What the HE Error Means on a Samsung Dishwasher
The HE error code on a Samsung dishwasher indicates a heating-related fault — commonly a problem with the dishwasher’s heating element, temperature sensor (NTC thermistor), heater relay, or the control board that manages heating. When the appliance cannot reach or correctly monitor the required water or air temperature, the control board flags the condition as HE. This can result in incomplete cycles, longer drying times, poor sanitation, spotty cleaning, or the dishwasher refusing to run certain cycles. In some cases the dishwasher may continue to run but will not heat, causing dishes to remain wet and preventing high-temperature sanitizing cycles. Because heating components are electrical and can overheat, there is also a potential safety risk if wiring is damaged or a short occurs — so proceed cautiously and disconnect power before any inspection.
Common Causes
- Failed heating element (open or shorted)
- Faulty NTC temperature sensor / thermistor (incorrect temperature readings)
- Defective main control board or heater relay
- Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring/connectors to the heater or sensor
- Blown thermal fuse or high-limit thermostat
- Software/firmware glitch or transient electrical fault
- Manufacturing defect or failed component in specific models
Troubleshooting Steps
- Power off & safety first: Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker before any inspection to avoid electric shock.
- Clear & reset: Reset the dishwasher to clear transient errors — either unplug for 1–2 minutes or turn off the breaker, then restore power and run a short cycle to see if HE returns.
- Run diagnostic/self-test: Many Samsung dishwashers have a diagnostic/service mode that displays error logs. Consult your manual for steps to enter diagnostics and check if HE or related codes appear.
- Inspect visible wiring & connectors: Remove the access panel and visually inspect wiring around the heater and sensor for burn marks, melted insulation, or loose connectors.
- Check the heating element: Visually inspect for breaks or corrosion. Use a multimeter to test continuity (typical resistance values vary by model — consult service manual). No continuity usually indicates a failed element.
- Test the NTC thermistor (temperature sensor): Measure resistance at room temperature and compare with the specification. A wildly off reading or infinite/open circuit indicates a bad sensor.
- Test the heater relay and control board outputs: With power on (and caution), check whether the board is supplying voltage to the heater during a heating cycle. If the board never e