As frustrating as it is, laundry is a very essential chore, which most of us will only realize once the washing machine malfunctions.
If your Samsung washer isn’t turning on, don’t panic and inspect the appliance. There are a few things you need to check before requesting service.
Most of these fixes are manageable, even for homeowners with a few tools and limited repair skills. Not to worry, we’ll walk you through all the steps so you can power on the washer and get your laundry done.
Why won’t my Samsung washer turn on?
If your Samsung washer isn’t turning on, it most likely isn’t getting power because of a loose connection, a damaged power plug, or a tripped circuit breaker.
A defective power button can also prevent your washer from turning on. It can be caused by either dirt build-up or a defective control board.
How to Troubleshoot a Samsung Washer That Won’t Turn On
A Samsung washer that won’t turn on may have a power issue. Inspect the power cord for signs of damage and replace it if you find any.
If the washer isn’t turning on because of a faulty breaker, request service. Hire a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the electrical problem.
Below, we made a guide to help you understand why your Samsung washer isn’t turning on and how to fix it. We’ll also show you the difficulty level and duration of each repair.
| Issues | Causes | Difficulty of Fix | Duration |
| Your washer isn’t getting power. | Loose Power Plug | Easy | A few seconds |
| Damaged Power Cord | Medium | 20 minutes or less | |
| Tripped Breaker | Request Service | ||
| The power button isn’t working. | Dirt Build-Up | Easy | 5 minutes or less |
| Damaged Control Board | Difficult | 45 minutes or less |
Your washer isn’t getting power.
If your Samsung washer has power issues, it won’t turn on. The most common causes of power issues include a loose connection, a damaged power cord, and a tripped breaker.
Sometimes, the fix can be as simple as plugging in the power cord correctly. However, if the cause is a damaged circuit breaker, you need to request service immediately.
| Causes | Solutions |
| Loose Power Plug | • Plug the power cord into a well-grounded, 120V, three-prong outlet. |
| Damaged Power Cord | • Unplug the washer’s power cord and move it around to access the back panel. • Use a Phillips screwdriver to unthread the screws on the back cover. Then, pry the locking tabs using a thin tool. • Lift up the cover to remove it, and set it aside. • Push the locking tabs on the noise filter cover, and carefully pull the cover out. • Unplug the electrical connector and unthread the ground screw. • Remove the damaged power cord from its retainer slot. Align the new cord into the retainer and push it down. • Reinstall the ground screw, and reconnect the electrical plug. • Align the filter cover with the locking tabs and push it down until it locks into place. Then, reinstall the back cover. • Plug the washer back in and try turning it on. |
| Tripped Breaker | • Identify the circuit that is causing the problem. In this case, it’s most likely the laundry room or wherever your washer is located. • Unplug all the devices in that circuit before resetting the breaker. • Move the switch to the OFF position. Then, turn it back on to reset the breaker. • Observe the breaker if it still trips after resetting it. |
Loose Power Plug
We’ve all been there. We’ve all tried turning on an appliance that hasn’t been plugged in properly.
Thus, if your Samsung washer isn’t turning on, the first thing you need to confirm is if it’s connected to power. Check if it’s plugged in all the way.
A loose electrical connection disrupts the flow of electricity, preventing your Samsung washer from turning on. Or, it will cause the washer to turn off and on.
As a result, your appliance can get damaged. More importantly, it is a potential fire hazard, which is why you should always make sure that your cord is plugged in correctly.
Solution: Plug the Samsung washer’s power cord into a well-grounded, 120V, three-prong outlet. Move your washer close to the outlet to prevent the cord from getting pulled out accidentally.
Damaged Power Cord
Another possible issue that prevents your Samsung washer from turning on is a damaged power cord. In most cases, the cord gets damaged when you’re moving or transporting the washer without taping it to the washer first.
If you have a dog that tends to chew on your electrical cord, you might want to look for visible signs of damage, such as rips, tears, and holes.
