The Samsung HE error indicates a heating failure—the dishwasher doesn’t detect adequate temperature rise during the heating cycle. Try a power cycle first (10 minutes at breaker), then verify hot water is reaching the unit. Persistent HE errors typically require professional service for heating element, thermistor, or relay replacement.
| Error Code | HE (also: HE1, HE2, HE3) |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Heater failure—temperature not rising as expected |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Time to Fix | Diagnosis: 30 min; Repair: Professional |
| Tools Needed | Multimeter (for advanced diagnosis) |
| DIY Fixable | Professional recommended |
| Official Source | Samsung Support |
The HE error code on Samsung dishwashers indicates a heating system failure. The error triggers when the dishwasher doesn’t detect a temperature increase of more than 7°F within 10 minutes of the heating cycle starting.
What the HE Error Code Means
When your Samsung dishwasher displays HE (or variants HE1, HE2, HE3), the control board has determined that:
- The heating element isn’t raising water temperature as expected, OR
- The thermistor (temperature sensor) isn’t reporting temperature changes, OR
- The heater relay on the main power board isn’t activating the heating element
The dishwasher may continue operating but without proper heating, resulting in poor cleaning performance and unsanitized dishes.
Model Coverage
This guide applies to Samsung dishwashers displaying HE, HE1, HE2, or HE3 error codes:
- DW80CG, DW80BB, DW80B series (2022+)
- DW80R, DW80T series (2019-2022)
- DW80M, DW80K, DW80J, DW80N series (2015-2020)
The numbered variants (HE1, HE2, HE3) may indicate specific heater circuits on models with multiple heating zones, but troubleshooting is similar.
Common Causes
The HE error typically results from:
- Failed heating element (open circuit—element no longer conducts electricity)
- Faulty heater relay on main power board—particularly common in homes with tankless water heaters
- Defective thermistor providing incorrect temperature readings
- Loose wiring connections at heating element or control board
- Temporary electronic glitch (least common)
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1: Power Cycle the Dishwasher
Start with a complete power cycle to rule out temporary electronic issues.
- Turn off the circuit breaker for the dishwasher
- Wait a full 10 minutes (allows all capacitors to discharge)
- Restore power at the breaker
- Turn on the dishwasher
- If HE error is gone, run a complete Normal cycle to verify
Step 2: Verify Incoming Hot Water
Samsung dishwashers expect incoming water to be hot—they heat it further, not from cold.
- Before starting the dishwasher, run your kitchen sink hot water for 2-3 minutes
- The water should be noticeably hot (120°F+ ideal)
- Then start the dishwasher—this ensures hot water is in the line
- If your hot water takes a long time to reach the kitchen, always pre-run before starting cycles
Homes with tankless water heaters often have lower gallons-per-minute (GPM) flow rates. Dishwashers fill slowly, which can allow water to cool in the supply line. The heater relay in Samsung dishwashers is particularly sensitive to this. Pre-running hot water helps.
Step 3: Run an Empty Hot Cycle
Test the heating system without the variable of dirty dishes.
- Ensure the dishwasher is empty
- Don’t add detergent (avoid suds interference)
- Select the hottest available cycle (Sanitize or Heavy)
- Start the cycle and monitor for HE error
- If cycle completes without error, the issue may have been temporary
Step 4: Check for Tankless Water Heater Issues
Tankless water heaters can cause specific problems with Samsung dishwashers.
The issue: Tankless heaters need minimum flow rates to activate. Dishwashers fill slowly, sometimes below the activation threshold, meaning cold water enters the unit.
Symptoms:
- HE errors appearing intermittently
- Dishes not drying well
- Cycle completing but dishes cool to touch
Mitigation:
- Always run hot water at the sink before starting dishwasher
- Consider a small point-of-use tank water heater under the sink
- Check that your tankless heater’s minimum GPM meets dishwasher fill rate
Step 5: Advanced Diagnosis (Technical)
If you have electrical experience and a multimeter, you can test components:
Heating element test:
- Disconnect power at breaker
- Access the heating element terminals (usually requires removing the kick plate and/or lower panel)
- Disconnect wires from heating element terminals
- Set multimeter to resistance (ohms)
- Test across the two heating element terminals
- Expected reading: 12-14 ohms
- Infinite/OL reading: Heating element has failed (open circuit)
Note: Accessing and testing internal components may void warranty and requires electrical safety knowledge. When in doubt, call a professional.
Why DIY Repair Is Limited
The HE error typically indicates component failure requiring replacement:
- Heating element replacement requires disconnecting plumbing, removing the dishwasher, and accessing the sump area
- Main power board replacement involves working with high-voltage components
- Thermistor replacement requires proper part identification and connection
These repairs involve 120V electrical work and potential water damage if done incorrectly. Professional service is recommended.
Typical Repair Costs
| Component | Part Cost | Total with Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Heating element | $50-80 | $150-250 |
| Main power board | $100-200 | $200-350 |
| Thermistor | $20-40 | $100-175 |
When to Call a Tech
Contact a professional if:
- HE error persists after power cycle and hot water verification
- You’re not comfortable testing electrical components
- The dishwasher is under warranty
- You hear the heating element humming but water doesn’t heat
- Multiple error codes appear alongside HE
What to tell the technician:
- Exact error code (HE, HE1, HE2, or HE3)
- Whether the error is consistent or intermittent
- Type of water heater (tank or tankless)
- Any other symptoms (poor drying, cool dishes, etc.)
Sources
For official Samsung support: