No error code but not heating the water Samsung WW91J5446EW
We have had this washing machine about three years and it's been okay but it has suddenly stopped heating the water. The machine carries out a cycle as normal and does not generate an error code.
A Samsung authorised engineer has been and says the element is okay, and to be honest he was a bit flummoxed with the lack of an error code. His only suggestion is to change the PCB but no guarantee that it will solve the problem. Given that the cost of changing the PCB is halfway to a new machine it doesn't seem worth it.
Any other suggestions as to what we could check/try first.
What is experience of changing the PCB - worthwhile or an expensive risk?
Thanks in anticipation.
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Samsung WW91J5446EW washes normally but does not heat water
- The problem
- A Samsung WW91J5446EW washing machine completed programmes normally but stopped heating the water and showed no error code. An authorised engineer reportedly said the heating element was okay and suggested replacing the PCB, but without any guarantee it would solve the fault.
- Likely cause
- Most strongly supported diagnosis was a fault in the heater control circuit rather than the heating element itself. Possible causes mentioned were the NTC temperature sensor, wiring/connectors in the heater circuit, or the PCB heater relay/track. The exact failed part was not confirmed.
- What fixed it
- Recommended action was to confirm the machine genuinely was not heating on a non-eco 60°C wash, then have the heater circuit checked properly before replacing the PCB. Suggested checks were the NTC sensor, wiring/connectors from PCB to heater and sensor, and whether the PCB was actually supplying power to the heater. Replacing the PCB without confirming loss of heater output was advised against as an expensive risk. The exact repair was not confirmed in the discussion.
- Checks to try
- Confirmed symptom by running a 60°C cotton wash and checking whether the door glass became warm after 20–30 minutes
- Heating element reportedly checked by a Samsung authorised engineer and said to be okay
- Suggested checking the NTC temperature sensor resistance and whether it changes with temperature
- Suggested inspecting wiring and connectors from PCB to heater and sensor for loose, overheated or damaged connections
- Suggested checking whether the PCB was sending power to the heater
- Parts or tools mentioned
- PCB
- NTC temperature sensor
- heater relay
- meter
Safety: Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
If the wash completes normally but never heats, and the heater itself has already tested OK, the fault is usually in the heater control circuit rather than the element itself. The lack of an error code does happen on some Samsungs, so it does not automatically mean the PCB is definitely at fault.
Before checking anything internal, isolate the appliance from the mains.
1. Confirm it really is not heating Run a 60°C cotton wash with a small load and check the door glass after 20–30 minutes. On many machines the glass should feel noticeably warm. Eco programmes can heat very slowly, so avoid using those for testing.
2. Check the NTC temperature sensor Even if the heater is sound, a faulty or drifting NTC can stop heating without always flagging a fault. On many machines it is fitted into or next to the heater. It should be tested with a meter for sensible resistance and for change as temperature changes.
3. Inspect wiring and connectors Check the wiring from PCB to heater and sensor, especially for loose plugs, overheated terminals, damaged loom, or corrosion. A poor connection at the heater relay circuit can cause exactly this symptom.
4. Check whether the PCB is actually sending power to the heater This is the key test. If the machine calls for heat but no voltage is sent to the element, the relay or track on the PCB may be faulty. Sometimes the relay can be replaced by a competent board repair specialist rather than fitting a complete new PCB.
5. Be cautious about replacing the PCB on spec If no proper live test has confirmed the board is not switching the heater on, replacing it is an expensive gamble. It can cure it, but I would not recommend it purely as a guess.
If you are not confident with meter testing, get an experienced appliance engineer to check heater circuit voltage, NTC readings and wiring continuity first. Any live electrical testing should only be done by a qualified engineer.
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This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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