Samsung Dryer: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Samsung dryer not starting? This common issue may manifest as no power or as the dryer powering on without spinning the drum. Several factors could be causing this problem, including power supply issues, control settings, or mechanical failures. Identifying the root cause can help you address the problem effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Samsung Models

  • Child Lock feature can prevent Start button from working until disabled
  • Error codes like dO/dE indicate door switch or door not properly engaging

Possible Causes

Power supply or connection issue

How to Identify: Dryer shows no lights or display, control panel dark, or intermittent power.

Part: Power cord/outlet/circuit breaker

Control settings preventing start (Child Lock/Delayed Start)

How to Identify: Control panel displays lock icon or delayed start indicator; Start button unresponsive until disabled. turn0(Samsung jp

Part: Control panel/settings

Start switch failure

How to Identify: No sound or response when pressing Start button; multimeter shows no continuity.

Part: Start switch

Blown thermal fuse

How to Identify: Dryer shows power but will not start; thermal fuse continuity test fails. Often related to vent blockage.

Part: Thermal fuse

Drive motor or mechanical failure (belt, idler pulley)

How to Identify: Dryer may hum but drum does not turn; manual drum rotation check reveals resistance or broken belt.

Part: Motor/belt/roller assembly

Control board failure

How to Identify: No response to inputs, intermittent behavior, visible board damage.

Part: Main control board

DIY Solutions

Check power and reset breaker

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: None
  1. Ensure dryer is plugged securely into outlet
  2. Check and reset circuit breaker
  3. Try plugging another device into outlet to confirm power supply
⚠️ Safety First: Do not work on electrical components with wet hands or while machine is plugged in

Ensure door fully closes and disable Child Lock

Easy 2-5 minutes
Tools Needed: None
  1. Check that door is firmly closed with no obstructions
  2. If control lock or child lock is on, follow manual to disable it (usually holding specific buttons for 3+ seconds)
  3. Try starting cycle again

Test and replace start switch

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter, Replacement start switch
  1. Unplug dryer
  2. Remove control panel per model instructions
  3. Use multimeter to check continuity on start switch
  4. Replace switch if no continuity
  5. Reassemble and test
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before opening control panel

Check and replace thermal fuse

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter, Replacement thermal fuse
  1. Unplug dryer
  2. Access thermal fuse location (blower housing)
  3. Test fuse for continuity
  4. Replace if blown
  5. Check vent for blockage before reuse
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is unplugged

Professional Repairs

Replace drive motor or mechanical components

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

Control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $400

When to Call a Professional

If dryer shows signs of electrical damage (burn marks)
If mechanical components (motor, belt, pulley) need replacement
If control board suspected or DIY troubleshooting fails

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Overheating and vent blockage
    Frequency: After every use
  • Inspect vents and remove lint: Thermal fuse issues and poor airflow
    Frequency: Monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung Dryer not starting?
Common causes include power supply issues, control settings like Child Lock, or a faulty start switch.
How do I fix Samsung Dryer not starting myself?
Check power connections, ensure the door is closed, and disable any Child Lock. Test the start switch and thermal fuse.
How much does it cost to fix not starting?
Professional repairs for issues like motor or control board replacement can cost between $150 to $400.
When should I call a technician for not starting?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a mechanical failure, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Broken wire connector (1 mentions)
  • Thermal cut-off sensor issue (1 mentions)
  • Improperly seated front rollers (1 mentions)
  • Pulley wheel malfunction (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the broken wire connector with a female spade connector or connect directly to the switch.

    Success rate: 25.0%

  2. Dropped the thermal cut-off sensor from 4 feet to reset it.

    Success rate: 25.0%

  3. Fix the improperly seated front rollers on the drum.

    Success rate: 25.0%

  4. Replace the broken pulley wheel.

    Success rate: 25.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Replaced 4 rollers on my dryer, now it will not start
  2. Samsung Dryer Won't Start Drying
  3. Samsung Dryer not turning on: Error codes dF, then dE. Also ...
  4. Samsung dryer, wont start. Thermal cut off repair

Community Discussions

won't start drying

The pulley wheel broke off the arm.

DIY View on Reddit →

Dryer not turning on, error codes dF and dE

Replace the broken wire connector with a female spade connector or connect directly to the switch.

DIY View on Reddit →

Machine turns on, but makes a humming noise and doesn’t start

The front rollers were not seated properly on the drum, causing the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

wont start

Dropped the thermal cut-off sensor from 4 feet to reset it, which temporarily fixed the dryer.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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