HE Serious Moderate DIY

Samsung Washer HE / HE1 / HE2 — Heater circuit fault

Samsung Washer · Error code HE

What HE Means

The control detected an out-of-range water temperature rise during a heated wash, or the heater thermistor is open/shorted. Sanitize and Steam cycles will fail first.

Most Likely Fix

Heater error - water not heating

PartWasher heating element
Typical cost$30-70
Difficultymoderate
Time90 min

Tools: socket set, multimeter, screwdriver

Diagnose first: Element should read 20-30 ohms. Failure often follows hard water scale buildup - run a tub-clean monthly.

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Symptoms

  • HE appears partway through a heated cycle
  • Sanitize/Steam cycles never finish
  • Clothes come out cold

Common Causes

1
Failed heating element

Open element or scaled element won't transfer heat.

2
Defective thermistor

Temperature sensor on the heater housing reports wrong value.

3
Wiring or thermal-cutout open

Heater harness damaged or one-shot thermal fuse blown.

How to Fix It

  1. Power down the washer and drain via the front filter.
  2. Remove the rear (front-load) or bottom (top-load steam models) panel to access the heater terminals.
  3. Measure heater resistance — should read roughly 20-40 ohms; infinity = open element.
  4. Measure thermistor resistance — about 10k ohms at room temperature.
  5. Replace the heating element + gasket as a set if open or heavily scaled.
  6. If both heater and thermistor test good, suspect the main control board.

Parts You May Need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

More Samsung Washer Codes

All Samsung codes → All washer codes →

Verified against manufacturer documentation: samsung.com

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.