Samsung Dishwasher Error Code HE2 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The HE2 error means your Samsung dishwasher's drying heater or the temperature sensor monitoring it has a fault. Your dishwasher uses a heating element to dry dishes at the end of the cycle. When this heater circuit fails or the thermistor reading is out of range, HE2 appears. Your dishes will still get washed, but they won't dry properly until this is fixed. This is different from the HE error, which involves the wash water heater.

Affected Models

Samsung DW80R9950UG
Samsung DW80R5061US
Samsung DW80K7050US
Samsung DW80J3020US
Samsung DW80F800UWS

Common Causes

Failed drying heating element that no longer produces heat
Faulty thermistor (temperature sensor) in the drying circuit reading incorrectly
Blown thermal fuse in the drying heater circuit from overheating
Broken wire or corroded connector at the drying heater assembly
Control board fault incorrectly managing the drying heater power supply

How to Fix It

Confirm the code is HE2 and not HE. The HE2 error code relates specifically to the drying phase heater, not the wash water heater. On some Samsung models, these look similar on the display. Run a full cycle and note at which point the error appears — HE2 typically appears during or after the drying phase.

If the error appears during the wash phase (before drying starts), you may actually have an HE (wash heater) error instead.
Try a full power reset. Unplug the dishwasher for 5 minutes, then restore power. On some occasions, a sensor glitch during the drying phase triggers a false HE2 that clears after a reset. Run another full cycle to see if it returns.

If the HE2 only appears occasionally and the dishes do dry most of the time, a sensor glitch is more likely than a hard failure.
Check that the dishwasher is getting adequate ventilation. If the machine is installed in an extremely tight cabinet with no airflow, the drying cycle can overheat and trip the thermal fuse. Confirm there is at least the minimum clearance specified in the installation manual.

Most Samsung dishwashers require at least 0.5 inches of clearance on the sides and back for adequate ventilation.
Inspect the door seal around the full perimeter. A deteriorated door seal allows heat and steam to escape during drying, making the heater work harder. Eventually this stresses the thermal fuse or heater element. Replace the door gasket if you find cracks or gaps.

A failing door seal is also visible as water dripping from the door edge during cycles.
Schedule a technician to test the drying heater element and thermistor. With the power off, the heater element should measure 15-30 ohms resistance for most models (check your service manual). An open reading means the element has burned out and needs replacement.

When scheduling service, confirm the technician is Samsung-authorized or experienced with Samsung dishwashers — the drying circuit layout varies by model.

When to Call a Professional

HE2 almost always requires a technician to fix properly. Testing the heating element and thermistor requires a multimeter and accessing the machine's interior. Heater element replacement costs $100-$250 including parts and labor. Thermistor replacement is usually $75-$150. A blown thermal fuse is cheap but requires finding why it blew to prevent repeat failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my dishes still get cleaned with the HE2 error?

Yes — the HE2 error only affects the drying heater, not the washing system. Your dishes will still be washed with hot water and detergent normally. They just won't dry at the end of the cycle. You can open the door after the wash finishes and let dishes air dry as a workaround while you arrange the repair.

What is a thermal fuse and why does it blow?

A thermal fuse is a one-time safety device that permanently opens (blows) if the temperature exceeds a safe limit. Once blown, it cannot be reset — it must be replaced. In a dishwasher drying circuit, the fuse blows if the heater overheats. This can happen from poor ventilation, a defective thermostat, or a heater that's running too long. Always investigate why the fuse blew before replacing it — otherwise it will blow again.

Is HE2 covered under Samsung's warranty?

If the dishwasher is within Samsung's standard 1-year parts and labor warranty, the repair should be covered. Premium models may have extended warranty periods. Check your purchase documentation or Samsung's warranty lookup tool at samsung.com using your model number. Samsung customer service can be reached at 1-800-726-7864.