Samsung Washing Machine: not functioning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Samsung washing machine not functioning as expected? This issue may manifest as the machine not powering on, failing to start a cycle, or stopping mid-cycle. Common causes include door lock issues, power supply problems, and water supply failures. Follow our guide to troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Samsung Models

  • Samsung official troubleshooting for 'will not start or fill with water' emphasizes door lock state and water fill conditions as primary start-preventing factors, and provides guided steps to correct them before requesting service.
  • Samsung official guidance states most 'no power' or unexpected shutoff issues are due to the power cord or electrical connection to the home power supply, so verifying the connection is a first-line step before internal repairs.

Possible Causes

Door/lid not fully closed or door lock/lid lock not engaging (washer thinks door is open)

How to Identify: Washer powers on but Start does nothing, door-lock icon flashes, or error related to door/lid; door does not lock when cycle starts; may hear a click attempt but no cycle begins.

Part: Door lock assembly / lid lock switch (front-load door latch, top-load lid switch)

Power supply or electrical connection issue (washer not receiving stable power)

How to Identify: No display/lights at all; washer turns off unexpectedly; intermittent power loss; power returns after resetting breaker or reseating plug.

Part: Power cord, outlet, household breaker/GFCI, internal line fuse (model-dependent)

Water supply/fill problem prevents cycle start (insufficient water pressure, valves closed, inlet screens clogged)

How to Identify: Washer powers on and attempts to start but stops early; may show fill-related error; no water entering drum; water valves found partially/fully closed or screens clogged with sediment.

Part: Water inlet valves, inlet hose screens, household supply valves

Control Lock / Child Lock enabled (prevents normal operation or door interaction)

How to Identify: Lock indicator illuminated; buttons unresponsive; washer appears powered but won’t accept input or start; disabling lock restores operation.

Part: Control panel settings (software lockout)

Drain issue leaving water in the machine (washer will not unlock/start properly due to detected water level)

How to Identify: Door remains locked; water remains in tub; washer may refuse new cycle until water is drained; draining via emergency drain hose unlocks door and restores operation.

Part: Drain pump, drain filter (front-load), drain hose

Main control board failure (dead control, erratic behavior, or no response despite verified power)

How to Identify: Outlet and power are verified good, but washer is dead or behaves unpredictably; no response to reset; intermittent failure patterns.

Part: Main PCB / control board

Internal line fuse or wiring harness fault (no power or intermittent power)

How to Identify: No power even with confirmed working outlet; continuity failures found during technician-level testing; signs of burned connector or fuse open.

Part: Line fuse (model-dependent), wiring harness/connectors

DIY Solutions

Confirm the door/lid is fully closed and the lock engages (most common start-prevention cause)

Easy 2-5 minutes
  1. Open and firmly re-close the door/lid; check for laundry caught in the seal or lid area.
  2. Start a cycle and listen for the lock 'click' (front load).
  3. If the lock icon flashes or it won’t lock, power the washer off, wait 60 seconds, then try again.
  4. If still failing, proceed to the reset step and then consider door lock replacement (professional or advanced DIY).
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force the door closed; remove obstructions instead.

Address Samsung power-issue checklist (cord/connection/breaker) per official guidance

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Unplug the washer, wait 60 seconds, then plug it directly into a known-good wall outlet (avoid extension cords).
  2. Check the household breaker/GFCI and reset if tripped.
  3. Ensure the power cord is fully seated and not damaged.
  4. If the washer powers on after reseating or breaker reset, run a short cycle to confirm stability.
⚠️ Safety First: If the breaker immediately trips again, stop and call a professional (possible short circuit).

Fix water fill/start problems (valves/screens) referenced in Samsung’s official 'won’t start or fill' guide

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Towel, Pliers (optional)
  1. Confirm both hot and cold water supply valves are fully open.
  2. Inspect inlet hoses for kinks and straighten them.
  3. If safe to do so, turn off water, disconnect hoses at the washer, and check the small inlet screens for sediment buildup; rinse screens and reconnect.
  4. Run a fill test cycle to confirm water enters normally.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water supply before disconnecting hoses to prevent flooding.

Disable Control Lock / Child Lock if enabled

Easy 1-3 minutes
  1. Look for a lock indicator on the display or control panel.
  2. Use the model’s specified button combination (often holding a key/lock icon button for ~3 seconds) to disable the lock.
  3. Retry starting a normal cycle.

Emergency drain to unlock and recover from a 'stuck locked door' state (front-load models)

Moderate 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Shallow pan, Towels
  1. Power off the washer.
  2. Access the lower front service panel (front-load).
  3. Pull out the emergency drain hose and drain water into a pan until empty.
  4. Power the washer back on; the door should unlock once water is fully drained.
  5. Run a rinse/spin cycle to confirm recovery.
⚠️ Safety First: Drain slowly to prevent overflow and water damage.

Professional Repairs

Replace door lock/lid lock assembly

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Replace or repair main control board (PCB) for dead control or persistent non-response

Estimated Cost: $250 - $600

Drain pump/filter service or replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $450

Internal fuse or wiring harness repair (no power with confirmed live outlet)

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Breaker trips repeatedly when the washer is plugged in or started (possible short circuit).
Door/lid lock will not engage after confirming no obstruction and performing resets (likely failed lock assembly).
Washer has verified power at the outlet but remains completely dead (possible control board, fuse, or wiring fault).
Standing water remains and washer cannot drain after cleaning accessible filters/screens (pump or drain system failure).
Burning smell, visible sparks, or melted/burned connectors are present (stop using immediately).

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean inlet hose screens (sediment filters) to maintain proper fill flow: Won’t start / fill errors and slow filling that can stop cycles
    Frequency: Every 6–12 months (more often with hard water)
  • Keep door/lid seal area free of laundry and debris; gently clean the latch area: Door lock engagement failures that prevent starting
    Frequency: Weekly
  • Clean drain filter (front-load models with accessible filter): Drain-related lockups, failure to start new cycles due to retained water, and pump strain
    Frequency: Every 1–3 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung Washing Machine not functioning?
Common causes include a door lock issue, power supply problems, or water supply failures.
How do I fix Samsung Washing Machine not functioning myself?
Check door lock engagement, power supply connections, and water fill issues using our DIY solutions.
How much does it cost to fix not functioning?
Repair costs range from $150 to $600 depending on the issue, such as door lock or control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not functioning?
Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if the problem involves complex repairs.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Door assembly issues (1 mentions)
  • Corroded spider arm (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced addwash door lock assembly and new door assembly

    Success rate: 17.0%

  2. Stacked a new washer with an older dryer by drilling holes

    Success rate: 17.0%

  3. Consider purchasing LG or Electrolux as alternatives

    Success rate: 17.0%

  4. Consider purchasing Speed Queen for durability

    Success rate: 17.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Washing machine? What about I buy?
  2. Choose My Next Washing Machine
  3. Samsung Washer gives dC3 error code
  4. Stacking a new Samsung washer with an older Samsung dryer ?

Community Discussions

front loader died

Consider purchasing a Speed Queen washing machine for durability and efficiency.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

gave up the ghost

Recommendations for LG and Electrolux as alternatives to Samsung.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

spider arm corroded beyond repair

The user successfully stacked a new washer with an older dryer by drilling holes to match the new bracket.

DIY View on Reddit →

stopped working, shows dC3 error code

Replaced addwash door lock assembly, but ultimately needed a new door assembly.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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