One of the biggest issues for Samsung appliances is their reputation for breaking down, and a Samsung dryer that stops heating is at the top of the pile. But even though it's a frequent issue for Samsung dryers, you can easily fix it with a quick reset of the dryer itself, or a replacement of its thermostats, moisture sensors, or heating element. All you need are some tools, a step-by-step guide (like this one), and some DIY repair time!

Why is Your Samsung Dryer Not Heating Properly?

There are several reasons why a Samsung dryer stops heating properly, and as a result, the clothes within it do not come out dry. This could be as a result of something as simple as buildups in the lint screen or exhaust vent, which can create overheat the dryer itself and cause components like the heating element and moisture sensors to fail.

Samsung Dryer Error Codes

If your Samsung dryer isn't heating properly, the following error codes can appear and will each have their own issue that needs fixing:

• tS, t5, tC, tO, t0, tE, tE3, tC5, tCS, 1 tC, 1tC5, 1tCS: These all indicate a temperature issue from the sensors that measure it (normally a clogged lint screen or exhaust vent). Cleaning those areas can dismiss this code.
• HC, hE, HC4, 1 HC: These codes indicate an extreme heat level within the dryer, which is likely from trapped heat as a result of a clog. Cleaning the lint filter and/or exhaust vent can eliminate this code.

Or your dryer not heating properly can be a result of a failed thermostat, which can fail and sometimes are designed to stop components like the heating element from functioning. No matter the cause, however, the answers you need to fix your Samsung dryer are below!

How to Reset a Samsung Dryer to Resolve Heating Issues

Sometimes a simple reset is all an appliance needs to get back and working properly again, and this is the same case with a Samsung dryer!

1. First, look for a 'Reset' button or reference your user manual for a button combination to reset your dryer.
2. Hold the button(s) for 5-10 seconds, or as long as it takes to fully reset the appliance.
3. Once the dryer is reset, run a short test cycle.
4. If the dryer is not heating, unplug or turn off the outlet for the dryer from the circuit breaker.
5. Leave your dryer off for 5-10 minutes.
6. Reconnect your dryer to power and attempt another test cycle.
7. If the dryer is still not heating, continue with this guide.

How to Clean a Samsung Dryer Vent to Resolve Heating Issues

If a simple soft and hard reset of your dryer does not fix its lack of heating ensure that the lint in your lint trap/filter is cleaned. This is exactly how to clean it, and make sure that as much lint as possible is removed.

1. First, disconnect your dryer from its wall outlet.
2. Open your dryer door and locate the lint screen/filter.
3. Remove the lint screen/filter and clean it completely.
4. Depending on your model, you may be able to remove the lint screen holder. If you can, remove it and vacuum and clean the inside of the dryer cabinet.
5. Reassemble your lint screen assembly, and locate the exhaust vent on your dryer.
6. Remove the exhaust vent hose and use a brush to remove excess lint on the inside of the hose and the dryer exhaust vent.
7. Use a vacuum to clean the inside of both the vent hose and exhaust.
8. Remove excess lint from the exhaust outside of your home.

What Parts to Replace if Samsung Dryer is Not Heating

If your Samsung dryer is continuing to not heat properly, and cleaning excess lint or resetting it aren't helping to restore it to working order, you're now looking at replacing one (or potentially multiple) parts. No matter the complexity of the part you have to replace, we have the step-by-step guides for each, and a wide range of OEM Samsung dryer parts for you to choose from!

How to Replace a Samsung Dryer Thermostat to Fix Heating Issues

One of the main components that can become problematic with a Samsung dryer's ability to heat up properly is their thermostat. Thermostats regulate the internal temperature of the dryer drum, and can fail for various reasons like a clogged lint screen or vents, or even a shorted heating element. As prone as they are to failing, we have the OEM Samsung dryer thermostat you need, and the step-by-step guide to show you how to replace it!

