Samsung Dryer Issues? Cooling Light On? Here's the Fix!
Experiencing a Samsung dryer not heating cooling light on issue can be frustrating. Samsung, a leading manufacturer of appliances, designs its dryers with safety features, and the cooling light can indicate various problems. One common cause involves the heating element, which might need inspection or replacement. Troubleshooting often requires basic tools, like a multimeter, to check for continuity. Understanding the error codes, often found in the user manual or online forums, can also help diagnose why your samsung dryer not heating cooling light on. This guide will help you understand why your samsung dryer not heating cooling light on and provide solutions!
Image taken from the YouTube channel David in France , from the video titled Samsung Dryer Stuck on Cooling | How to fix .
Samsung Dryer Not Heating & Cooling Light On? Let's Get it Fixed!
When your Samsung dryer flashes the cooling light but fails to heat, it can be incredibly frustrating. This guide breaks down the potential causes and provides step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot and, hopefully, fix the problem yourself. We'll primarily focus on the scenario where the dryer isn't heating, and the "Cooling" light is illuminated, as this combination points to specific issues.
Understanding the "Cooling" Light
The "Cooling" light on your Samsung dryer typically indicates that the dryer is in the final phase of its cycle, where it runs without heat to cool down the clothes. However, if this light is on and your dryer is never heating up during the cycle, it signifies a malfunction. The dryer thinks it's in cooling mode when it shouldn't be.
Diagnosing the Problem: Step-by-Step
It's important to systematically check each potential cause. Before starting any repairs, always disconnect the dryer from its power source to prevent electrical shock.
1. Check the Dryer Vent
A clogged dryer vent is the most common culprit. Restricted airflow can cause overheating and trigger the dryer's safety mechanisms, including prematurely initiating the cooling cycle.
- Where to Look: The vent runs from the back of the dryer to an outside exhaust.
- How to Check:
- Disconnect the vent from the back of the dryer.
- Visually inspect the vent for lint buildup.
- Check the outside exhaust vent for obstructions (bird nests, excessive lint).
- Clean the vent thoroughly using a dryer vent cleaning brush kit. Consider hiring a professional dryer vent cleaning service for hard-to-reach vents.
2. Inspect the Lint Filter
Even if you clean the lint filter after every load, some lint can still bypass it.
- How to Check: Remove the lint filter and inspect the filter housing. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove any accumulated lint inside the housing.
3. Reset the Dryer
Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve the issue.
- How to Reset:
- Unplug the dryer from the power outlet for at least 1 minute.
- Plug the dryer back in and try running a cycle.
4. Check the Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety device that prevents the dryer from overheating. If it blows, it will cut off power to the heating element.
- Location: Usually located on the blower housing.
- How to Check:
- Access: Unplug the dryer and locate the thermal fuse. Consult your dryer's service manual (if available) for precise location.
- Visual Inspection: Look for any signs of burning or damage on the fuse.
- Continuity Test: Use a multimeter to test the fuse for continuity. If the multimeter shows no continuity (an open circuit), the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
- Important: A blown thermal fuse often indicates an underlying issue, like a clogged vent. Replacing the fuse without addressing the root cause will likely result in it blowing again.
5. Examine the Heating Element
The heating element is responsible for generating heat in the dryer.
- Location: Usually located inside a metal housing at the back of the dryer.
- How to Check:
- Access: Unplug the dryer and carefully access the heating element.
- Visual Inspection: Look for any breaks or burns in the heating element coil.
- Continuity Test: Use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity. If there's no continuity, the element is likely burned out and needs replacement.
6. Check the Thermistors
Thermistors are temperature-sensitive resistors that monitor the dryer's temperature and send signals to the control board. Malfunctioning thermistors can cause the dryer to incorrectly sense the temperature and trigger the cooling cycle prematurely.
- Location: Typically located near the blower housing and on the heating element housing.
- How to Check:
- Access: Unplug the dryer and locate the thermistors.
- Resistance Test: Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of each thermistor at room temperature. Compare the readings to the values specified in your dryer's service manual (if available). Significant deviations indicate a faulty thermistor.
- Note: Thermistors can be tricky to test accurately without specific resistance charts.
7. Investigate the Control Board
The control board is the "brain" of the dryer and controls all its functions. While less common, a faulty control board can cause the cooling light to illuminate and prevent the dryer from heating.
- Troubleshooting: Control board issues are complex to diagnose without specialized equipment.
- Recommendation: If you've checked all other components and the problem persists, consider contacting a qualified appliance repair technician to diagnose and potentially replace the control board.
Component Troubleshooting Summary Table
| Component | Location | How to Check | Possible Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dryer Vent | Back of Dryer to Outside | Visual inspection; Clean with brush | Clear of lint/obstructions |
| Lint Filter | Inside Dryer Door | Visual inspection; Vacuum housing | Free of Lint |
| Thermal Fuse | Blower Housing | Continuity test with multimeter | Continuity or no continuity (needs replacement) |
| Heating Element | Back of Dryer (inside housing) | Visual inspection; Continuity test with multimeter | Continuity or no continuity (needs replacement) |
| Thermistors | Blower Housing, Heating Element Housing | Resistance test with multimeter | Resistance within specified range |
| Control Board | Inside Dryer (usually behind panel) | Requires professional diagnosis | Functional or Faulty (requires replacement by tech) |
Video: Samsung Dryer Issues? Cooling Light On? Here's the Fix!
Samsung Dryer Cooling Light On: FAQs
Got the cooling light on your Samsung dryer? Here are some quick answers to common questions about the issue.
Why is the cooling light on my Samsung dryer staying on?
The cooling light indicates the dryer is in a cool-down cycle. It should turn off after a few minutes. If the cooling light remains on for an extended period, and your Samsung dryer not heating cooling light on, it may indicate a problem with the thermistor, heating element, or control board.
What does the cooling light actually do?
The cooling light activates a cool-down cycle at the end of a normal drying cycle. This helps reduce wrinkles and prevent heat damage to your clothes. If you have a Samsung dryer not heating cooling light on issue, it may not be running normally.
Can I still use my dryer if the cooling light is stuck on?
It's not recommended. While the dryer may still function to some extent, the cooling light staying on, especially with a Samsung dryer not heating cooling light on symptom, can indicate an underlying issue that could worsen or damage the appliance.
What should I do if my Samsung dryer not heating cooling light on and stays on too long?
First, try unplugging the dryer for a few minutes to reset it. If the problem persists, it's best to contact a qualified appliance repair technician. They can properly diagnose the issue and repair or replace any faulty components causing the Samsung dryer not heating cooling light on problem.