Samsung Dryer Heating Element Replacement — What This Part Does
The heating element in a Samsung dryer generates heat by passing current through a coil inside a metal housing. When working properly, it cycles on and off under the control of thermostats and the main control board to maintain set temperatures. The element can fail when the coil breaks, grounds out against the housing, or when the thermistor or thermal cutoffs wear out and no longer regulate temperature correctly.
Most Samsung dryers display an HE error when the control board detects abnormal heating behavior. This does not always mean the heating element coil itself has failed. Restricted airflow from clogged lint screens or blocked venting causes the majority of HE faults because the dryer overheats or cannot move heat properly. A failed thermistor reading out of range or a stuck relay on the control board can also trigger the same code. Always clean the vent system and test sensors before replacing the element.
Signs It Needs Replacing
- HE or HC error code on display The dryer shows a heating-related fault code, which can indicate anything from a clogged vent to a failed thermistor or grounded element.
- No heat during any cycle Clothes come out damp and cool after a full cycle, pointing to a broken coil or open thermal cutoff in the heating assembly.
- Excessive heat or scorching Clothes are too hot or smell burned, often caused by a failed thermistor no longer reading correct temperature or a stuck relay keeping the element on.
- Heat during Air Fluff or no-heat cycle The element stays energized even when the control board should command it off, usually a bad relay or main control board.
- Tripped thermal fuse or cutoff A safety thermostat has opened and will not reset, typically after repeated overheating from poor airflow or a faulty thermistor.
- Continuity between element terminal and housing A multimeter shows the coil has shorted to the metal casing, confirming a grounded element that must be replaced.
How to Replace It
- Unplug the dryer from the wall or shut off the dedicated circuit breaker to cut all power before starting any work.
- Pull the dryer away from the wall and disconnect the vent duct from the rear exhaust port, then inspect and clean the entire vent run to rule out airflow restriction.
- Remove the screws securing the lower front access panel or rear panel (location varies by model) to reach the heating element housing at the base of the drum.
- Disconnect the wire harness from the thermistor and heating element terminals, taking a photo first to confirm reassembly order.
- Test the thermistor with a multimeter set to resistance: it should read about 10 kΩ at room temperature (25°C or 77°F). Replace the thermistor if the reading is open, shorted, or far out of range.
- Check each thermostat and thermal cutoff mounted on or near the element housing for continuity. Replace any that read open.
- Test the heating element for continuity between its two terminals (should show continuity when good), then test from each terminal to the metal housing (should show no continuity). If you measure continuity to the housing, the element is grounded and must be replaced.
- If the thermistor and element test good but the dryer heats during a no-heat cycle, suspect a stuck relay or failed main control board and consider calling a technician.
- Install the new heating element assembly or thermistor, reconnect all wire harnesses, reinstall the access panel, reconnect the vent duct, restore power, and run a timed-dry cycle with a load to verify normal heating.
The Part You Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Samsung dryer heating element assembly | Amazon | Samsung part DC47-00019A fits many models. Check the model and serial plate inside the door frame or on the rear panel to confirm your exact part number. |
| Samsung dryer thermistor | Amazon | Samsung part DC32-00007A. Verify compatibility with your model number before ordering. |
Related Error Codes
If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:
- Samsung Dryer Ac error code
- Samsung Dryer Ac7 error code
- Samsung Dryer Ae3 error code
- Samsung Dryer Ae4 error code
- Samsung Dryer Ae5 error code
- Samsung Dryer Bc2 error code
- Samsung Dryer Be error code
- Samsung Dryer Be2 error code
- Samsung Dryer C1 error code
- Samsung Dryer C2 error code
When to Call a Pro
If you find heat during a no-heat cycle or Air Fluff mode, the main control board or heater relay is likely stuck closed and requires diagnosis beyond simple part swaps. Techs use service manuals and live voltage checks to isolate board-level faults safely. Also call a pro if you are not comfortable working with 240-volt connections or if the error returns after cleaning vents and replacing the thermistor and element, since intermittent faults can point to wiring issues or a failing control board.