Samsung Dryer Not Heating? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Stacy Randall
by Stacy Randall

Thanks to the invention of clothes dryers, we can dry large loads of laundry in no time. It’s a far cry from hanging clothes outside or near a fireplace. But, if your Samsung dryer isn’t heating, you might need to dust off your clothesline.

There are several reasons why your Samsung dryer isn’t heating, ranging from simple to complex. Fortunately, one of the most common reasons is a clogged or dirty filter or vent line. Luckily, this issue has a simple fix, but there could also be faulty parts, like a bad heating element.

Many of today’s fancy appliances include a handy feature where they display error codes when something is amiss. If your Samsung dryer starts going cold, the error code can help you get to the root of the problem. You might be able to handle things yourself, but in some cases, you’ll need the help of a professional.

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Possible Reasons Your Samsung Dryer Is Not Heating

The first question is whether your dryer isn’t heating at all or just not heating enough. Depending on the answer, you’ll be facing very different possibilities.

Your Samsung Dryer Isn’t Heating at All

If your dryer isn’t producing any heat at all, start with the simple solution. Check the cycle. Several cycles don’t include any heat.

Also, certain settings only include heat at specific points. For example, the Eco Dry setting doesn’t produce heat at the start of a cycle.

Test this theory; ensure the Eco Dry setting is off (if your machine has it), and set your machine to Time Dry. After your dryer runs for at least 30 seconds, open the door and feel the temperature inside. If your Samsung dryer still has no heat, then it’s time to ask another question.

Has Your Samsung Dryer Heated Before This?

The likely answer to this question, especially if you’ve had your machine for a bit, is yes. However, if your dryer hasn’t heated up since install, you could have an installation problem.

Check the Power Source

If your dryer is electric, ensure you’ve connected it to a 240v outlet. Otherwise, the outlet might not be able to supply the proper amount of voltage to the dryer. If it is a 240v outlet, examine the power cord for damage, and ensure you plug it in completely.

An issue with the power source could involve an incorrect power cord, loose wiring, or improper wiring. If any of these issues is the case, you’ll likely see the FE error code. Your best bet for these problems is to contact an electrician or repairman.

If you have a gas dryer, check the gas line connection. Also, consult your user’s manual to verify your exhaust vent meets your dryer’s needs. If you have any doubts about your dryer’s installation, call a professional.

Check the Circuit Breaker

If your dryer has heated before, it’s possible you simply have a tripped circuit breaker. Turn off the breaker for at least 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

Electric models feature two circuits that are typically connected, so when one trips, so does the other. But, it’s possible only one tripped, causing your dryer to turn on but not heat up.

If, after flipping the circuit, the dryer still doesn’t heat at all, request service. If you do too much tinkering (aka, open up the back of the dryer), it could void your warranty. But, if you’re not worried about the warranty, here are some other possibilities, all of which involve replacing parts.

Note: Even if you investigate the issue yourself, you still might want to hire a professional to handle the replacement.

Overheated Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is on the blower housing, the heating element in electric models, or the burner in gas dryers. It protects the dryer from overheating. If the fuse is good, it remains closed for continuity.

However, if the fuse overheats, it loses continuity, interrupting the electrical path, and blowing the fuse. You can use a multimeter to test for continuity.

Related Guide: Samsung Dryer Thermal Fuse Keeps Blowing?

Faulty Gas Valve Solenoid

In a gas dryer, gas valve solenoids allow gas to flow into the burner assembly by opening the gas valve ports. Therefore, if a gas valve solenoid fails, your dryer won’t heat.

If the igniter glows but doesn’t actually light the gas, then at least one of the gas valve solenoids is defective. Your dryer can have two or more gas valve solenoids. If one or more fails, you should replace them all at the same time.

Burnt-Out Igniter

Another possibility for your dryer not heating is a failing igniter. The igniter uses heat to light the gas in the burner assembly, but if it’s faulty, the gas won’t ignite. You can test for continuity with a multimeter; if the igniter is burnt-out, replace it.

