Samsung HE Error Code | Fast & Reliable Repair

Error Code Explained

What Does the Samsung HE Error Code Mean?

The HE error code on a Samsung dishwasher indicates a fault with the wash water heater circuit. Samsung dishwashers use an inline flow-through heater (also called a heating element or booster heater) to raise the incoming water temperature to the target wash temperature. If the heater does not raise the temperature within the expected time window, or if the heater NTC thermistor reads out of range, HE is triggered.

HE on a Samsung dishwasher typically means the heating element has failed or the thermistor has malfunctioned. Dishes that come out cold to the touch despite a completed cycle are a common symptom preceding a HE code.

Root Causes

Common Causes of the Samsung HE Error Code

1

Failed Heating Element

The wash heater element (often a flow-through tubular heater) has developed an open circuit and produces no heat.
2

Failed NTC Thermistor

The temperature sensor in the wash circuit is reading out of specification, preventing accurate temperature control and triggering HE.
3

Tripped High-Limit Thermostat

The thermal safety device in the heater circuit has tripped. This can be caused by low water level reaching the heater (allowing it to run dry) during a drain/refill transition.
4

Wiring or Control Board Fault

A broken circuit in the heater wiring harness or a failed heater relay on the control board cuts power to the element.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Troubleshoot the HE Error Code

⚠️

Safety First: Always disconnect the Dishwasher from power before inspecting any internal components. Do not attempt electrical repairs. If in doubt, call a certified technician.

1

Run a hot water cycle to verify

Run a Normal or Heavy wash and check whether dishes and the dishwasher interior are warm after the cycle. Cold dishes and a cold interior confirm the heater is not functioning.
2

Ensure water supply is hot

Run the hot water tap at the kitchen sink for 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher to ensure hot water reaches the inlet valve. Cold incoming water requires more heater work and can trigger HE on borderline heaters.
3

Perform a power reset

Unplug the dishwasher for 60 seconds. A tripped thermal limiter may reset after cooling down. If HE clears and the dishwasher heats normally for several cycles then HE recurs, the element is intermittently failing.

Professional Service

When to Call a Samsung Technician

⚠ Stop DIY if any of these apply

Heating element testing and replacement requires accessing the underside or interior of the dishwasher tub and working with the control board wiring. A technician should test the element resistance and thermistor to confirm which component has failed before ordering parts.

Estimated Repair Cost

$130 – $270

Exact quote before any work begins. No surprises.

📞 844-739-1647

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — Samsung HE

The dishwasher will still run cycles with a failed heater, but wash water will be cold, reducing cleaning performance significantly and leaving dishes dirty with grease. Repair the heater for proper cleaning and sanitization.
Yes — Samsung dishwashers use the residual heat from the wash element to assist drying. With the heater failed, dishes will be wet at the end of the cycle regardless of the dry cycle selected.
Indirectly. If water pressure is so low that the heater runs partially exposed (not fully submerged), the thermal safety device can trip and trigger HE. Confirm water pressure is within 20–120 PSI before suspecting the heater element itself.

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