LG Washer Error Code dHE — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The dHE error on an LG washer indicates a drum or door heater fault. This code appears on LG models with a steam or heater function built into the door area or drum heating system. The PCB detected that the heater is not reaching the expected temperature or the heater circuit has a fault. This typically means the heater element, temperature sensor, or the wiring to the heater has failed.

Affected Models

LG front-load washers with steam and sanitary wash functions
WM3700HWA with steam option
WM4000HWA Steam Washer
WM8000HVA
LG SIGNATURE and TurboWash series front-load washers with integrated steam heaters

Common Causes

Steam or door heater element has burned out and can no longer generate heat
Temperature sensor monitoring the door heater has failed and is sending incorrect readings
Wiring to the heater element has a break or loose connection that interrupts the heating circuit
Steam nozzle or heater chamber has a scale buildup that prevents efficient heat transfer
Control board relay controlling the heater circuit has failed and cannot activate the element

How to Fix It

Try turning off the washer and unplugging for 10 minutes. Restart and run a cycle without the steam or sanitize option selected. If the machine runs without dHE, the fault is specifically in the steam/heater circuit rather than the main washer system.

This confirms which part of the machine is affected and avoids disrupting your laundry routine unnecessarily.
Run a Tub Clean cycle with a descaling agent if you are in a hard water area. Mineral scale inside the steam nozzle or heater chamber can restrict heating performance and trigger dHE.

Citric acid powder or a dedicated washing machine descaler works well. Run an empty hot cycle.
Check for any visible water pooling around the door or under the machine. dHE on steam-equipped models can sometimes accompany a water leak from the steam nozzle connection. A leaking steam feed can starve the heater of water.

Steam supply connections are small push-fit or compression fittings that can work loose over time from thermal cycling.
Avoid using steam or sanitize cycles until the fault is resolved. Standard wash cycles without steam will still operate normally on most models and let you continue doing laundry.

Do not continue to trigger the steam function repeatedly — repeated attempts to activate a failed heater can stress the control board.
Contact LG support or a certified technician. Provide your model and serial number. The technician will test the heater element resistance, verify the temperature sensor output, and check the control board relay driving the heater circuit.

Genuine LG heater elements are recommended for replacement — compatibility and heat ratings vary by model.

When to Call a Professional

Steam heater replacement involves disassembly of the door or drum assembly depending on the model. This repair is best performed by a certified LG technician. Expect $150 to $350 for heater replacement including labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still wash clothes if my LG washer shows dHE?

Yes — for standard wash cycles that do not use steam or the sanitize function. Select a regular cycle without steam and the washer should operate normally. Avoid steam, sanitize, and allergy-care cycles until the heater is repaired.

Is dHE related to the door not closing properly?

Not usually — dHE refers to a heater circuit fault, not a door lock issue. Door-related errors on LG washers typically show as dE or DE codes. If both a door error and dHE appear together, treat them as separate faults requiring separate diagnosis.

How long does the steam heater last in an LG washer?

Typically 8 to 12 years with normal use. Frequent use of sanitize and steam cycles accelerates wear. Hard water accelerates failure through scale buildup on the element. Regular descaling extends the heater's life significantly.