Drying is the last and most important part of the laundry cleaning process. After washing the clothes, only to find the dryer not starting may cause you a headache amidst a busy day. If your dryer is not starting, you have landed at the right place.
A blown-out thermal fuse, a faulty start switch, and a faulty door switch may prevent the dryer from getting started. Replace the faulty part to fix the issue. Also, check if the dryer is getting an adequate power supply. Lastly, check the condition of the control board and replace it if faulty.
In this article, I will help you understand the 7 common causes and a step-by-step process to fix your Samsung dryer that won’t turn on. So, keep reading.
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This post includes some affiliate links.Why is my Samsung dryer not turning on?
Samsung is the most sought-after brand known for its reliable and quality products.
Samsung dryers are the most useful appliances that reduce your laundry burden.
If the dryer is not starting, it must indicate faults in the dryer.
Here are the 7 common causes and easy steps to fix the issue:
1. Faulty thermal fuse
Thermal fuses are an important component of the dryer to maintain its temperature.
It helps in preventing the dryer from overheating and firing.
If the dryer is tripped, probably the thermal fuse may have blown.
A dryer will not start working if the thermal fuse is blown up.
You must also see why the thermal fuse has blown up because it happens when electrical elocution occurs and might have also damaged the other internal parts.
To fix this issue, you must replace the thermal fuse.
Here is how you can replace the thermal fuse:
- Unplug the Samsung washer from the electric outlet. If it is hard-wired, turn off the circuit breaker.
- Move the washer from its original position and place it in a comfortable position to work.
- Remove the top panel using a screwdriver to unthread the screws.
- Remove the control panel from the dryer by disconnecting the wire harness.
- Unthread the screws in the front panel to remove them from the dryer.
- Using a flat-head screwdriver, unlock the front panel from the locking tabs.
- After removing the front panel, you can see a support bracket attached to the front frame.
- Unthread the screw to remove the support bracket from the dryer.
- Remove the bulb wire and attach the wire harness to the bulkhead twist retainers.
- Remove the screws from the bulkhead and remove the moisture sensor harness.
- Pull the bulkhead off and place it aside.
- Remove the belt from the drive pulley, lift the drum from the machine, and set it aside using a belt.
- Disconnect the wire harness from the thermal limit.
- Remove the screws that are securing the faulty thermal fuse.
- Install the new thermal fuse and secure it with screws.
- Reconnect the wire harness to the new thermal fuse housing.
- Realign the dryer’s drum and attach the belt to the drive pulley.
- Reposition the bulkhead to the front frame and secure it with screws.
- Reconnect the moisture sensor wire harness.
- Reattach the light bulb wire and secure it in the twist retainer.
- Reconnect the support bracket and secure it with screws.
- Reconnect the front panel and secure it with screws.
- Reattach the front panel and secure it with its screws.
- Reattach the control panel and secure it with screws.
- Reattach the top panel and secure it with screws.
- Plug in the dryer and switch it on. Check if the dryer is starting.
2. Faulty start switch
The start switch in the dryer is located at the back side of the control panel.
It helps to start the dryer.
If the start switch is faulty, you must replace the start switch.
Follow the steps below to replace the start switch:
- Unplug the washer from the electric outlet or turn off the circuit breaker if it is hard-wired.
- Move the dryer from its original position and place it in a comfortable place.
- Access the control panel of the dryer and switch the knob.
- Pull the start to switch the knob forward and remove it to set it aside.
- Access the back panel of the washer and remove the screws securing it with the dryer.
- You can locate the start switch from the back side.
- Take a digital photo of the wire connections and disconnect the wires connected to the start switch.
- Remove the control panel of the dryer using a screwdriver to remove the control panel.
- Push the start switch and rotate it clockwise to remove the start switch from the control panel.
- Reinstall the new start switch and secure it with screws and locking tabs.
- Secure the control panel and secure it with screws.
- Reattach the switch knob to the control panel.
- Reattach the back panel and secure it with screws.
