Samsung Dryer Error Code SYMPTOM‑NOT‑HEATING — How to Fix (Dryer Not Heating)
Step‑by‑step guide to diagnose and fix Samsung dryer SYMPTOM‑NOT‑HEATING. Includes tools, parts, cost, warranty tips, and preventive maintenance.
What Does Error Code SYMPTOM‑NOT‑HEATING Mean?
Error SYMPTOM‑NOT‑HEATING on your Samsung Dryer means: The SYMPTOM‑NOT‑HEATING code tells the dryer’s control board that it cannot generate heat. The drum will tumble, but clothes stay damp and the display may flash a warning. The fault usually involves the heating element, thermal fuse, or a temperature sensor.
What You'll Need
🔧 Tools
- Phillips #2 screwdriver
- T20 Torx bit
- Digital multimeter
- Needle‑nose pliers
- Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
🛒 Parts
- Heating element (part number varies by model)
- Thermal fuse (often part number D/AE001‑00200A)
- Temperature sensor (thermistor) kit
- High‑limit thermostat
How to Fix Error SYMPTOM‑NOT‑HEATING — Step by Step
- 1
Quick Power Reset
Unplug the dryer or switch off the dedicated breaker for at least 60 seconds. This clears any transient fault memory stored in the control board. Plug the dryer back in and start a short “air‑fluff” cycle. If the error disappears, the problem was a temporary glitch.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a flashlight handy; some models hide the reset button behind the control panel.
- 2
Clean Lint Filter and Vent Path
Remove the lint screen, discard lint, and wash the screen with warm, soapy water. Rinse, dry, and reinstall. Detach the vent hose, then vacuum the hose and dryer’s exhaust opening to remove any lint buildup.
💡 Pro Tip: Feel the vent for resistance; a tight bend or crushed hose can restrict airflow and cause overheating.
- 3
Safety First – Disconnect Power
Before testing any electrical component, ensure the dryer is unplugged and the circuit breaker is off. Use insulated tools and avoid touching live wires.
💡 Pro Tip: If you smell burnt insulation, stop immediately and consider calling a professional.
- 4
Test the Heating Element for Continuity
Open the dryer’s front or rear panel (refer to your model’s service manual). Disconnect the two power wires from the element. Set the multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting and touch the probes to the element terminals. A healthy element reads between 10 Ω and 30 Ω. An infinite reading means the element is open and must be replaced.
💡 Pro Tip: If the element shows continuity but the dryer still won’t heat, move on to the thermal fuse.
- 5
Check the Thermal Fuse
Locate the thermal fuse on the exhaust housing. With power still disconnected, pull the two wires from the fuse and measure continuity. A good fuse will beep or show near‑zero resistance. No beep indicates a blown fuse; replace it with an exact‑fit part.
💡 Pro Tip: A blown fuse often points to a clogged vent, so re‑inspect the vent after replacement.
- 6
Verify the Temperature Sensor (Thermistor)
The thermistor sits near the heating element. Disconnect its connector and measure resistance at room temperature; most Samsung sensors read about 2 kΩ. Gently heat the sensor with a hair dryer; the resistance should drop below 500 Ω. If the value stays the same, replace the sensor.
💡 Pro Tip: When in doubt, replace the sensor together with the heating element to avoid future trips.
- 7
Examine the High‑Limit Thermostat
Find the round thermostat on the dryer’s exhaust housing. Disconnect its wires and test for continuity. A functional thermostat shows low resistance (under 100 Ω). An open circuit means the thermostat has tripped and needs replacement.
💡 Pro Tip: A faulty thermostat often accompanies a burnt heating element, so inspect both parts together.
- 8
Inspect Wiring Harnesses and Connectors
Remove the rear panel and trace the wires from the control board to the heater, fuse, and sensors. Look for cracked insulation, burnt spots, or loose connectors. Reseat any loose plugs and clean corrosion with a small brush.
