Samsung Washing Machine: smoking
What is this symptom?
Experiencing smoke or a burning smell from your Samsung washing machine? This alarming issue often occurs during operation, particularly in spin, wash, or start cycles. It's critical to address this problem promptly to prevent further damage or safety hazards.
Important Tips for Samsung Models
- Samsung support specifically notes a stuck drain pump causing burning smell and recommends cleaning the pump filter.
Possible Causes
Drain pump blockage or stuck pump causing motor overload
How to Identify: Smoke often accompanied by burning odor; machine may fail to drain and motor may be hot/not turning.
Part: Drain pump and motor
Drive belt wear or friction causing overheating
How to Identify: Burning rubber smell, possible noise during spin, visible smoke; belt may appear frayed/damaged on inspection.
Part: Drive belt and pulleys
Electrical component malfunction (motor, control board, wiring)
How to Identify: Smoke from electrical panel areas, burnt plastic smell, possible scorch marks; machine may fail to run properly.
Part: Motor, motor control board, wiring harnesses
Foreign object causing friction or blockage
How to Identify: Smoke accompanied by unusual noises; small objects (coins, buttons visible or felt in drum or filter.
Part: Drain pump impeller, drum area
Overloading causing excessive strain
How to Identify: Smoke during heavy/oversized loads; machine struggles to spin and may vibrate excessively.
Part: Motor and mechanical drive components
DIY Solutions
Clean Drain Pump Filter & Remove Blockages
- Turn off power and unplug the washer.
- Locate and open the drain pump filter access panel.
- Place bucket to catch residual water and remove filter.
- Clear debris and ensure pump impeller can rotate freely.
- Reinstall filter and test with no laundry.
- Restart washer to confirm smoke issue resolved.
Inspect and Replace Worn Drive Belt
- Disconnect power and access rear panel.
- Inspect the drive belt for wear or fraying.
- Remove old belt and check pulleys for obstruction.
- Install new belt with correct tension.
- Reassemble machine and test operation.
Next step
Choose the next step for smoking
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Drain Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
- Typical part-only price
- $35 - $80
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 15-30 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Drive Belt
Transfers rotational power from the motor to turn the drum or tub.
Wiring Harness
Connects controls, sensors, motors, and other electrical components inside the appliance.
Main Control Board
The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace Motor or Stator Assembly
Replace Motor Control Board or Wiring Harness
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Regularly clean drain pump filter: Pump clogs leading to motor strain and smoke
Frequency: monthly -
Check for foreign objects in pockets before washing: Foreign object blockage causing friction or overheating
Frequency: Every load
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Samsung Washing Machine smoking?
How do I fix Samsung Washing Machine smoking myself?
How much does it cost to fix smoking?
When should I call a technician for smoking?
References & Sources
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Worn or damaged motor bearings causing friction and overheating.
- Faulty wiring or electrical components leading to short circuits.
- Overloaded washer causing excessive strain on the motor.
User Suggested Solutions
-
Inspect and replace motor bearings. Disconnect the power, remove the back panel, and check the bearings for wear. If damaged, replace them with new ones. Reassemble and test the washer.
-
Check wiring and electrical components. Unplug the machine, visually inspect the wiring for damage or burns, and replace any faulty components. Ensure all connections are secure.
-
Reduce load size. If the washer is overloaded, remove some items and run a smaller load. This will reduce strain on the motor and prevent overheating.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
started smoking after spinning
Likely bearing problem requiring repair.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
User Comments (0)
Share your experience or solution below.
Please login to post a comment.
Be the first to comment!