- Plug in the dryer and check if the dryer is starting.
3. Faulty door switch
The door switch in the dryer is used to turn off the dryer when you open the door.
It has an electric component to transfer the signal to the dryer’s control panel.
If the door switch is faulty, it won’t let the dryer start.
To fix this issue, you must replace the door switch.
Follow the steps mentioned below to replace the door switch:
- Unplug the dryer from the electric outlet and turn off the circuit breaker if it is hard-wired.
- Access the dryer’s lint screen. Remove it and place it aside.
- Remove the lint screen housing using a screwdriver and set it aside.
- Using a putty knife, release the locking tab and lift the top panel.
- While lifting the top panel, you can see sires attached to the top panel.
- Disconnect the wires from the top panel and place them aside.
- Locate the door switch. Remove the screws securing the door switch and throw them in the trash.
- Replace the door switch and secure it with the screws.
- Reconnect the wire harness and reattach the top panel.
- Lock the top panel with the locking tabs and secure it.
- Reattach the lint screen to the top of the dryer and reattach the lint housing by securing it with screws.
- Plug in the Samsung dryer and check if the issue is solved.
4. Faulty drive motor
The drive motor is the internal part of the dryer, which has the important role of rotating the belt attached to the driver pulley and helps rotate the dryer’s drum.
The drive motor is located at the side of the drum and continuously works to keep the air circulation inside the drum to maintain the temperature.
If the drive motor is faulty, it won’t rotate the belt and will stop the dryer’s drum functioning.
In such a case, you must replace the drive motor.
Follow the steps below to replace the drive motor:
- Unplug the washer from the electric outlet or turn off the circuit breaker if the washer is hard-wired.
- Move the dryer forward to access the back panel.
- Remove the top panel by unthreading the screws that are securing it.
- Remove the lint screen and place it aside.
- Detach the lint housing by removing the screws securing it.
- You can see a wire harness connected to the top panel. Disconnect it from the top panel and set the top panel aside.
- Remove the dryer’s front panel by unthreading the screws securing it.
- Lift it and place it in a safe place.
- Access the dryer’s drum. You can see the driver pulley and belt configurations attached to the drum.
- Consider taking a photo on your mobile for future reference.
- Move the idler pulley to the right side to let the belt set free.
- Pull the belt out of the frame and remove the dryer’s drum from the cabinet to place it in a safe place.
- You can see the drive motor secured with the mounting clamps. Using a screwdriver, unthread the screws to release the mounting clamps.
- Access the back panel and detach it from the dryer by unthreading the screws attached to it.
- Locate the blower wheel and loosen it using a wrench.
- Disconnect the blower wheel from the motor and place it safely.
- Now you can release the tabs holding the drive motor to disconnect it completely.
- Disconnect the wire harness connected to the drive motor.
- Purchase a new drive motor based on the model of your dryer.
- Replace the new drive motor and secure it with clamps. Reconnect the wire harness and locking tabs to fit the drive motor in its place.
- Reattach the blower wheel and tighten it using an adjustable wrench.
- Reattach the back panel and secure it with screws.
- Reattach the dryer drum and place the idler pulley and belt, referring to the photo you took.
- Reattach the front panel and secure it with screws.
- Reattach the top panel and secure it with the locking tabs.
- Plug in the dryer and check if the issue is solved.
5. Faulty drive belt
The drive belt goes around the idler pulley to support the dryer’s rotation.
It transfers the power to the idler pulley and continuously runs to keep the dryer.
The dryer’s efficiency will reduce if the drive belt is worn out.
You can fix this issue by replacing the drive pulley.
Follow the steps below to replace the drive belt:
- Unplug the dryer from the power supply or turn off the circuit breaker if your dryer is hard-wired.
- Remove the lint screen and lint housing by removing the screws securing it.
- Using a putty knife, remove the top panel by releasing the locking tabs.
- Detach the front panel by unscrewing the screws and securing it with the dryer.