💡 Pro Tip: Replace any damaged wire harnesses; a single broken strand can stop the heater from receiving power.
- 9
Run a Test Cycle
Reassemble the dryer, plug it back in, and start a timed high‑heat cycle. After a few minutes, feel the exhaust vent; it should be warm (120‑140 °F / 49‑60 °C). Verify that the SYMPTOM‑NOT‑HEATING code no longer appears on the display.
💡 Pro Tip: Use an infrared thermometer to confirm vent temperature; consistent heat indicates a successful repair.
When to Call a Professional
If the error persists after replacing the heating element, thermal fuse, temperature sensor, and thermostat, the fault likely resides in the control board or a hidden wiring issue. Also call a certified technician if you discover burnt wiring, a tripped circuit breaker, or suspect gas‑related components (rare on electric models). Samsung support can be reached at 1‑800‑726‑7864.
Diagnostic Flowchart
Follow this visual guide to systematically diagnose Error SYMPTOM‑NOT‑HEATING:
The Samsung Dryer error SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a laundry cycle. This error code indicates that your dryer is unable to generate heat, causing your clothes to stay damp. The drum will continue to tumble, but the display may flash a warning. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the possible causes, troubleshooting steps, and repair options to get your dryer up and running again.
What Samsung Dryer Error SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING Actually Means
The SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING error code on your Samsung dryer is a generic fault that points to a heating issue. This fault usually involves the heating element, thermal fuse, or a temperature sensor. When the dryer control board detects that it cannot generate heat, it will display this error code. The drum will continue to rotate, but your clothes will not dry.
The heating element is responsible for producing heat in your dryer. If it’s faulty, the dryer won’t heat up. The thermal fuse is a safety device that blows if the dryer overheats, and if it’s blown, the dryer won’t heat. The temperature sensor (thermistor) monitors the temperature inside the dryer and sends signals to the control board. If any of these components are faulty, the dryer won’t heat, and you’ll see the SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING error code.
Rapid Diagnosis Guide (Before Calling a Technician)
Before calling a technician or embarking on complex repairs, perform these quick checks:
- Power cycle: Unplug the dryer or switch off the dedicated breaker for 5 minutes. This simple reset can sometimes resolve the issue.
- Lint filter and vent path: Remove the lint screen, discard lint, and wash the screen with soap and water. Ensure the vent path is clear of debris and kinks.
- Check for blockages: Verify that the dryer venting system is not blocked or kinked.
Diagnosing the Source of the Problem
Here are the possible causes of the SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING error code on your Samsung dryer:
1. Faulty Heating Element
- Description: The heating element is responsible for producing heat in your dryer. If it’s faulty, the dryer won’t heat up.
- How to verify: Use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity. If it shows no continuity, it’s likely faulty.
- Fix difficulty: Medium
- Cost: $50-$150 (part number varies by model)
2. Blown Thermal Fuse
- Description: The thermal fuse is a safety device that blows if the dryer overheats. If it’s blown, the dryer won’t heat.
- How to verify: Locate the thermal fuse on the exhaust housing and test it for continuity. If it’s blown, replace it.
- Fix difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $10-$30 (often part number D/AE001-00200A)
3. Faulty Temperature Sensor (Thermistor)
- Description: The thermistor monitors the temperature inside the dryer and sends signals to the control board. If it’s faulty, the dryer won’t heat.
- How to verify: Use a multimeter to test the thermistor for resistance. Compare it to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Fix difficulty: Medium
- Cost: $20-$50 (thermistor kit)
4. High-Limit Thermostat Issue
- Description: The high-limit thermostat is a safety device that trips if the dryer overheats. If it’s faulty, the dryer won’t heat.
- How to verify: Locate the round thermostat on the dryer’s exhaust housing and test it for continuity. If it’s faulty, replace it.
- Fix difficulty: Medium
- Cost: $20-$50
5. Wiring Harness or Connector Issues
- Description: Corrosion or damage to the wiring harness or connectors can prevent the dryer from heating.
