Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: Start with hot-water supply checks before attempting anything deeper.
- Run the nearby sink tap hot first and confirm hot water is reaching the dishwasher supply.
- Restart a normal cycle once after confirming hot-water supply is available.
- If HE returns, stop at that point rather than forcing repeated cycles.
- Use your exact model manual before ordering any Samsung dishwasher heater or sensor parts.
If HE returns after the hot-water checks
- If sink hot water is normal but HE returns, the heater or thermistor path becomes more likely.
- If wash performance is poor alongside HE, treat the heating fault as active.
- If the code appears immediately, the machine may be recognizing a repeat heating-path fault quickly.
What This Error Means
Samsung dishwasher error HE means the machine is not happy with how the wash water is heating. A normal first check is whether hot water is actually reaching the dishwasher from the household supply.
This is not usually a filter-cleaning issue. If HE returns even with normal hot-water supply, the heater or temperature-sensor path becomes more likely.
If cleaning results have also dropped, treat the fault as active rather than just a nuisance code.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
The Samsung dishwasher may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.
Likely cause: Incoming cold water supply — water temperature too low for the heating element to reach target temp within cycle time
Check first: SAFETY: Disconnect power at the circuit breaker.
The warning may return immediately because the appliance is detecting an internal fault.
Likely cause: Thermistor (temperature sensor) failed — returning incorrect readings
Check first: Run the kitchen faucet for 60 seconds before starting the dishwasher — this ensures warm water is in the supply line from the start of the fill cycle.
Common Causes
- Incoming hot water is too cool at cycle start.
- The heater path is failing.
- The temperature sensor is reading incorrectly.
- A heating-related control or wiring issue is interrupting normal water heating.
What Not to Do
- Do not keep forcing full cycles if the dishwasher is not heating normally.
- Do not assume detergent is the main issue when the code points more directly to water heating.
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Samsung dishwasher display wording and code formats can vary by series.
- If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.
Display and panel differences
- Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Common parts
- Thermistor/temperature sensor ($20–$50)
- Heating element ($30–$80)
- Control board heating relay (~$80–$200 for full board replacement if relay isolated to board) ()
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Samsung dishwasher heater or sensor parts.
Service option
Service visit if HE returns after the hot-water checks are complete.
Suggestions in this section are organized to support the troubleshooting flow first. Any future affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
HE returns after confirming normal hot-water supply.
- The dishwasher still will not heat correctly or clean normally.
- You suspect a heater, thermistor, or heating-control fault.
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Run the kitchen faucet for 60 seconds before each dishwasher cycle in winter months — cold supply water extending heat-up time is a seasonal cause of HE
Related Error Codes
HC
The dishwasher has detected that the water temperature is too high for the current cycle on rotary spray arm models. The heating element or water supply is delivering water above safe operating limits, and the cycle has been interrupted to prevent damage.
3E
The incoming water supply to the dishwasher exceeds the safe operating temperature limit (above 176°F / 80°C). Samsung dishwashers heat their own water and are designed for a cold or warm supply — not a supply that is already at high temperature.
tE
The dishwasher's temperature sensor (thermistor) is returning readings that are outside the expected range for normal operation. The dishwasher cannot accurately control the water heating cycle and has stopped to prevent operating at an unknown temperature.
Extra notes
- This page is based on Samsung support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
- The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.
Source and model notes
Last reviewed: 2026-04-08
Based on: Based on Samsung dishwasher heating-fault guidance and edited to help users separate low hot-water supply from a real heating-path fault.
View Samsung US Official Support
Model coverage note: Heating layout and thermistor placement vary by Samsung dishwasher family, so use this page as a safe first-pass guide rather than a model-specific service procedure.
Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.
Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.