Faulty Flame Sensor

If the igniter and thermal fuse are working correctly, then it could be that the flame sensor doesn’t work. Typically, the flame sensor in a gas dryer detects the heat the flame emits. But, if the flame sensor isn’t working, the dryer will not heat.

Use a multimeter to test for continuity at room temperature. If there is no continuity, you need to replace the flame sensor.

Burnt-Out Heating Element or Heating Element Assembly

You can use a multimeter to test the heating element and heating element assembly for continuity. These parts warm the air before it enters the dryer drum, but they can burn out over time. If either part has no continuity, you need to replace the faulty piece.

Malfunctioning High-Limit Thermostat

If, up to this point, all of the above parts of your dryer work properly, then you’re entering uncommon territory. In other words, there could be a less likely issue at play that is causing your dryer not to heat.

The high-limit thermostat shuts off the burner if the dryer overheats. However, if this part is malfunctioning, it could shut off the burner despite the dryer’s temperature. You can test the high-limit thermostat for continuity, and if there is none, replace it.

Defective Cycling Thermostat

This is another rare issue, but it is a possibility. The cycling thermostat literally cycles the heat in your dryer on and off, regulating the air temperature. However, if this thermostat is defective, your dryer won’t heat.

As with the other parts, use a multimeter to test for continuity. If there is no continuity, you need to replace the cycling thermostat.

Defective Timer

The timer could be faulty, in which case your dryer won’t heat. You can test the timer with a multimeter to see if it is functioning properly. If it isn’t, then replace it.

Defective Main Control Board

If everything else appears to be in good working order in the dryer, the main control board could be defective. This part is not easy to test, but you can examine it for signs of a short or burning. If you think the problem lies with the main control board, consult a pro.

Your Samsung Dryer Isn’t Heating Enough

The good news is, if your dryer produces some heat, you might not need to deal with a service call. You might be able to get your dryer in tip-top shape on your own.

Check the Lint Filter and Vent

First, if your Samsung dryer struggles to bring the heat, check for a clogged lint filter or vent. These issues are the most common culprit of a dryer not heating. If this is the case, you’ll also likely see one of the following error codes: tO, tS, tE or tE3.

Step One: Clean the Lint Screen

Carefully remove the lint screen from inside the dryer and remove the lint. You can also use a soft brush, like a small paintbrush, to clean the filter. Replace the lint screen, and restart the dryer.

Step Two: Run a Vent Blockage Test and Clean the Vent Hose

If cleaning the lint screen wasn’t enough, there could be an issue with the dryer’s vent system. In some Samsung models, there is a feature that enables you to run a vent blockage test. If your dryer has this feature, do this first.

Ensure the dryer drum is empty and close the door. Turn the dryer on and immediately hold down the Adjust Time Up and Dry Level buttons. Keep pressing these buttons down until InS or In appears on the display panel.

Then, press and hold Start/Pause to start the vent blockage test; it will last for about two minutes. You can also consult your user’s manual for specific instructions for your model.

If you don’t have the vent blockage test feature, you can check the vent by hand. (You will need to do this anyway if your machine detects a blockage to clean out the vent).

Turn off your dryer and unplug it. Carefully detach the vent hose from the exhaust. Using a vacuum, remove lint buildup inside the vent hose, then reattach and restart the dryer.

Step Three: Change Your Vent Hose

After cleaning out the vent hose, your dryer could be improperly vented if you still have issues. Check to ensure your vent hose is not too long, bent, or too wide. A vent hose should not be larger than 4-inches in diameter.

If necessary, shorten your vent hose so it has as direct a route as possible from the dryer to outside. Restart your machine and see if this solved the problem.

It’s Not the Lint Filter or Venting System

After cleaning and checking the lint filter and vent, if your dryer isn’t heating enough, there are several more possibilities. If the cycle finishes before the clothes are fully dry, there could be a few potential issues.

Dirty Moisture Sensors

These sensors can cloud over with residue over time, especially if you use dryer sheets.

