Samsung dishwasher burning smell

Common reasons your Samsung dishwasher has a burning smell

The most common reasons your Samsung dishwasher has a burning smell are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a faulty pump and motor assembly.

  • 73%

    73% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 15%

    15% of the time it's the
    User Interface Control

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Pump and Motor Assembly

  • 4%

    4% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Samsung dishwasher

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A burning smell coming from your dishwasher could be caused by a defective electronic control board. The circuit board has a myriad of wires and small components that can short out and burn up – causing a burning smell. Also, defective electronic control board can send electrical current to the heating element at the wrong time and cause a burning smell to come from inside the dishwasher tub. When you smell a burning odor coming from your dishwasher, have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and replace the electronic control board if it’s defective.

User Interface Control Replacement

A burning smell coming from your dishwasher could be caused by a damaged user interface control. An electronic component on the user interface control can short out and cause an electrical burning smell. When you detect an electrical burning smell coming from your dishwasher, disconnect power and have a Sears Home Services Repair Technician visit your home and examine the controls and components of the dishwasher. The technician will replace the user interface control if it’s damaged.

Pump and Motor Assembly Replacement

When you detect a burning smell coming from your dishwasher while it’s running, a faulty pump and motor assembly could be causing the odor. Wiring inside the pump motor will produce a rancid smell as wiring insulation gets hot and starts smoking. A bad motor bearing can produce a metallic burning smell. When you detect these types of smells coming from your dishwasher, it’s time to schedule a service call and have a Sears Home Services Technician check out the dishwasher and replace the pump and motor assembly if it’s faulty.

What to expect when you experience a Samsung dishwasher burning smell issue

How is the burning smell problem fixed?

Correcting most burning smell problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, user interface control or pump and motor assembly. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher burning smell

When the dishwasher has a burning smell it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend scheduling Samsung dishwasher service with a Sears Home Services professional who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to look out for with a dishwasher burning smell diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

A Samsung dishwasher producing a burning odor may have overheating wires or melted internal plastic. Continued use risks permanent damage or fire hazards. Before it worsens, schedule a dishwasher repair service near me. Stopping the heat source protects your dishes, your kitchen, and your machine.

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James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


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Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Samsung dishwasher have a burning smell?
Look for a plastic item resting against the heating element. Check if the dishwasher’s motor is overheated, inspect the heating element for damage, and verify the power supply is stable.
Could a broken heating element cause my Samsung dishwasher to smell like burning?
Yes, a malfunctioning heating element can emit a burning smell. Replace it if damaged to prevent further issues.
How do I fix the burning smell in my Samsung dishwasher?
Load plastic items in the top rack and secure them with no-flip clips. Inspect the heating element, motor, and power connections. Replace any faulty components.
What causes a burning smell in my Samsung dishwasher?
A malfunctioning heating element, overheated motor, or faulty wiring can cause a burning smell.

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Glossary Terms

A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.

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