If your Samsung dryer keeps shutting off, especially a few minutes after turning it on, it could be due to an issue with the dryer belt. However, this is not the only cause.
There are other issues that may cause the dryer to shut off or fail to work properly. In this article, we’ll explain where the issue arises from and how to troubleshoot it.
What does it mean when your dryer keeps shutting off?
The main reason why your dryer keeps stopping is because of a faulty drive belt. This troubleshooting guide will guide you on how you can fix them:
1. An overheating dryer motor
The main reason why your dryer keeps shutting off after 2 minutes is likely because of an overheating dryer motor. A defective dryer motor causes a continuous buzz sound and must be replaced immediately.
You can also let it cool down for 2-5 minutes before restarting it and if it continues making the buzz sound, replace it using the following steps:
- Unplug the dryer from the power socket.
- Remove the lower access panel and lint filter at the bottom.
- Pull the dryer away from the wall for easy access to the back panel.
- Unscrew the top panel.
- Remove the wires attached to the door switch.
- Finally, remove the dryer’s front panel.
- Using your left hand, grip the idler pulley, push it back and pull the belt off the motor pulley using the other hand.
- Remove the idler pulley from the mounting basket.
- Hold the drum and remove it from the cabinet but leave the belt inside it.
- Locate the wires connecting to the motor and detach them.
- Release the blower wheel and let it rest in the housing.
- Replace the faulty dryer motor with a new one.
- Reassemble all the parts together and check whether the problem is solved.
READ: Fix a Samsung dryer that is running but not heating
2. Overloading the dryer
Overloading your Samsung dryer may lead to it shutting down frequently. Instead of saving time and energy, you damage the dryer pulley and motor. Furthermore, it inhibits the proper circulation of air in the drum.
Ensure that you put the clothes load depending on the dryer’s capacity. The clothes capacity should be less than two-thirds of the clothes tub. You should also put the right amount of water and fabric softener to ensure the dryer runs smoothly.
3. Defective drum belt
The most common reason why the dryer stops working is a faulty drum belt. A drum belt helps the dryer rotate during its cycle. Therefore, it will not work properly if it is defective and requires to be replaced.
Below are the steps on how to check and replace the drum belt:
- Unplug the dryer from the power socket.
- Remove the lower access panel and lint filter from the dryer.
- You will see two screws beneath where the lint filter was. Unscrew them and set them aside.
- Unscrew the screws holding the top panel and set them aside.
- Disconnect the wires connected to the door latch.
- Once the panels have been removed, you will see the drum belt and check its condition.
- If it is not working, replace the faulty drum belt with a new one.
- Reassemble the parts together and check whether the dryer is working normally.
4. Defective door latch
The door latch’s purpose is to close the dryer’s door before starting its operation firmly. Unfortunately, it becomes faulty because of too much use. You can test its condition by closing the door; if it does not close the door tightly, it must be replaced.
Below are the steps to replacing a faulty door latch:
- Disconnect the socket from the power socket or turn off the circuit breaker.
- Remove the door hinges by unscrewing the screws holding them in place.
- Remove the dryer’s door to access and remove the door latch.
- Replace the removed door latch with a new one and replace the door to its original position.
- Reassemble the dryer’s door parts and check whether the dryer runs without stopping.
READ: Whirlpool duet dryer is not spinning but makes a humming sound
5. Defective moisture sensor
A moisture sensor monitors the sensor in the dryer. When there are high moisture levels in the dryer, it alerts the control board to turn off the dryer. However, it will falsely alert the control board that the dryer has no moisture and your clothes are dry when it is faulty. Hence, your dryer shuts itself off.
Here are the steps to replacing a bad moisture sensor:
- Unplug the dryer from the power supply.
- Remove the screws holding the top panel in place.
- Remove the top panel and control panel inside it.
- Unscrew the screws holding the lint screen and close the dryer’s door.
- Look for the locking tab on the front panel and remove it. Detach the front panel and remove the wires connected to the door.
- Remove the control panel and the wires connected to the moisture sensor.
- Separate the mounting plate, lint screen, and grill.
- Remove the old moisture sensor and replace it with a new one.
- Reassemble the dryer’s parts and turn on the dryer to see whether it runs normally.
6. Contact a professional technician
If you have performed all the above troubleshooting methods and your Samsung dryer still turns off after 2 minutes, contact a professional technician to diagnose the problem and fix it. Alternatively, you can also contact Samsung customer service to help fix your dryer under warranty.
Final thoughts
As we’ve explained, there are several reasons why your Samsung dryer keeps shutting off after a few minutes. These include a faulty drum belt, door latch, moisture sensor, and an overheating dryer motor. You can fix most of these problems by yourself using the tools available at home and following the steps outlined above.