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Samsung Washer Not Starting/Stopping

Samsung washers are among the best washers in the market due to their user-friendly controls and energy-efficient EcoBubble technology. The brand has been around forever and is long-lasting. However, like all machines, it can malfunction at times due to various causes. 

To fix a Samsung washer that won’t start or stop, check for a malfunctioning door lock, thermal fuse, or line fuse. Also, look for a defective display board, inadequate main control or logic board, broken power cord, clogged debris filter, kinked hoses, or an imbalanced wash load. 

In this article, we’ll analyze the different causes that may be preventing your Samsung washer from starting or stopping. Additionally, we’ll also discuss various methods to rectify this problem and prevent it from occurring again. Let’s dive in!

Samsung Washer Won’t Start

Samsung Won't Start

Since this article deals with two completely different problems, we’ll first look at the causes of why your washer won’t start.

Start by Checking if the Start Button Works

The first thing you’ll have to do is check if the start/stop button is working properly. Most often, washers don’t work simply because the power button is malfunctioning. 

There are two instances where your power button may not work:

  • The button is jammed: Your start button can get jammed if it is pressed continuously. If this is the case, you will see the diagnostic code E2, bE1, or bE2 displayed on the control panel. To fix this, press the other side of the jammed button with the power off symbol. This should usually fix the jammed start button.
  • Child lock is activated: If your display shows the symbol of a child’s face, it means that the child lock is activated. When the child lock function is activated, the power button is the only button that works. So make sure you deactivate the child lock and try starting your machine again.

Ensure the Door Lock Works Properly

In Samsung washers, the machine begins operating only if the door is securely shut. If the door is defective or if there is a problem with the latch, the door will not shut properly, and the washer will not start operating. 

The door lock can either fail mechanically or electrically. Start by examining for damage. If the lock is damaged, you will have to replace it. However, if there appears to be no damage on the outside, proceed to check if it has failed electronically. Do this by using a multimeter to test each of the door lock switches for continuity. If one of the switches is defective, replace the switch.

If there is no electrical or mechanical problem with the door lock, try cleaning the door lock’s contact points with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. This is because there must always be full contact between the contact points of the door and lock, and dirt or dust can sometimes prevent this from happening. 

Check if the Thermal Fuse Has Blown

The thermal fuse in a washer can blow if it is overheated. If the fuse blows, the washer will not start. To determine whether the thermal fuse has blown or not, use a multimeter to test for continuity. If the multimeter needle does not move, it indicates a blown thermal fuse. In this case, the thermal fuse will have to be replaced. 

Replacing a thermal fuse can be a tricky job for a beginner, so it is best to call a professional to take care of it. However, if you feel confident enough, you can give this tutorial video a watch to better understand the process. Also, do remember that different models will need to be dealt with differently.

Here’s the tutorial video on how to replace a Samsung thermal fuse:

Check if the Line Fuse Has Blown

Apart from a thermal fuse, a Samsung washer also has a line fuse that can get blown. The line fuse usually blows if the washer circuits are overloaded. Most Samsung machines have the fuse located in the logic board, which can only be accessed by opening the device from the back. 

Test this fuse with a multimeter for continuity. If it has blown, you will have to replace it. This video below demonstrates how to find and test the fuse on a Samsung washer. 

Check for a Defective Lid Switch

Washers require a lot of power to function and have more than one fuse. One of these fuses lies in the lid switch in most machines. If the lid switch is defective, the washer may not spin or run at all. 

Most often, the lid switch can be found by lifting the top or front of the washer, or inside the control panel (depending on the model). Check its fuse with a multimeter and replace it if needed.

Check if the Control and Display Board Is Working

Sometimes a washer may not start if there is a problem with the control board that contains all the controls. To test this, try pressing on the buttons in the control panel. If only some work and others do not, the control board may need to be replaced. 

Also, remember that the problem might be with the display board and not the control board, so make sure you test both before replacing either. 

Check the Power Cord and Main Control Board

If the electrical outlet is receiving power, but the washer won’t start, there might be a problem with the power cord. Use a multimeter to test its continuity and replace it if needed. 

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on August 18, 2020.

Also, if all else is fine, you can finally check the main control board. There is a very little chance of this being the problem in most cases, so you may want first to check all the commonly defective parts.

Samsung Washer Won’t Stop 

Samsung Washer Won't Stop
Samsung Washer Won’t Stop

Check if the Debris Filter Is Clogged

The washer may have trouble stopping if the debris filter is clogged. This is because the machine may not be able to drain water, causing the cycle to run for a more extended period of time until it gets rid of the water. 

Debris filters are generally present in the lower portion of the washer. Simply remove the filter, drain it of all the debris, and fix it back in place. Your washer will be able to stop as soon as the cycle ends after this is done.

Check if the Hose Is Kinked

Make sure the hose attached to your washer is not kinked as this can prevent water from draining. When water does not drain, it causes the cycle to last longer than usual. Always eliminate kinked hoses and straighten drain hoses to allow water to drain. This is one of the most common reasons washers do not stop the cycle on time.

Final Thoughts

Samsung washers may malfunction for various reasons. This article highlights some of the most common causes of troubleshooting, which prevent a washer from starting or stopping. 

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on August 18, 2020.

Here’s a short recap of this article:

  • Always check whether the start/stop buttons are working, as this is one of the usual causes for a washer not starting.
  • Ensure the door lock is secured.
  • Check if the thermal or line fuse has blown due to overheating.
  • Check for a defective lid switch.
  • Ensure that the control and display board is working.
  • Unclog the debris filter and straighten drain hoses if the washer does not stop.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on August 18, 2020.

Samsung Washer Keeps Rinsing or Won’t Rinse