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Samsung Front Load Dryer Heating Element Replacement

Video Guide
This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

What you need

    • Disconnect the dryer from power before starting this repair.

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    • Use a screwdriver to remove the screws from the top rear of the dryer.

    • These are usually Phillips screws, but confirm the screw type on your dryer before removing them.

    • Pull the top panel toward the back of the dryer, and lift it off.

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    • Remove any screws securing the plastic console panel, if your dryer has them.

    • Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry up the plastic retention tabs, and roll the console forward.

    • Disconnect the wiring harnesses that keep the console attached.

    • Some Samsung dryers use two harnesses here, but connector count can vary by model.

    • Rotate the console to about a 90 degree angle, and pull it out to release it from its retention tabs.

    • Some models also use screws under the front edge of the console.

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    • Open the dryer door.

    • Remove the two screws just below the opening of the dryer drum.

    • Screw locations can vary slightly by model, so remove the fasteners that secure the front panel on your unit.

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    • Remove the four screws securing the door frame to the bulkhead, with two screws on each side.

    • Press in the two tabs that retain the door, then pull the door forward, up, and out.

    • Disconnect the wire harness from the door switch.

    • Disconnect the wire harness for the door light switch.

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    • Remove the four screws securing the top metal bracket.

    • Pull the bracket out of the frame, and release the small metal fingers on each side.

    • Remove the bulkhead wire harness from its retention tabs.

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    • Disconnect the moisture sensor wire harness before trying to remove the bulkhead.

    • Remove the four screws holding the bulkhead to the dryer frame.

    • Remove the two screws between the filter housing and the bulkhead.

    • Remove the screws holding the blower housing piece, with two screws into the bulkhead and three screws into the blower housing.

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    • Lift up on the bulkhead to clear the side tabs it rests on, then pull the bulkhead off the dryer.

    • The side tabs make the bulkhead easier to remove and reinstall.

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    • Reach inside to find the idler pulley, and move it counterclockwise (from your perspective) to release belt tension.

    • Use your other hand to slip the belt off track, either off the idler pulley or off the motor pulley.

    • Use the belt to lift the drum enough to access the heater canister and surrounding components.

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    • Clean lint and buildup from inside the dryer while it’s open.

    • Identify key components, including the heater canister on the right side, the blower housing, the motor assembly, and the two blower housing sensors.

    • The blower housing uses two sensors: one regulates temperature and the other acts as an overheat fail-safe.

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    • Remove the single screw that holds the metal leg and the heater canister together.

    • Disconnect the red and blue wires going to the heater canister that aren’t attached to the sensors.

    • Pull the heater canister out of the dryer.

    • If you are replacing the complete heater canister assembly, skip canister disassembly and install the new assembly after transferring any needed sensors.

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    • Remove the two sensors from the heater canister by removing the two screws on each sensor.

    • Reminder: Keep track of sensor locations so they go back in the proper places during reassembly.

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    • Remove the screws holding the heater canister together, with about six Phillips screws total.

    • Lift off the top of the canister to expose the heating element.

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    • Locate the two small angled tabs on the element wire connectors where they sit in the ceramic block.

    • Use pliers to pinch and bend the tabs until they’re flush with the connectors.

    • Pull the connectors out of the ceramic holders, and remove the old heating element.

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    • Avoid touching the new heater coil with bare hands; skin oils can shorten element life.

    • Route the two wire connectors into the ceramic connector block, and push them in fully with a gloved hand.

    • Use pliers to bend each connector tab about 50 to 90 degrees to lock the connectors in place.

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    • Align the heating element with the canister’s screw holes and indents so it seats properly.

    • Start a single canister screw first to lock the alignment, then install the remaining canister screws.

    • Press against the canister sides as needed to keep the halves from bulging while you install screws.

    • Reinstall the two sensors onto the heater canister in their original positions.

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    • Slot the heater canister into the rear bulkhead tabs, then set it onto the canister stool.

    • Fit the canister finger into the small slot on the stool, then reinstall the single screw to secure the canister.

    • Reconnect the red and blue wires to the heater canister.

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    • Use the belt to pull the drum back into position, and seat it between the rear bulkhead and the rear roller wheels.

    • Loop the belt onto the motor pulley, then pull the idler pulley back to apply tension and secure the belt.

    • The video notes this can take strength in both hands.

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    • Set the front bulkhead onto the four chassis tabs on the sides of the dryer.

    • Press inward on the dryer side walls if the bulkhead tabs won’t slot into place.

    • Reconnect the moisture sensor harness.

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    • Reinstall the screws securing the bulkhead and the blower cover.

    • Screw count can vary depending on whether you kept the blower cover assembled as one piece or separated it during disassembly.

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    • Route the wire harness through the two plastic tabs on the bulkhead before installing the top bracket.

    • Route the harness before installing the bracket if clearance is tight on your model.

    • Install the top metal bracket, engaging its side fingers into the frame, and reinstall the four screws.

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    • Reconnect the door light harness.

    • Reconnect the door switch harness before putting the front and door assembly back on.

    • Hook the front onto the bottom fingers, then pivot the door into the two metal retaining clips.

    • Use a flathead screwdriver to pull up the retaining clips if they were deformed during removal.

    • Reinstall the four screws securing the top front of the door frame.

    • Reinstall the two screws inside the door opening near the lint filter housing.

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    • Snap the plastic retainer at the top of the metal bracket into place, if your model uses one.

    • Slot the control console into the holes near the door area, and pivot it up into position.

    • Reconnect any wiring harnesses on the console.

    • Reinstall the two screws that secure the console.

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    • Slide the top panel into place from the rear, and push it forward to seat it.

    • Reinstall the screws at the top rear of the dryer.

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Conclusion

If the dryer still won’t heat after reassembly, recheck the heater wiring, the moisture sensor harness, and the sensor wiring on the heater canister and blower housing. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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Ben Schlichter

Member since: 01/21/25

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