Why is the Samsung Washing machine not starting?

Samsung Washing machine not starting – Common causes & Possible solutions

Power Supply

Any interruption in the power supply to the washing machine will prevent it from starting.

If the washing machine isn’t starting, you should check if it is plugged into the power outlet and confirm if the switch is on.

To ensure the power outlet is working fine, try to plug in another appliance, such as a phone charger or hair dryer, and see if that works.

Another factor that can interrupt the power supply is fluctuation, if there is a dip in the voltage, it will prevent the washer from starting.

In this case, if the power supply does not meet the required voltage to the machine, simply wait until power resumes to normal.

However, if there is an excess surge in the power supply, it can lead to overheating of the electrical wires.

If you face power fluctuation problems regularly, it may burn the wires and stop the washer from starting (a stabilizer may be helpful here).

If you have already gone through the above steps, the next is to check the power cord for any wear-outs so go to the next point below.

Power Cord

Power cords are responsible for supplying power to the machine from a power outlet.

The power cord in a washing machine can wear out for a number of reasons, however, the most common cause is simply aging.

It is true that over time, the cord can become frayed or damaged, but premature wear-outs can also happen by being tugged on or caught under the washer or neighboring furniture.

Moreover, rats or pets can also bite the power cords of the washer, resulting in premature damage.

This can eventually lead to the cord breaking or shorting out, which can be a fire hazard.

Additionally, if it is not routed correctly through the machine, it can become kinked or pinched, putting stress on the insulation and leading to premature failure.

Electrical Wiring faults

There can be faults with the internal electrical wiring of the washer because there are multiple wires running through its components including sensors and switches.

When it comes to electrical wires in a washing machine, there can be too many lines (wire harnesses) needed to power the internal (electrical) components.

A loose connection or a melted wire within the washer will prevent the operation of some functions or will prevent the washer from starting.

The electrical wires are designed to transport electricity at high speeds and under high temperatures safely.

However, if the wires are not installed as per the required electrical codes, they can overheat and melt.

To be honest, this can be a serious problem, as a melted wire in a washing machine can lead to an electrical fire.

To deal with electrical wiring faults you will need to contact a professional electrician or a washing machine repairman.

Check the control board

The control board is like the mastermind of the washer; it makes all the cool stuff happen, like the start cycle, duration of the wash cycle, and finishing of the cycle as well.

But here’s the deal, if the control board isn’t working right or has become faulty, your washer won’t start, or it might start but not finish the job.

To fix this, unplug the washer and take off the top panel.

Then, give the control board a good inspection and see if you spot any signs of damage or burning. If you do, just replace that bad boy with a shiny new one, and that should do the trick.

Check the Motor

If the control board is okay, the next thing to check is the motor.

The motor is responsible for spinning the drum and agitating the clothes.

A burned or damaged motor in a washing machine can prevent the cycle or the entire washer from starting.

The most common cause of motor damage or a burned motor in a washing machine is frequent overloading.

This is because whenever a washing machine is overloaded, the motor has to work harder to keep the drum spinning, which can cause it to overheat and eventually fail.

You can call a local washing machine repairman to help you replace the motor of the washing machine.

However, you can also contact the manufacturer for assistance and to discuss warranty terms, if applicable.

You can also try to replace the washing machine’s motor yourself with a little know-how, and by referring to the user manual of your Samsung washer model.

To check the motor:

• Unplug the washer and remove the belt.
• Check the motor for any signs of damage or burning.
• The motor windings should be tested for continuity with a multimeter.
• If the motor is not working properly, replace it with a new one.

This may not be that straightforward, and you may need to seek help from an experienced professional if you are not familiar with the process.

Check the Capacitor

If the motor is okay, the next thing to check is the capacitor.

The capacitor is a small, cylindrical device that helps the motor start and run.

If the capacitor is faulty, the motor may not start or may start but run slowly or erratically.

To check the capacitor, unplug the washer and discharge it by shorting the terminals with a screwdriver.

Use a multimeter to test the capacitance and resistance of the capacitor. If the capacitor is not working properly, replace it with a new one.

Door or its sensor

A problematic door lock and its sensors are other factors that can prevent the washer from starting.

If the door won’t lock, you should check to see if there is something stuck between the door and its frame.

If you find that the door was closed properly but the problem still exists, it could be that the door switch is not able to sense or detect a closed door.

It usually happens when the door lid switch or the sensor becomes faulty and is not able to pass the command to the control board to run the washer.

To fix this, you will need to locate the door sensor with the help of the user manual for your washing machine model and type.

Test it using a multimeter and get a replacement if it is found to be faulty.

Water inlet or Pressure sensor

Do you know that a faulty pressure sensor can prevent the washer from starting?

The water pressure sensor is responsible for detecting the water level required for specific wash programs.

If it turns out to be faulty, the cycle may not start because of an unknown water level in the washtub.

First, inspect if the washing machine is able to fill water into the washtub and with good pressure.

You can start by checking the water faucets to see if they are turned on completely and if the water is flowing into the machine.

Note: If your washer’s inlet hose is kinked or otherwise obstructed, it could prevent water from flowing into the machine, which will further prevent it from starting. Hence, check to make sure that the inlet valves are not clogged due to mineral deposits and debris. If required, clear them so that they are unobstructed.

Problematic Thermal Fuse

When it comes to Samsung washers, there’s a sneaky little culprit that can cause some major headaches.

It’s called the thermal fuse, and if it overheats, it can totally blow and leave your washer dead in the water. No start, no nothing.

But how can you tell if this little guy is the cause of your troubles?

Well, you’ll need to break out your trusty multimeter and test for continuity.

If that needle doesn’t budge, then you know the thermal fuse is toast and it’s time to replace it.

That being said, the existence of a thermal fuse varies from model to model, so check your user manual if it’s applicable to your washer.

Final Thoughts

In most cases, a washer that’s not turning on indicates that there is something to do with the power supply to the machine.

The issue with the power supply to the washing machine may be due to temporary power fluctuation.

You should wait for some time before turning on the washing machine again.

If your washer is not able to start a specific wash cycle, then simply try resetting it.

You can turn off the washer for some time and then turn it on again as a standard step to reset a washing machine.

However, if your washer does not start at all like it’s dead, then you may need to go through each of the above-mentioned factors and see what the underlying cause is.

For a layperson, it may be a bit overwhelming, so it’s better to reach out to a qualified professional who can diagnose and fix the issue.