- Next, you can access the dryer’s drum after removing the front and the top panel.
- You can see the drive belt going around the drum. Pull it out and discard it.
- Replace the new drive belt by pushing the drum forward to access the idler pulley and motor.
- Secure the new drive belt by pressing it tight on the slot.
- Reattach the front panel and secure it with screws.
- Reattach the top panel and secure it with the locking tabs.
- Plug in the dryer and check if the issue has been solved.
6. Power supply issues
If you have tried all the above fixes and your dryer is still having trouble getting started, you must check the power supply to the dryer.
If your dryer is not receiving enough power, it cannot run the motor.
The dryer can’t rotate its drum if the motor is not running.
Check if the dryer’s power cord is firmly fixed to the electric outlet.
Check the power supply connection and fix it if you find it faulty.
You can hire a professional to check and regulate the power supply to the dryer.
7. Control board issues
The control board is the brain of the dryer, and it acts like a mini-computer to keep the dryer functioning.
If you have tried all the above fixes and your dryer is still at fault, you must check the condition of the control board.
Check if the control panel has failed or burned.
If it is damaged, you must replace the control board of the dryer.
Follow the steps below to replace the control board of the dryer:
- Unplug the dryer from the electric outlet or turn off the circuit breaker if your dryer is hard-wired.
- Move the dryer forward to a comfortable place.
- Remove the dryer’s top panel using a putty knife to release the locking tabs.
- Remove the control panel using a screwdriver to unthread the screws.
- Disconnect the wire harness from the control panel and capture a digital photo for future reference.
- Remove the control board by unthreading the screws and detaching the wires from the control board.
- Replace the new control board and secure it with the screws.
- Reconnect the wire you detached.
- Reattach the control panel and secure it with screws.
- Reattach the top panel and secure it with the locking tabs.
- Plug in the dryer and check if the issue has been solved.
How much does fixing a dryer that won’t turn on cost?
The cost to fix the dryer that won’t start may vary depending on various factors.
If you hire a professional, the repair costs around $200-300.
If you are fixing the issue yourself, it may cost you between $50 to $100.
How many years do dryers last?
The dryer lasts between 10 to 20 years.
It highly depends on how well you maintain your Samsung dryer.
Here is how you can maintain your dryer to increase its lifespan:
- You can see the lint screen at the top of the dryer. You must clean the lint screen often to avoid accumulating dirt and debris. You must also keep the lint housing space clear.
- After every drying cycle, you must clean the interior of the Samsung dryer with cotton clothes to wipe out the excess moisture and dirt.
- Check if the dryer is placed on a leveled surface. If you place the dryer on an unlevel surface, it will often get faulty, thus decreasing the dryer’s life span.
- Inspect the vent and duct systems. It is important to clean it often to keep the dryer in good working condition.
- To the extent of the dryer’s lifespan, you must not overload it often. Know the loading capacity of your dryer and load the clothes accordingly.
Final thoughts
Dryers are the most often used appliance, especially in the winter season. It will be annoying to confront a dryer that won’t start during winter when we need it the most.
If the dryer is not starting, it may be due to the inappropriate power supply. Check the power connections to the dryer and fix them with the help of professionals.
Check the control board for any faults and failures. If the control board is faulty, a dryer won’t start. In such a case, replace it. Other common issues will cause trouble to the dryer from getting started. In the article, I have discussed 7 common reasons and steps to fix the issue.
Consider following the steps to fix the issue to bring your dryer back to its working condition. Refer to the user manual to locate the internal parts if unaware of the dryer’s interior parts.
Related articles:
- Dryer Lint Getting Past Screen: 8 Possible Causes+Fix
- Moving Washer And Dryer To The Other Side Of Wall: A Step-by-Step Guide
- 6 Reasons Your Dryer Is Making Rattling Noise (+Fix)
- How To Fix Maytag Dryer Code F01?
Reference: Samsung dryer troubleshooting, Samsung official manual.
