In Samsung washing machines the tubular heating element (THE) is located on the flange – often there is also a surge-voltage protector there. This is useful for many models. Its main function is obvious – heating of water for washing.
What causes the failure of the heating element functioning
The first sign of a heating element malfunction is washing in cold water (when choosing a high-temperature mode). The machine does the washing in cold water due to the malfunction of the water heating system as a whole.
If you have, for example, the Samsung Diamond washing machine, then the H1 error code will appear on the display and the washing will end early. The reasons may be the following:
- failure of the control unit;
- malfunction of the temperature sensor;
- heating element malfunction.
Most often THE fails due to poor water quality. If the water in the plumbing system is too hard, there is limescale. It is formed on the walls of the THE when washing at a high temperature and especially when boiling water.
If you do not take regular preventative measures, do not try to deal with water hardness and scale itself, its layer becomes thicker. Over time, the heat produced by the heating element, becomes no longer able to pass through a thick coating, and the heating element burns out.
You may not notice this right away, but when the clothes stop being properly washed or the error code is displayed, everything will become clear.
Where is the heating element mounted
To get to the heating element it is not enough just to unscrew the back cover as in the Ariston or Indesit models. However, in the Samsung washing machine the THE is located in the front part and before you pull it out, you need to remove the front wall.
On the front panel there is a loading door, a powder dispenser, a control panel. You know that removing this is somewhat more difficult than just unscrewing 4 bolts.
How to remove the heating element from the Samsung washing machine, let’s start with the front panel:
- Remove the drain filter to easily drain the water remaining in the tank.
- Remove the detergent dispenser (there should be a small button inside which will help you easily remove the part by clicking on it).
- After removing the dispenser, you will see a couple more fasteners, unscrew them.
- Another bolt is on the right, on the control panel, – it must also be unscrewed.
- Slide the panel without removing it.
- Now let’s get to the loading door: pick up the clamp that holds the rubber seal with a thin screwdriver. Turn the seal inside – into the drum.
- At the bottom you will find another small panel, near the trash filter. It is fixed by fasteners, which also need to be unscrewed. The panel itself can be hooked up for convenience with a thin screwdriver.
- Along the removed wall, 4 more fasteners will wait for you, which were previously covered with a panel. Unscrew them.
- Lift the control panel and put it on the top case cover. In the place where the panel was, you will need to unscrew 3 more bolts.
Important! When working with the control panel, do not break the wiring so as not to complicate the repair.
- Now all that keeps the front part of the machine’s body is two small hooks. So that they let go of the panel, take it at the bottom holding the corners and lift it up – it can be easily removed.
Important! Do not pull the panel roughly or firmly so as not to break the wiring of the blocker. Your task is to move the wall so that it does not interfere with getting to the heating element, so you do not need to disconnect anything – just put it nearby.
- Return to the control panel, now it does not bother you, so lower it down so that it does not fall off the cover during the repair.
After removing the wall, you will immediately see the heating shank – it is under the tank.
Checking heating element
All you need to check is a volt-ohm meter;
Carry out the following steps:
- Configure the tester: select the resistance test mode, set the lowest value (in ohms).
- Remove all wires from the contacts and temperature sensor (built into the heating element). This work must be carried out carefully in order not to break the wiring.
- Connect one probe to one contact of the heating element, the second to the second one.
- Based on the obtained value, assess the situation: if the value shown is in the range between 25-30 Ohm, then the heating element is working. 0 or 1 was displayed? You will need to replace the heating element in your Samsung washing machine.
Heating element replacement
If you removed the front panel, have already bought a new spare part, then it is time to repair the machine. We will figure out how to get the heating element out of the machine without much hassle:
- Take the socket wrench and unscrew the nut. The mount is located in the very centre of the shank, between its contacts.
- Take both contacts of the old part and loosen them.
- Use a small hammer or the same key to strike the stud, which the previously removed nut was screwed on.
- Did the stud fall inside? Great, go ahead.
- Use a minus screwdriver to hook the part, thus moving it from its place.
- Pull the contacts to get the heating element from the groove.
Attention! Do not overdo it by pulling the heating element: if the contacts break off, it will be more difficult to get the heater.
By pulling the heating element out you can immediately understand the condition of the part without special tools. In 95% of cases, it is scum, and if black spots are visible, the heating element is probably burned out.
Mounting of a heating element is as simple as possible:
- Check the resistance of the new element tester. You need to make sure that the part is not defective.
- Take a rag and clean the hole and the mounting location of the new heating element.
- Lubricate the sealant with grease or engine oil. WD-40 is a perfect fit.
- Mount the part instead of the old one.
- Replace the temperature sensor.
- Connect the wiring.