- How to verify: Inspect the wiring harness and connectors for damage or corrosion. Clean or replace them as needed.
- Fix difficulty: Medium
- Cost: $10-$50
DIY Fix for the #1 Cause
The most common cause of the SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING error code is a faulty heating element. Here’s a step-by-step guide to replace it:
Safety warnings:
- Disconnect power to the dryer before starting the repair.
- Use a digital multimeter to test for voltage before and after the repair.
Tools needed:
- Phillips #2 screwdriver
- T20 Torx bit
- Digital multimeter
- Needle-nose pliers
Time estimate: 1-2 hours
Steps:
- Disconnect power: Unplug the dryer or switch off the dedicated breaker.
- Remove the rear panel: Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the screws holding the rear panel. Gently pry the panel off.
- Locate the heating element: Find the heating element, usually located at the bottom of the dryer.
- Disconnect the heating element connector: Use needle-nose pliers to release the connector.
- Remove the heating element mounting screws: Use a T20 Torx bit to remove the screws holding the heating element.
- Remove the old heating element: Gently pull the heating element out.
- Install the new heating element: Insert the new heating element and secure it with the mounting screws.
- Reconnect the heating element connector: Connect the connector to the new heating element.
- Reassemble the dryer: Reattach the rear panel and reconnect power.
What “fixed” looks like vs “still broken”:
- If the dryer heats up after replacing the heating element, the repair is successful.
- If the dryer still doesn’t heat, you may need to investigate other causes.
Specific Quirks by Model Number
Some Samsung dryer models are more prone to the SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING error code than others. Here are some model-specific differences:
- 2012-2015 models: These models are more likely to experience issues with the heating element.
- 2016 and later models: These models have an updated heating element design that’s less prone to failure.
Expected Repair Expenses
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs for repairing the SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING error code:
| Repair Option | DIY Cost | Parts Cost | Professional Labor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating Element Replacement | $50-$150 | $50-$150 | $100-$200 |
| Thermal Fuse Replacement | $10-$30 | $10-$30 | $50-$100 |
| Temperature Sensor Replacement | $20-$50 | $20-$50 | $50-$100 |
Maintenance Tips to Avoid Recurrence
To prevent the SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING error code from occurring in the future:
- Regularly clean the lint filter and vent path: Ensure the dryer venting system is clear of debris and kinks.
- Check for blockages: Verify that the dryer venting system is not blocked or kinked.
- Inspect the heating element: Check the heating element for signs of wear or damage.
DIY Limits: When Expert Help Is Needed
If you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs or if the issue persists after trying the troubleshooting steps, it’s time to call a professional. Here are some scenarios where you should seek professional help:
- You’re unsure about the diagnosis: If you’re not sure what’s causing the error code, it’s best to consult a professional.
- You’ve tried DIY repairs but the issue persists: If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps but the issue persists, it’s time to call a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Samsung Dryer error SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING:
- Q: What does the SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING error code mean on my Samsung dryer? A: The SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING error code indicates that your dryer is unable to generate heat.
- Q: How do I reset my Samsung dryer? A: Unplug the dryer or switch off the dedicated breaker for 5 minutes to reset it.
- Q: Can I fix the SYMPTOM-NOT-HEATING error code myself? A: Yes, you can try DIY repairs, but if you’re not comfortable or if the issue persists, it’s best to consult a professional.
- Q: How much does it cost to replace the heating element on my Samsung dryer? A: The cost to replace the heating element can range from $50 to $150, depending on the model and part number.
- Q: Is it worth fixing my Samsung dryer or should I replace it? A: If your dryer is still under warranty or if the repair cost is less than $200, it’s likely worth fixing. Otherwise, it might be more cost-effective to replace it.
For more information on dryer repairs, check out our guides on LG Dryer error D80, LG Dryer error CL, and LG Dryer error D95. If you need further assistance or have questions, feel free to reach out to Samsung support at 1-800-726-7864.
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