1. First, disconnect your dryer from the wall outlet.
2. Once your dryer is disconnected from power, unthread the screws securing the top panel.
3. Slide off the top panel of the dryer.
4. Carefully lift and pop-out each tab securing the front control board panel to the dryer.
5. Lift the control board panel away from the dryer, and disconnect the wire harnesses. Take pictures of where wires are for reassembly later.
6. Open your dryer door.
7. Locate the screws within the door frame, and unthread each one.
8. With those screws removed, unthread the screws at the top of the door frame, under where the control board panel was.
9. Release the pressure tabs to allow the front panel of the dryer to come off.
10. Disconnect any wire harnesses on the inner portion of the front panel.
11. Remove the front panel.
12. Locate the thermostat underneath the dryer drum.
13. If you can't remove the screws that secure the thermostat without removing the drum, the drum will need to be removed.
14. To remove the drum in your Samsung dryer, you will need to disengage the belt around the idler pulley. This may require you to pull your dryer out of its spot and remove the back panel to gain access to the belt.
15. Once the dryer drum is removed and/or you have access to the thermostat, unthread its securing screws and remove it.
16. You can now test the thermostat if you'd like. With a multimeter, set it to the RX 1 setting and place each probe on a terminal. If you see a number close to 0, it means it's still working. However, if it reads infinity or a number above 0, it needs replacing.
17. Install the new thermostat in the same way the original one was installed.
18. Replace the drum in the dryer, and install the belt.
19. Reconnect the front panel and any wire harnesses to it.
20. Thread the screws into the top portion of the front panel, and into the door frame.
21. Reconnect the control board panel and its wire harnesses.
22. Place the top panel of the dryer back on, and thread the screws securing it.
23. Connect your dryer to the wall outlet, and run quick test cycle.

How to Replace a Samsung Dryer Cut-Off Thermostat to Fix Heating Issues

If replacing the thermostat in your Samsung dryer does not solve your dryer heating issues, replacing your dryer's cut off thermostat should. The cut-off thermostat, also known as a hi-limit thermostat, is a preventative safety device that automatically turns off the heating element or dryer itself if the internal temperature of the dryer becomes too hot. Removing and installing a new cut-off thermostat requires an OEM Samsung dryer cut-off thermostat which you can find in our huge part catalogue, and a step-by-step guide showing you how to do it.

1. First, make sure your dryer is unplugged.
2. Remove the screws that hold the top panel and slide it carefully off the dryer.
3. Pry away the tabs attaching the front control board panel.
4. Disconnect any wire harnesses connected to the control board panel. And take pictures of the wire connections during this repair for easier reassembly later.
5. Open the dryer door and unscrew the screws on the inside of the door and at the top of the front panel.
6. Push the tabs to release the panel, and again disconnect any wire harnesses to remove it.
7. Now you will need to disengage the belt on the idler pulley to remove the drum, which will likely require you to remove the back panel of the dryer.
8. Once the idler pulley is disengaged, remove the drum from the dryer carefully.
9. Locate the cut-off thermostat near the blower assembly, and disconnect its wire harness.
10. Use a screwdriver to unthread the securing screw(s) holding the thermostat.
11. Now, you can remove the thermostat and test it for continuity.
12. Using a multimeter, set it to RX 1 (or the lowest Ohm's setting) and touch the probes to the terminals on the thermostat.
13. If it reads zero, or close to it, the thermostat is still working and has not shorted or been used.
14. If the meter is showing infinity or nothing at all, it's been used or is defective.
15. Install the new (or current) thermostat.
16. Replace the dryer drum, and engage the belt on the idler pulley.
17. Connect the front panel back on the dryer.
18. Secure the front panel screws within the door frame and on top of it.
19. Reconnect the control board panel and secure it with its wire harnesses.
20. Place the top panel on again, and secure it with its screws.
21. Connect your dryer to power, and run a test cycle.

How to Replace a Samsung Dryer Moisture Sensor to Fix Heating Issues

The moisture sensor in a Samsung dryer is ultimately responsible for detecting the moisture level within the dryer drum, and adjusting the time it'll take to dry the clothes. If this sensor is shorted, defective, or simply not working properly anymore, it will result in your dryer incorrectly detecting the proper level of moisture, and will likely result in it over-heating, or in this case, not heating enough. Luckily, you can find an OEM Samsung dryer moisture sensor that works for your model at PartSelect, and the guide on how to replace it below!