Do not plug the washer back in if you see any damage to the cord. At this point, you should look for a replacement part for your specific washer model.
Solution: To replace a power cord on a Samsung washer, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug the cord.
- Step 2: Move the washer to access the back panel.
- Step 3: Unthread the screws on the back cover.
- Step 4: Use a thin tool to pry the locking tabs.
- Step 5: Lift up the cover to remove it. Then, set it aside.
- Step 6: Push the locking tabs on the noise filter cover, and carefully pull the cover out.
- Step 7: Disconnect the electrical plug.
- Step 8: Remove the ground screw.
- Step 9: Pull out the damaged power cord from its retainer slot.
- Step 10: Align the new cord into the retainer and push it down.
- Step 11: Reinstall the ground screw.
- Step 12: Reconnect the electrical plug.
- Step 13: Align the filter cover with the locking tabs and push it down until it locks into place.
- Step 14: Mount the back cover with its screws.
- Step 15: Plug the washer back in and try turning it on.
Tripped Breaker
If the Samsung washer is plugged in properly, but it still isn’t turning on, your problem might be the electrical outlet. It might not be receiving any power.
You can confirm this by plugging an electronic device into the same outlet. If it also doesn’t work, you should check for a tripped breaker.
Circuit breakers can trip for a variety of reasons. One of the tell-tale signs of a tripped breaker is when the power goes out in only one part of the house instead of the entire house.
For instance, if lights are constantly flickering or outlets aren’t working in the laundry room, it could also be a sign of a tripped breaker.
Solution: To check and reset a circuit breaker, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Identify the circuit that is causing the problem.
- Step 2: Unplug all the devices in that circuit.
- Step 3: Reset the breaker by moving the switch to the OFF position. Then, move it back to the ON position.
If the breaker doesn’t trip after it resets, your circuit might have overloaded. To prevent it from tripping, you can move some appliances to a different circuit.
However, if it trips right after it resets, you have a bad breaker. This can cause different electrical issues in your household and may pose safety hazards, which is why you should address it immediately.
We recommend calling a licensed electrician who can diagnose and resolve the issue for you.
On the bright side, the problem has nothing to do with your Samsung washer. Once the breaker is fixed, your unit will most likely turn on and function as it should.
The power button isn’t working.
At times, the buttons on the control panel can malfunction, preventing you from turning on your washer or running different functions. If the buttons aren’t working, it could either be caused by dirt build-up or a defective control board.
Resetting the washer might resolve the issue if it is caused by a glitch. However, if it doesn’t, you can try the two fixes we recommend below, starting with the easiest one.
| Causes | Solutions |
| Dirt Build-Up | • Unplug the washer. • Use a damp soft cloth to wipe the control panel. Then, wipe it dry using a clean cloth, or let it air dry for a few minutes. • Plug in the washer and try turning it on. |
| Damaged Control Board | • Unplug the washer. • Slide a heavy-duty string between the control screen and the knob and gently pull it down to release the knob. • Wiggle out the knob until it comes off. Then, set it aside. • Move the washer around to access the back panel. • Unmount the back cover, and use a thin tool to pry it open. Tilt and lift it up to remove it. • Remove the screws on the panel, and tip it forward to access the main control board. • Place both of your thumbs on the cover and the rest of your fingers on the locking tabs. Gently push down with your thumbs and pull up the cover with your fingers. • Take a photo of the control board before unplugging the electrical connectors. • Remove all of the electrical connectors. Press the tab on each connector and simply pull out the wire to disconnect it. • Remove the wiring harness from its retainer and the mounting screws of the main control board. • Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the tabs on the panel and remove the main control board. • Do the same step to remove the interface board. • Align the knob shaft on the new interface board with the hole and gently push it down. • Align the new main control board with the screw holes and press down until the locking tabs snap back into place. • Reinstall the screws mounting the main control board. • Reconnect all the electrical connectors. Use the photo reference as your guide for this step. • Insert the wiring harness back into its retainer, and reattach the control board cover. • Flip the control panel back into place and reinstall its screws. Then, mount the cover panel. • Align the flat edge of the knob with the flat edge of the shaft, and carefully push it into place. • Plug the washer back in and check if it turns on. |
Dirt Build-Up
Dirt or moisture may accumulate on the control panel of your washer, causing the buttons to malfunction. This is quite normal, especially if you reside in a humid area.
