Has your Samsung dishwasher been displaying an annoying HE error code? Don’t worry, this problem is fixable! The HE code indicates an issue with the dishwasher’s heating system that prevents it from properly warming the water during washing cycles.
But with some simple troubleshooting steps, you can get to the bottom of the problem and have your dishwasher running normally again in no time. This quick guide will walk you through inspecting the heating element, testing components with a multimeter, and making any necessary repairs.
With a few basic tools and safety precautions, you can troubleshoot and resolve the HE error on your Samsung dishwasher.
Causes of HE error code
The HE error code indicates your Samsung dishwasher is having trouble heating water during the wash cycle. There are two main causes for the HE error to appear:
1. The dishwasher doesn’t detect a temperature increase of more than 7 degrees within the first 10 minutes of the heating cycle
Your dishwasher has a temperature sensor that monitors the temperature rise during the initial heating stage. The heating element warms up the water to the proper washing temperature within the first 10 minutes.
If the sensor does not detect a temperature increase of at least 7 degrees Fahrenheit in the first 10 minutes, the control board will shut off the heating cycle and flash the HE error code. This usually means there is a problem with the heating element or temperature sensor.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Is the heating element working properly? It may be burnt out or have a loose wire connection.
- Is the temperature sensor functioning accurately? It could be defective and needs replacing.
2. Some models may display a heater error on the control panel as flashing LEDs for Heavy and Delicate or Heavy and Quick
On some Samsung models, the HE error code is indicated by flashing LED lights instead of displaying HE on the screen. For example, the Heavy and Delicate lights may flash, or the Heavy and Quick lights may flash to signify a heating error.
The cause is the same – the dishwasher cannot properly raise the water temperature during the initial heating stage. Flashing LEDs are just an alternative way of displaying the HE error code on certain models.
The heating element or temperature sensor is likely faulty if you see these flashing lights. Troubleshoot the heating system to fix the problem.
The key is determining whether the heating element or temperature sensor is malfunctioning. We’ll cover how to test both components in the troubleshooting steps next. Identifying the failed part is crucial to get your Samsung dishwasher heating and washing again!
Safety Precautions
When troubleshooting and repairing a Samsung dishwasher displaying an HE error code, it’s important to take safety precautions. Rushing into appliance repairs can lead to electrical shocks, burns, or serious injury if you’re not careful. Let’s go over some tips to keep you safe during your dishwasher diagnosis and repair project.
- Power off and unplug the appliance – This is the first step for any appliance repair. Make sure the dishwasher is unplugged or the circuit breaker is turned off. This prevents accidental shocks from touching live wires.
- Turn off the water supply – Shut off the water valves supplying the dishwasher before you start. This prevents water from spraying out if you disconnect a hose.
- Wear insulated gloves – Your hands will be all up in the internal parts. Protect them from hot heating elements and sharp edges with thick rubber gloves.
- Avoid live voltage testing – If you’re not 100% sure what you’re doing, don’t go poking around live wires and terminals. One wrong move can mean a nasty zap!
- Don’t touch exposed wires or terminals – Similar to the point above, avoid contact with any bare conductors or connections. Assume they are live and dangerous.
- Work in a clean, well-lit area – Appliance guts can have lots of small parts. You’ll want bright lights and a clear workspace to see everything properly.
- Keep wet hands away – Never work on an electrical appliance with wet hands. You’re just asking for trouble if you do.
- Follow all safety instructions – Check the user manual for any specific warnings or precautions related to your model. Better safe than sorry!
- Handle parts gently – Don’t force or bang parts around. You could damage them or hurt yourself. Careful, thoughtful movements are best.
- Wear safety glasses – Debris, dust, or cleaning chemicals can get in your eyes. Protect your vision with glasses.
- Allow parts to cool – If you just run the dishwasher, the heating elements may still be hot. Give them time to cool down before handling.
- Take pictures and notes – Note wire locations and take photos before you disconnect anything. This makes reassembly much easier.
Stay safe and take it slow. Appliance repairs don’t need to be rushed. Focus on the task at hand and proceed carefully.
Troubleshooting Steps for the Samsung Dishwasher HE Error
Did you get an HE error code popping up on your Samsung dishwasher? Don’t worry. With a few easy troubleshooting steps, you can figure out the cause and fix it yourself. Let’s walk through the process together:
Step 1: Inspect the Heating Element Wire Connections
The heating element warms up the water to clean your dishes. Loose or damaged wires here can cause the HE error.
- Check the wires for any corrosion, burnt/discolored insulation, loose connector pins, or wires pulled out of the connectors. Does anything look funky?
- Reconnect any loose wires by firmly pushing connector pins into their sockets.
Step 2: Test the Heating Element
If the wires check out, the heating element itself could be faulty. Let’s test it:
- Unplug the dishwasher and disconnect the wires leading to the heating element.
- Use a multimeter on the “resistance” setting. Touch the probes to the two heating element terminal screws.
- Check the reading. It should be around 13.5 ohms if the heating element is good.
- If the reading is way off, replace the heating element. Just swap in a new one.
Step 3: Check the Heater Relay
The heating relay delivers power to the heating element. A bad relay can trip the HE error code.
- Make sure the dishwasher is plugged in and turned on.
- Find the T101 and T102 connections on the main control board.
- Set your multimeter to AC volts. Check the voltage between T101 and T102 while the dishwasher runs.
- You should get a reading of about 120 volts AC. If so, the relay is working.
- If the voltage reads 0, test the wire harness. Replace if needed.
- Still 0 volts? Then, replace the main control board.
Wrapping Up
There you have it – a complete guide to diagnosing and fixing the frustrating HE error on your Samsung dishwasher! Let’s do a quick recap:
- The HE code means the dishwasher isn’t heating water properly. This is usually caused by faulty heating element wires or a bad heating element or relay.
- Safety comes first! Turn off power, water, and wear gloves when working on your appliance.
- Inspect the heating element wires thoroughly. Do you see any damage? Fix any loose connections.
- Use a multimeter to test the heating element’s resistance. Swap it out if it is faulty.
- Check the voltage from the heating relay. Replace the wire harness or control board if needed.
- Run a test cycle and enjoy clean dishes once the repair is complete!
Troubleshooting electrical appliances can seem intimidating. But take it slow, work safely, and think through each step. You’ve got this! Knowing how to diagnose and fix an HE error yourself saves money on repairs.