Samsung Dishwasher HE Error Code — What It Means
The HE code on a Samsung dishwasher stands for a heater or temperature detection fault. The control board has determined that water temperature is not rising as expected during the cycle, or the temperature sensor is not reading correctly. Samsung describes this as incorrect temperature detection. The dishwasher may stop mid-cycle or refuse to start properly because it cannot confirm the water is being heated to the programmed level.
Common Causes
- Failed heating element The heater has lost continuity or resistance is out of specification, so it cannot warm the water.
- Faulty thermistor or temperature sensor The sensor is reading incorrectly or has drifted out of range, sending bad data to the control board.
- Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring Connectors to the heater or thermistor are not making solid contact or have been damaged by heat or moisture.
- Very cold incoming water Extremely low inlet water temperature can prevent the heater from raising the temperature fast enough, triggering the fault.
- Control board or logic fault The main control board is misinterpreting temperature data even when the heater and sensor test good.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Power-cycle the dishwasher by turning off the circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then restore power and run a normal empty cycle to confirm the HE code returns and is not a one-time glitch.
- Check incoming water temperature at the supply line or another nearby faucet to confirm it is not unusually cold, which can overwork the heater and trip the code.
- Inspect the heater and thermistor wiring by accessing the base or side panel, looking for loose plugs, corrosion, burn marks, or broken wires, and reseat all connectors firmly.
- Test the heating element for continuity using a multimeter set to resistance mode, confirming it is not open and that resistance falls within the range specified in your model’s service manual.
- Test the thermistor resistance at room temperature and compare the reading to the service-manual value for your model, replacing the sensor if it is out of range or shows no continuity.
- Inspect the control board for obvious signs of burn damage, moisture intrusion, or failed relay contacts only after confirming the heater, sensor, and wiring are all functioning correctly.
- Run a post-repair test cycle with the dishwasher empty to verify that water heats properly and the HE code does not reappear.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher heating element | Amazon | Look up the part number for your exact Samsung model, as heaters vary by series and capacity. |
| Dishwasher thermistor / temperature sensor | Amazon | Confirm compatibility with your model number before ordering. |
| Wire harness repair kit or connectors | Amazon | Use if you find melted, corroded, or broken terminals during inspection. |
| Main control board | Amazon | Replace only after heater, sensor, and wiring have been ruled out as the cause. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a professional if you are not comfortable working with electrical components or accessing the dishwasher base, or if you have tested the heater and thermistor and both are within specification but the code persists. Control board diagnosis and replacement often require service-mode testing and proper part programming. Also call for help if you find evidence of water damage inside the machine or if multiple error codes appear together, since that usually points to a more complex failure.