioning allows it to generate heat, which is then circulated through the drum to dry the clothes. To access the heating element for maintenance or replacement, you usually need to disassemble the dryer by removing the top and front panels, and in some cases, the drum itself. The exact location can vary slightly depending on the specific model and design of the Samsung dryer, but it’s consistently found in the vicinity of the drum to facilitate efficient drying of laundry.
How To Change A Heating Element In A Samsung Dryer?
Tools and Components You’ll Need
Tools:
- Nine-in-one screwdriver (a versatile, must-have tool)
- Putty knife (for opening up the dryer)
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Standard set of pliers
- Multimeter (for testing components, optional but handy)
Removing the Dryer’s Top:
To access the inner components, I’ll first need to remove the top of the dryer. There are two methods for this:
- Using a putty knife: Depress two tabs on the dryer’s lid with the putty knife to open it.
- Removing screws at the back: If the putty knife method doesn’t work, unscrew the two screws at the back of the dryer’s top. Push the lid forward to allow it to lift upwards, then reinstall the screws to hold the lid behind the unit.
Removing the Dryer Door:
- Remove the four screws on the top of the dryer lid.
- Remove two screws on the dryer lint filter and one near the door switches.
- With all seven screws removed, depress the tabs to release the door, allowing you to pull it out.
- Disconnect the door switch wire harness. If it’s tricky, remove the door first, then disconnect the harness.
Taking Off the Bulkhead
The bulkhead, which covers the dryer’s internal components, is held in place with six screws. Remove these screws and disconnect the moisture sensor wires. Lift the bulkhead off the tabs that secure it and set it aside.
Removing the Drum and Belt
- Disconnect the pulley from the belt.
- Lift the drum up and pull it forward to remove it from the cabinet. The drum should have cutouts on each side for easy removal.
Disassembling the Heating Element Housing:
- Unscrew the nine screws around the housing using a Phillips screwdriver.
- Bend the housing locking tab to remove the top cover.
- Disconnect the wires from the heating element terminals, noting their order.
- Bend the locking tabs at the heating element terminals and remove the element from the housing.
Replacing the Heating Element:
- Insert the terminals into their sockets.
- Bend the terminals’ tabs to lock them in place.
- Reconnect the wires to the terminals in the same order as before.
- Reinstall the housing cover and screw back the nine screws.
Putting it All Back Together:
- Reinstall the drum, making sure it’s supported by the support wheels and can spin freely.
- Loop the belt around the drum with the grooves facing it, and the colored side up.
- Pull the tension wheel with one hand and wrap the belt around the motor shaft with the other hand.
- Carefully lower the drum onto the support wheels.
- Reconnect the moisture sensor wires.
- Reattach the bulkhead, securing it with the screws.
- Reattach the dryer door frame and all its screws.
- Reconnect the wire harnesses for the door switch and light switch.
- Reattach the top metal bracket and secure it with screws.
- Reconnect the wire harness to the bulkhead.
- Reattach the front panel, securing it with screws.
- Reconnect the wire harnesses and ensure there are no loose wires.
- Insert the lint screen and close the door.
- Lay the top back down and snap it into place.
FAQs
How can I test if my heating element is faulty?
- Set your multimeter to continuity or ohms resistance.
- Test the heating element for continuity by touching the multimeter leads to both spade terminals. You should get continuity (around 10 ohms of resistance).
- Check if the element is grounding out to the canister by testing the continuity between a spade terminal and the canister.
What are the components of the heating system?
- The heating element canister controls heat.
- The blower housing moves heat.
- The motor assembly powers the dryer.
- Sensors on the blower housing maintain temperatures and act as fail-safes.
Is cleaning the dryer’s interior important?
Yes, cleaning out lint and buildups is crucial, as they can cause heating issues.
Why does my Samsung dryer keep shutting off?
Your Samsung dryer may shut off due to various reasons, but a common one is overheating. When the dryer’s internal temperature reaches a certain point, it will automatically shut down as a safety measure. This can be caused by a clogged vent, a malfunctioning thermostat, or an overheating motor. Cleaning the vent, checking and replacing faulty thermostats, or servicing the motor may resolve this issue.
Why does my Samsung dryer heat up despite running?
If your Samsung dryer is producing heat even when it’s not supposed to, it could be a problem with the heating element or a malfunctioning thermostat. The heating element may be staying on continuously due to a wiring issue, while a faulty thermostat might not be regulating the temperature properly. To fix this, you’ll need to inspect and potentially replace these components to ensure your dryer operates correctly.
Conclusion
Replacing the heating element in your Samsung dryer is a manageable task, even for those without extensive appliance repair experience. By carefully following the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you can successfully address heating issues in your dryer, restoring its efficiency and functionality. Remember, regular maintenance and prompt repairs can extend the lifespan of your appliance and ensure it continues to serve you well. With the heating element replaced and your dryer back in action, you’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of dry, warm clothes once again.