On a Sensor Dry cycle, the sensors can struggle to determine when the clothes are dry. Therefore, the cycle ends early. The moisture sensors are usually near the lint screen. Simply wipe them off with a damp, soft cloth and a dab of mild soap.

Dry Level Too Low

When you use a Sensor Dry cycle, if your clothes aren’t drying enough, set a higher dry level. If you don’t want to increase the heat for the items you’re washing, consider using Manual Dry. This allows you to set the cycle for a longer dry time.

Consider What Is In the Dryer

Make sure you have enough items in the dryer. Otherwise, there might not be enough to brush against the sensors and signal that wet items are still there.

Also, if you’re washing mixed items, for example, light and heavy fabrics, use the Mixed Load Bell. This setting signals when about 80% of the clothes are dry. This way, you can remove those items and let the dryer finish with the wet clothes. If you’re washing overly large or bulky items, it’s natural for these items to take longer to dry. You may need to run the things through the dryer a few times, rearranging them as necessary in between cycles.

Also, consult your user’s manual and ensure you’re using the appropriate settings and cycles for the items in the dryer. Another alternative is to use the Manual Dry setting. This allows the dryer to continue to run until the time is up in the cycle.

Common Samsung Dryer Error Codes

Error codes can undoubtedly come in handy to help you decipher what is happening with your dryer. A few error codes were mentioned above, but here is a quick snapshot of some common Samsung dryer error codes:

Error CodePossible Issues
doThis code indicates issues with the door, door latch, or door switch. Make sure the door closes fully, clean the latch, and check for a faulty latch switch. Check the wiring between the door lock and switch circuit; you might need to call a repairman.
dFCheck for loose or damaged wiring in the door lock/switch circuit. You might need to replace the door lock/switch.
OdThis code signals your dryer is taking too long to dry items. Check for a clogged lint filter or vent. Clean the moisture sensors, and reconnect any loose wires to the moisture sensor bar (unplug the dryer first).
tS, tOThis code indicates a defective temperature sensor. Test the resistance with a voltmeter. If it is over 40,000 OHMs, replace the thermistor; under 10,000 OHMs, replace the wire harness.
FEThere is an issue with the power supply (as mentioned earlier). You need to call an electrician.
He, HEDepending on whether your dryer is gas or electric, this signals a heating element or gas heating system issue. You should also check all connections and wiring to these various parts, as well as your home’s circuit breakers.
bEThere is a stuck button on the control panel.
EtThis indicates an issue with the control board. You can try unplugging the dryer for about five minutes, then plugging it back in to reset the panel. However, if that doesn’t do the trick, you need to replace the control board.

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Related Questions

How much does the average dryer repair cost?

The cost of repairs on your dryer will vary based on the specific problem. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $200 or more. The lower end of the scale is mostly just the technician’s service call fee. Once you start adding in the cost of parts and labor, the price goes up accordingly. For example, a heating element can cost anywhere from $30 to $200 for just the part. Plus, parts for Samsung appliances tend to be pricier. Before going through with any repair, weigh the cost against your machine’s age and the price of a new machine. In some cases, getting a new machine might make more sense than trying to fix an old one. Many people recommend using the 50%-rule when it comes to deciding on repairs. This means you shouldn’t spend more than 50% of the cost of a new dryer on repairs. For example, if a new Samsung dryer costs roughly $600, and the repairman quotes you $350, get a new machine. 


Why isn’t my Samsung dryer spinning?

Whether your dryer is heating or not, your clothes will struggle to get dry if the drum isn’t spinning. This is because the items aren’t moving around during the cycle. Therefore, the heat can’t reach various areas of your clothes and towels, etc.There are several reasons why the drum in your dryer isn’t spinning. There could be a damaged or broken belt, issues with the drum rollers or bearings, or worn-out drum glides. The drive motor could also be bad. You can inspect several of these parts to verify if they are damaged or not. If you find a broken piece, replace it to see if it fixes the issue. If you are unsure, call a technician for service. A dryer that doesn’t heat is certainly a considerable inconvenience. But, with a little troubleshooting, it can be heating things up again in no time.

Stacy Randall
Stacy Randall

Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.

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