1. Unplug your dryer from the wall outlet, and unthread the top cover panel.
2. Remove the top panel by sliding it off, and then remove the screws or tabs securing the front control board panel. Take pictures of any wire harnesses for reassembly later.
3. Lift up on the control board panel and disconnect its wire harnesses.
4. Unthread the screws holding the door, and remove the screws in the door frame and front panel.
5. Lift up on the front panel and disconnect any wire harnesses to remove it.
6. Remove the lint filter and the screws securing its assembly.
7. Locate the moisture sensor near the door frame, and use a set of pliers (if necessary) to remove the wires connected to it.
8. Remove the lint filter assembly, and locate the sensor(s). Use a set of pliers, if necessary, to bend the sensors straight and remove them.
9. To install the new sensor(s), place them in the position of the previous sensor(s), and firmly push them in until they snap into place.
10. Using pliers, if necessary, to secure the sensor(s).
11. Reassemble the lint filter assembly, and install it back into the dryer.
12. Connect the wire harness to the moisture sensors.
13. Thread the securing screws into the lint filter assembly, and insert the filter itself.
14. Reconnect the front panel and connect any wire harnesses necessary.
15. Connect the door again, and its securing screws.
16. Thread the screws into the front panel and door frame of the dryer.
17. Connect the control board panel again, and its wire harnesses.
18. Slide the top panel back into position, and screw it back.
19. Plug your dryer back into the wall outlet, and run a test cycle on your dryer.

How to Replace a Samsung Dryer Heating Element to Fix Heating Issues

If your Samsung dryer is experiencing heating issues, the be-all end-all part to replace is the heating element, which may be the first and only part you have to replace, or the last. The heating element is designed to convert electrical energy from the wall outlet into heat, which is necessary for the drying process of your dryer cycle. Most heating elements are coils that becomes hot when an electrical current runs through it. If the thermostats in your dryer have already been replaced, then the heating element is the only other part that could be replaced to fix a heating issue. All you need to replace the heating element in your Samsung dryer is a new OEM heating element, a screwdriver and some needle-nose pliers, and the following general guide to assist you during this repair.

1. Disconnect your dryer from the wall outlet.
2. Unthread the screws securing the top panel of your dryer.
3. Slide the top panel of the dryer off, and pop out the pressure tabs of the control board panel if applicable. Make sure to take note of any wires and what they're connected to for reassembly later.
4. Unthread any necessary screws keeping the front door in place.
5. Unthread any screws on the front and top of the front panel, and disconnect any wire harnesses.
6. Once the front panel is loose, carefully lift and remove it.
7. Undo any wire harnesses.
8. Unthread and remove any panels covering the dryer drum.
9. Disengage the belt on the idler pulley. This may require you to remove the back panel of your dryer.
10. Once the belt is disengaged, carefully lift the drum out of the dryer.
11. Now that you have access to the heating element, use a multimeter and set it to Ohm's or RX 1 and touch each probe to the terminals on the element - not the thermostats.
12. If the reading is on or around zero, it does not need to be replaced. However, if the reading is infinity or not zero at all - it needs replacing.
13. Remove the wires from the terminals on the heating element with needle-nose pliers, and disconnect it using a screwdriver.
14. Replace the old heating element with the new, and install the screws and wires.
15. Carefully place the drum back in the dryer, and engage the belt with the idler pulley.
16. Replace any panels on the front of the drum, and install the front panel and its wire harnesses.
17. Thread the securing screws into the front panel, on top and in front.
18. Secure the door back in place.
19. Replace the control board panel in front if applicable, and connect the necessary wires.
20. Slide the top panel back on the dryer and secure it.
21. Plug your dryer back into the wall outlet, and run a short test cycle.

Now that you've hopefully fixed your Samsung dryer and have it heating up properly, you can get back to having warm, dry clothes! Don't forget that PartSelect offers all of the OEM parts you need, for whatever appliances and lawn equipment around your home that need fixing! And for all of our other home-improvement and appliance error code guides, take a look over at the PartSelect blog!