How to replace the heating element in a Samsung washing machine
When a washing machine's heating element fails, it's impossible to miss, as the wash will run in cold water, leaving dirty laundry. Most modern washing machines won't allow the cycle to continue if the water doesn't reach the required temperature. In this case, the control module will simply generate a system error and stop the program. In this article, we'll explain how to replace the heating element in a Samsung washing machine. We hope you find this information helpful.
Getting to the details
If we are talking about replacing the heating element in an Indesi washing machineT If you have a washing machine with a Samsung or LG model, this job is fairly straightforward, as the heating element is located at the rear of these brands. Simply remove the rear panel, remove the drive belt, and the heating element is within easy reach. With a Samsung washing machine, things aren't quite so simple, as the heating element is located in the front wall of the drum, and the front panel of any washing machine is more difficult to remove than the rear.
Important! The front-mounted heating element on a Samsung washing machine has its advantages, as removing the front panel eliminates the need to completely remove the washing machine and disconnect it from all utilities.
However, this minor issue shouldn't prompt you to turn to technicians who will charge you extra for replacing the heating element in your Samsung washing machine. Make the replacement yourself, especially since such repairs are considered simple. So, how do you remove the front panel of a Samsung washing machine?
- We unscrew the Samsung washing machine's dust filter to drain the remaining water in the drum, and at the same time, we take out the detergent drawer.
- Remove the screws that secure the top cover of the washing machine. They are located on the back, at the upper right and left corners of the Samsung washing machine.
- We unscrew two fasteners that are located under the Samsung washing machine drawer and one that is located on the right side of the control panel.
- We move the control panel, but we don’t need to remove it yet.
- Using a flat-head screwdriver, we hook the thin plastic clamp that encircles the hatch cuff and remove it, simultaneously tucking the cuff itself deeper into the hatch.
- Using a flat-head screwdriver, pry up and remove the narrow bottom panel of the Samsung washing machine, revealing the steel frame of the casing.
- Along the bottom of the front wall of the washing machine there are 4 screws that were not visible under the decorative panel, but now they can be freely unscrewed, which is what we do.
- We lift up the control panel we unscrewed earlier and place it on top of the washing machine body. Under the panel we find 3 more screws that hold the front wall, we need to unscrew them.
Be careful! When lifting the control panel, don't accidentally rip the electrical wires. They're very thin in places and held on by just a few threads; ripping them will cause more problems.
- The front panel of the Samsung washing machine is now held in place by just two hooks. Grasp it by the bottom corners and carefully lift it up to remove it. You don't need to pull the wall too much towards you, because the wires from the hatch locking device will be pulled behind it. You don't have to touch them at all, but turn the wall to the side, leaning it against the side of the washing machine body so that it doesn't get in the way.
- The control panel is now out of the way. It can be carefully lowered down to prevent it from falling off the washing machine when replacing the heating element, or to prevent any wires from being accidentally torn off.
Now that the front panel of the Samsung washing machine is removed, we can see the heating element contacts right before our eyes. But don't rush into replacing the heating element. Let's check everything first, confirm the unit is faulty, and then make a final decision.
Checking functionality
We can always replace the heating element, but let's check everything first. How do we do that? Well, first, we need to prepare the multimeter. Set the device to check resistance, setting the minimum value in ohms. Now, remove all the wires from the heating element sensors. This must be done carefully so as not to accidentally tear anything off.
Next, attach one probe of our measuring device to one contact of the heating element, and place the second probe against the other contact and observe the resistance reading on the multimeter display. If the reading is close to 28 ohms, such as 25, 27, or 30 ohms, the heating element is working properly. However, if the display shows 0 or 1, the heating element is burned out. You'll have to buy or order a similar part and replace the heating element yourself.
Incidentally, the heating element is far from the most expensive part of a Samsung washing machine, but you need to be careful when purchasing, as the heating elements for different models also vary. They differ in power and modification, so to avoid confusion, carefully check the markings on your old heating element. Or, take the old heating element with you to the store and show it to the washing machine parts seller – it will be more reliable. The minimum price for a new part is currently around $6.5, and the maximum is around $30.
! The heating element power of a Samsung washing machine is usually 1.85 or 1.9 kW.
Replacing a part
If you've managed to find a similar, working heating element for your Samsung washing machine, it's time to replace the burned-out part and restore the washing machine to service. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the nut located between the heating element contacts. This nut is the main fastener that holds the heating element in place, but besides the nut, there's also a spacer inside, so here's how to do it:
- unscrew the nut;
- we take hold of the heating element contacts and slightly rock it from side to side;
- take a small hammer and lightly hit the stud from which we unscrewed the nut;
- If done correctly, the pin will partially fall inward;
- take a flat-head screwdriver and pry the heating element as carefully as possible to move it from its seat;
- pull the part by the contacts and pull the heating element out.
! You need to pull the heating element by the contacts very carefully, not just because you feel sorry for the old heating element's contacts, but because if you break them, you'll make it more difficult to remove the burned-out part in the future.
After removing the old heating element, you can see its condition. It's almost certainly covered in a layer of scale, and in some places, you'll see black spots, indicating that the element has burned out. Take a new heating element, check its resistance, and ensure it's working properly. Lubricate its rubber seal with a drop of machine oil, and then insert the new element into the Samsung washing machine's drum. Replace the temperature sensor, connect the wires to the contacts, and then reassemble the washing machine in reverse order and test its operation.
Related actions
Over time, a large amount of debris accumulates at the bottom of a Samsung washing machine's drum: pieces of scale, buttons from clothing, pins, paper clips, coins, and more. Over time, this debris can negatively affect the operation of the washing machine, so when we change the heating element, we take the opportunity to remove all unnecessary debris from the drum. The heating element's opening is quite large. It's relatively easy to reach inside the tank and remove any unwanted debris with a stick or your fingers.
To make the task easier, technicians recommend using a tablespoon, inserting it into the heating element hole, and slowly pulling out any debris. Remember, a clean wash tub is essential for the proper operation of your Samsung washing machine, so don't neglect this important step, even if replacing the heating element is your first priority. Happy repair!
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The rubber seal with the O-ring is not difficult to put on, but I haven’t changed the heating element yet.
On the Samsung WF8500NHW (Diamond) 5 kg washing machine, the heating element is mounted in the rear. Before repairing, I recommend removing the back cover of any Samsung washing machine (it's much easier, just a few screws) and checking the heating element installation location. I read a lot about installing it from the front... I did a poor job removing the front panel.
I followed your advice and removed the back cover and lo and behold, there’s the heating element.
It's true that the heating element is located at the back of Samsung phones.
What kind of heating element is in the Samsung WF8500NHW (Diamond) 6 kg washing machine? The mechanic replaced it before, but it didn't last long. Now I want to replace it myself.
My Samsung has no back panel at all; it's a one-piece case, and the front panel is removable. (F1043)
Well, you're giving everything, wouldn't it be easier to first find out exactly where the heating element is, and then just tighten the screws?
Can you tell me, the heating element won't come out of its socket, it moves back and forth by half a cm and that's it, what should I do???
Mine wouldn't come out either; I spent about 40 minutes carefully poking around with a screwdriver until I got it out. It was also a waste of time taking apart the entire front; it was in the back. The machine is a Samsung Diamond, weighing 6 kg.
It took me an HOUR to remove it, and it was stuck. I had to scrape the rubber out with a small chisel.
I can't remove the heating element in my Samsung washing machine, model WF6EF4E5W2W.