Heimdall has always worked fine for me and installs TWRP or e-Recovery just fine. Heimdall is a toolset for your Linux PC, used to talk to Samsung phones.
The installation of Heimdall in my mind comes under “Preparation” so should be sorted out straightt away. Please check the install page section
Preparing for installation using Heimdall
Once installed, note the last sentence; verify Heimdall by running
heimdall version
Following this you can connect your phone in Download mode to the PC and type:
heimdall print-pit
If the device reboots that indicates that Heimdall is installed and working properly.
One job done. 
You mentioned the SIM tray, but what ever the cause, I suggest a Factory reset to test the phone. If the phone should fail to make and receive calls, assuming you are serious about ongoing use of the phone, I would be considering flashing the Stock ROM and testing the phone with that.
It is not critical, but after some “bad event” I would Factory reset; if you clean install you must Format data as written in the install page.
and do I have to remove my sim card
It is not critical, I prefer to leave it in.
Late Edit Don’t forget the Soft reset option useful for any Samsung running sub optimal.