Samsung Dishwasher HE Error — Heater Element Fault Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

HE means the heating element isn't working — either it's burned out, the wiring is broken, or the relay that powers it has failed.
The dishwasher will still wash but dishes won't dry properly and water won't reach proper sanitizing temperatures.
This is a parts-replacement repair that needs a service tech (150–300 USD).

Affected Models

Samsung DW80
Samsung DW60
Samsung StormWash
Samsung Smart Dishwasher
Samsung Linear Wash

Common Causes

Heating element burned out (most common after 5+ years)
Heater wiring loose at a connector
Heater relay on the control board failed
Element coated with hard water deposits causing failure
High-limit thermal cutoff tripped

How to Fix It

Power-cycle the dishwasher.

Cancel the cycle, unplug or switch the breaker off.
Wait 5 minutes.
Restore power.
Try a short cycle.
If HE returns, the issue is a real hardware fault, not a transient.
Some HE events clear after a fresh boot if the cause was a temporary thermal event.
Check water temperature.

If the dishwasher runs but water stays cold, the heater is genuinely failed.
Open mid-cycle (carefully — water may be hot in some places) and feel the water.
Cold water with HE active confirms the heater isn't doing its job.
Don't try to access the heater yourself.

The heating element is at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, partly hidden under the lower spray arm.
Replacing it requires draining the unit and possibly tipping it.
Service-tech work — Samsung-authorized centers do this routinely.
Schedule Samsung service.

Provide model and serial numbers.
The repair is replacing the heater element (50–150 USD part) plus a service visit.
Total cost typically 200–350 USD out of warranty.
Free under standard Samsung warranty.
Use less heat-dependent settings until repaired.

While waiting for service, run cycles without sanitize or heated dry options.
Air-dry dishes by leaving the door open after the wash completes.
Don't use sanitize cycles — without working heat, the dishwasher can't actually sanitize and could leave dishes wetter than usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will dishes still come clean with HE?

Mostly yes — the wash phase uses water at whatever temperature the supply provides (so use the hot water tap setting on cycles).
What suffers is drying and sanitizing.
Air-dry dishes manually or with the door open until repaired.

How long do dishwasher heaters typically last?

5–10 years of regular use is typical.
Hard water shortens life because mineral deposits insulate the element, making it run hotter to compensate, eventually burning out.
Annual descaling extends element life noticeably.