If your Samsung dryer is not spinning, don’t panic; it could be as simple as the control lock being on, or in some cases, a fault with the drive belt.
The drive belt is a long, thin belt that goes around the dryer drum, a tension pulley, and the drive motor pulley. Over time, the belt can wear out and break from normal use. If the belt breaks, the dryer won’t spin.
Fortunately, replacing the drive belt is a straightforward task that you can handle with a few basic tools and a bit of patience. If you are a DIY enthusiast, then this should be a fun and easy task for you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing your Samsung dryer belt so you can get your appliance back in working order quickly and efficiently.
5 Reasons Your Samsung Dryer Won’t Spin
Is your Samsung dryer not spinning? This problem happens to many people. There are a few common reasons why your dryer won’t spin. Knowing these reasons can help prevent future problems and make it easier to fix your dryer.
1. Bad Dryer Door Switch
One of the major causes of the dryer not spinning is a damaged or broken door switch. The door switch is a well-known key safety feature that prevents your Samsung dryer from spinning if the door is open. If this door switch is damaged or broken, the dryer won’t spin. A quick fix for this would be to replace the door switch with a new one.
2. Blown Thermal Fuse
Another reason why your Samsung dryer may not spin is if you have a blown thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is located near the motor and blower in the dryer. If the fuse is blown, the dryer won’t spin. Some of the common causes of a blown thermal fuse include clogged lint trap, vents, or ductwork, faulty high-limit thermostat, and faulty electrical parts or wiring. If you have a blown fuse, replace it with a new one.
3. Clogged Exhaust Vent
Another reason why your Samsung dryer won’t spin is when the exhaust vent of the dryer is blocked. The exhaust vent helps in maintaining the temperature of the dryer, if this vent is blocked or clogged with lint build-up inside, it can reduce the airflow in the dryer and cause it to not spin. Properly clean the exhaust vent, both the inside and outside of the ventilation pipe. Ensure they are clean and free of lint. Once the vent is clean, you can restart your dryer.
4. Child Lock is On
Child Lock is a safety feature on many Samsung dryer models. This feature prevents the controls from being accidentally changed. It was designed to prevent children from messing with the settings in your absence, but unfortunately, it can also cause issues if you’re unaware of its functionality. When the child lock feature is enabled, none of the buttons will work, and the dryer will not spin. Simply turn off this feature to get your dryer running again.
5. Broken Drive Belt
A broken drive belt is one of the major causes of a Samsung dryer won’t spin. The function of the drive belt is to rotate the drum as it runs a cycle. If it breaks, then the drum will not be able to rotate, and your clothes will stay wet even after the cycle has been completed. To fix this, replace the broken drive belt with a new one. See the procedures for installing a new drive belt below.
How to Replace a Samsung Dryer Belt
Replacing a dryer belt is simple and easy to carry out. You only need a couple of tools and attention to detail to succeed. Let’s get started:
Step 1: Gather the required tools
To replace a Samsung drive belt, you will need the following tools: a Phillips screwdriver, drill (with Philips tips), nut driver, work gloves, putty knife, vacuum cleaner, and a new drive belt that fits your model.
Step 2: Unplug Dryer from the Power Source
Before you begin any repairs that involve electrical appliances, it is recommended to turn off the power to the device or unplug it from the power source. So, for your safety, make sure you put on your insulated gloves and unplug the dryer from the wall outlet before commencing work on the dryer.
Step 3: Remove the Top Panel
After unplugging the dryer from the wall outlet, remove the top panel. The top panel is held by a few screws at the back. Take out these screws using your Philips screwdriver, then slide the top panel back a bit and use a flat-edge screwdriver or putty knife to gently lift it off. Keep the screws and top panel in a secure location for later.
Step 4: Take out the Control Panel
The control panel is held in place by a few locking tabs along the back of the dryer. In most Samsung dryer models, you will need to take out the control panel and front panel to gain access to the drive belt. Lift the control panel gently to release the locking tabs. Be careful not to pull too hard so you don’t break them. Once the panel is out, disconnect the wires attached to it and set it aside.
Step 5: Take out the Front Panel
This step requires a focus and attention to detail to succeed. To take out the front panel, open the dryer drum and take out the screws at the bottom of the panel. Unlock the tabs on the door latch switch and disconnect the wires. Remove all the fasteners and screws along the top of the front panel where the control panel used to be. Now gently lift and pull the panel to remove it. Look at how the drive belt is wrapped around the drum, idler pulley, and motor pulley. You will need to replicate it when installing the new drive belt.
Step 6: Remove the Old Drive Belt
Unscrew the bulkhead in front of the dryer and take it out. Loosen the old belt and take it off the pulleys. If you cannot see the drive, it is probably broken. Gently slide the drum to rotate it; you should see the other part of the belt still attached to the drum. Reach in under the drum and remove the belt. You may need both hands for this step, so put a hand on each side of the drum and pull the belt gently to remove it.
Step 7: Install a New Drive Belt
After taking out the old belt, it’s time to install the new one. Slide the new belt around the drum gently. The new dryer belt should be on the middle part of the drum. Make sure there is no twist in the belt, and position it correctly around the drum, idler pulley, and motor pulley.
Step 8: Reinstall the Front Panel
At this point, you have successfully installed a new drive belt. Now, it’s time to put everything back together. Position the bulkhead correctly and reinstall the screws you took out earlier. Seat the front panel correctly on the dryer, and reconnect the door switch and other connecting wires. Once the front panel is seated properly, reinstall the screws across the top and inside of the door.
Step 9: Reinstall the Control Panel
Next, reinstall the control panel. Start with reconnecting the wire harness for the control panel, then seat the control panel correctly on the dryer and fasten all locking tabs. Make sure the control is placed correctly and locked in place.
Step 10: Reinstall the Top Panel
The final piece to put everything back together is to reinstall the top panel or lid. To do this, place the top panel on the frame and apply a little pressure to push it forward. This is to make sure the top panel is properly seated and catching the bracket that holds it in place. Push the panel all the way forward, and reinstall the screws at the back of the dryer.
Conclusion
A dryer that doesn’t spin can be very frustrating, but there’s an easy and affordable fix. Replacing a drive belt is a relatively simple procedure for most homeowners. With the right tools and instructions, replacing a drive belt should be easy for you. If your drive belt is broken, just get the needed tools and follow the guidelines in this article to replace the belt with a new one. Remember to put on insulated gloves and unplug the dryer before you start. Safety first.
Samsung Dryer Troubleshooting: Full Step-By-Step Guide
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