You can try resetting your washer. You can unplug the washer, and plug it back in after one to five minutes.
Or, you can turn it off at the circuit breaker.
Solution: To clean a Samsung washer control panel, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug the washer.
- Step 2: Use a damp soft cloth to wipe the control panel.
- Step 3: Wipe the panel with a clean cloth and let it air dry for a few minutes.
- Step 4: Plug in the washer and check if it turns on.
Damaged Control Board
If you’ve ruled out all the potential power issues and tried cleaning the control board but to no avail, you might be dealing with a faulty component. A defective control board can cause the buttons to stop working, preventing it from turning on.
In some cases, the power button might work but the other functions won’t, which will keep your washer from spinning, filling, or draining. Thus, you still won’t be able to use it.
Whether all or a few buttons on the panel have stopped working, you have to replace the faulty control board to get your washer to operate properly.
Solutions: To replace a Samsung washer control board, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug the washer.
- Step 2: Slide a heavy-duty string between the control screen and the knob. Pull it down to partially release the knob.
- Step 3: Carefully wiggle out the knob until it comes off.
- Step 4: Move the washer around to access the back panel.
- Step 5: Unthread the screws on the back cover.
- Step 6: Slide a thin tool between the seam and pry the locking tabs open.
- Step 7: Tilt the cover upwards and lift it up to remove it. Then, set it aside.
- Step 8: Unthread the Phillips screws on the control panel.
- Step 9: Tip the control panel forward.
- Step 10: Place both of your thumbs on the cover and the rest of your fingers on the locking tabs. Gently push down with your thumbs and pull up the cover with your fingers.
- Step 11: Take a photo of the electrical connections for reference. Use it as your guide during the reassembly process.
- Step 12: Remove all of the electrical connectors. Press the tab on each connector and simply pull out the wire to disconnect it.
- Step 13: Remove the wiring harness from its retainer.
- Step 14: Unthread the screws mounting the main control board to its panel.
- Step 15: Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the tabs on the panel and remove the main control board.
- Step 16: Pry the tabs around the interface board to remove it.
- Step 17: Align the knob shaft on the new interface board with the hole and gently push it down.
- Step 18: Align the new main control board with the screw holes and press down until the locking tabs snap back into place.
- Step 19: Reinstall the screws mounting the main control board.
- Step 20: Reconnect all the electrical connectors. Use your photo reference as your guide for this step.
- Step 21: Insert the wiring harness back into its retainer.
- Step 22: Reattach the cover of the control board.
- Step 23: Flip the control panel back into place and reinstall the two screws.
- Step 24: Reinstall the cover panel and its screws.
- Step 25: Align the flat edge of the knob with the flat edge of the shaft. Carefully push the knob into place.
- Step 26: Plug the washer back in and check if it turns on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Always unplug the Samsung washer before performing any repairs—no matter how easy the fix is. Failure to do so may result in electrical shock, which can be fatal.
You should also turn off the water supply to the Samsung washer to prevent it from leaking all over its internal components and on the laundry room floor.
Fixing a Samsung washer that won’t start can cost nothing at all, especially if you’re dealing with minor power issues. If you have to request service, you might have to spend $100 or more.
The exact cost will vary depending on the company and the fix. Still, the repair will be more affordable than buying a new washer.
When you’re dealing with electrical issues like a faulty breaker, you must hire a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the problem. Don’t attempt to troubleshoot it yourself, especially if you have no experience or technical know-how.
Replacing faulty internal components inside your Samsung washer can also be intimidating, especially for homeowners with very little repair knowledge. In such cases, you may opt to hire a professional to do the job.
