Samsung Dryer Not Working? How to Fix It

Is your Samsung dryer not working? Then you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we will give you step-by-step instructions on how to find the cause of the problem and repair it so you can start using your dryer again.

Please note that you will need to own or have access to a multimeter device so you can carry out the necessary checks in this guide.

This guide covers all major Samsung dryer models, including:

DV203AEWXAA

DV203AGSXAA

DV203AGWXAA

DV206AESXAA

DV206AGSXAA

DV209AEWXAA

DV210AEW/XAA

DV210AEWXAA

DV210AGWXAA

DV218AEBXAA

DV220AEW/XAA

DV330AEW/XAA

DV350AEWXAA

DV419AEWXAA

DV42H5000EW/A3-0000

DV42H5200EP/A3-0000

DV42H5200EW/A3-0000

DV448AEP/XAA

DV448AEPXAA

DV45H7000EW/A2-0000

DV48H7400EW/A2-0000

Step 1 – Test the power supply 

If your Samsung dryer has stopped working, the best place to start is to check the power supply. The easiest way to do this is to:

1. Check that the power socket that your dryer is plugged into isn’t the problem. You can do this by changing the power socket to another one in your house and checking if your dryer works. If it does, this means the power socket is defective and will need to be repaired or replaced.
2. If the dryer doesn’t work in another power socket, the next step is to check the circuit breaker in your household electrical panel. Check that the circuit breaker is switched on, and if not, switch it on. If the circuit breaker is switched on, make sure the breaker for the circuit that powers the dryer is a dedicated circuit breaker. If not, you will need to get this set up by a qualified electrician.
3. To double-check that the circuit breaker is working correctly, you can test it with a multimeter for continuity. If it is faulty, the circuit breaker needs to be replaced. If the test shows continuity, move on to step 2.

Step 2 – Test the start switch

If the power supply is not faulty, the next step is to check and, if necessary, replace the start switch. The purpose of the start switch is to tell your dryer’s control board that it is safe for the dryer to run. If it becomes defective, your Samsung dryer might not work.

Here’s how to test your start switch:

1. Switch the power to your Samsung dryer off.
2. Find the start switch (refer to your Samsung dryer’s user manual if necessary).
3. Remove the start switch, and test it with your multimeter for continuity.
4. If the switch is defective, replace it. If the switch has continuity, put it back into your dryer, and move on to the next step.
5. If you do decide to install a new start switch, check if it has fixed the problem and your dryer now works. If not, move on to the next step.

Step 3 – Test the thermal fuse

If the start switch is not defective, the next step is to test the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse turns your dryer off when it overheats. If it becomes defective, your Samsung dryer might stop working.

Here’s how to test the thermal fuse: 

1. Switch the power to your Samsung dryer off.
2. Find the thermal fuse (refer to your Samsung dryer’s user manual if necessary).
3. Remove the fuse and test it with your multimeter for continuity.
4. If the fuse is defective, replace it. If the fuse has continuity, put it back into your dryer, and move on to the next step.
5. If you do decide to install a new thermal fuse, check if it has fixed the problem and your dryer now works. If not, move on to the next step.

Step 4 – Test the door switch

Your Samsung dryer also has a door switch, which is there to tell the control board that the door is shut and your dryer is safe to turn on. If it becomes defective, your Samsung dryer might not work.

Here’s how to test the door switch:

1. Switch the power to your Samsung dryer off.
2. Find the door switch (refer to your Samsung dryer’s user manual if necessary).
3. Remove the door switch, and test it with your multimeter for continuity.
4. If the test shows the door switch is defective, replace it. If the door switch passes the test, it can be placed back into your dryer, and you can move on to the next step.
5. If you do decide to install a new door switch, check if it has fixed the problem and your dryer now works. If not, move on to the next step.

Step 5 – Test the timer

The next step is to test the timer to make sure it is working correctly. The purpose of the timer is to control the length of time the drying cycle lasts based on how you set it.

Here’s how to test the timer:

1. Switch the power to your Samsung dryer off.
2. Find the timer (refer to your Samsung dryer’s user manual if necessary).
3. Remove the timer, and test it with your multimeter for continuity.
4. If the test shows the timer is defective, replace it. If the timer passes the test, it can be placed back into your dryer, and you can move on to the next step.
5. If you do decide to install a new timer, check if it has fixed the problem and your dryer now works. If not, move on to the next step.

Step 6 – Test the drive motor

If you’re still looking for the cause of your Samsung dryer not working, the next step is to test the drive motor. The drive motor helps to turn your dryer around, so if it becomes defective your dryer won’t work properly, or perhaps at all.

Here’s how to test the drive motor:

1. Switch the power to your Samsung dryer off.
2. To gain access to the drive motor, you will need to remove the top and side panels off your dryer (refer to your Samsung dryer’s user manual if necessary to find out how to do this).
3. Once you have access to the drive motor, remove it and test it with a multimeter.
4. If the test shows the drive motor is defective, replace it. If the drive motor is working fine, place it back into your dryer and move on to the next step.
5. If you do decide to install a new drive motor, check if it has fixed the problem and your dryer now works. If not, move on to the next step.

Step 7 – Check the drive belt

The next step is to check the drive belt to ensure it hasn’t come out of position or snapped. The drive belt goes around the dryer drum and helps it to rotate, so when it becomes defective your dryer won’t work.

Here’s how to check the drive belt:

1. Make sure the power is still switched off.
2. Find the drive belt (it goes around the dryer drum). If you skipped step 6, you will need to remove the top and side panels off your dryer.
3. Check the drive belt for any signs of damage and that it is properly in position (including that it goes around the pulleys).
4. If damaged or out of place, replace it. If the drive belt is fine, proceed to the final step.
5. If you do install a new drive belt, put your dryer back together once complete and check if your dryer now works. If not, proceed to the final step. 

Step 8 – Install a new control board

The last step is to replace the main control board. The control board is hard to test and/or repair, so the best option is to replace it. However, given the uncertainty of making this repair, you might decide you’re better off replacing your Samsung dryer.