Samsung Washer HE Error Code: What It Means & How to Fix It

Error Code Explained

What Does the Samsung HE Error Code Mean?

Root Causes

Common Causes of the Samsung HE Error Code

• 1
  Failed Wash Heater Element

  The electric heating element inside the tub heats water to the selected wash temperature. Element failure (open circuit) results in no heat rising, triggering HE.
• 2
  Failed NTC Thermistor

  The NTC temperature sensor monitors water temperature and reports it to the control board. If the thermistor resistance drifts outside the expected range, the board cannot confirm correct temperature rise and triggers HE.
• 3
  Wiring Fault to Heater Assembly

  The wire harness connecting the control board to the heater and thermistor can develop an open circuit or burned connector, cutting the heater circuit.
• 4
  Control Board Fault

  Rarely, the heater output circuit on the control board fails. Confirmed only after heater element and thermistor test normal.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Troubleshoot the HE Error Code

1. 1
   Check if cold water wash cycles run without error

   Run a cold-water-only cycle. If it completes without HE, the error is specific to the heating circuit, confirming a heater or thermistor fault rather than a general control problem.
2. 2
   Test the thermistor resistance

   With the washer unplugged and the heater wiring disconnected, test the thermistor with a multimeter set to ohms. At room temperature (70°F), a healthy Samsung thermistor reads approximately 10,000–12,000 ohms. Readings far outside this range indicate thermistor failure.
3. 3
   Test the heater element continuity

   With the heater wiring disconnected, test for continuity across the heater terminals. No continuity confirms an open heating element that must be replaced.

Professional Service

When to Call a Samsung Technician

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — Samsung HE

• Will my Samsung washer still clean clothes with a HE error?
  The washer will still run cycles, but all washes will be cold regardless of the temperature selected. For most laundry this is acceptable short-term, but heavily soiled items and sanitize cycles require heated water. Arrange repair to restore full temperature function.
• Is the Samsung washer HE code the same as the dryer HE code?
  No — they are different faults. On the dryer, HE refers to the drying heat circuit (thermal fuse, heating element, gas valve). On the washer, HE refers specifically to the internal wash water heater and its temperature sensor.
• Can HE on a Samsung washer be caused by cold water supply?
  In rare cases with extremely cold incoming water in winter, the heater must work much harder to reach the target temperature. If HE appears only in winter and only on hot cycles, ensure the water supply pipes are not partially frozen and check the inlet valve screens for ice obstruction.