Why is my Samsung dishwasher showing HE, HE1, HE2, or HE3 error?

Discover how to troubleshoot HE, HE1, HE2, and HE3 errors on Samsung dishwashers caused by heating issues, thermostat malfunctions, or abnormal water temperatures.

If your Samsung dishwasher displays HE, HE1, HE2, or HE3 error codes, it indicates a problem with the heating system. These codes typically appear when the dishwasher detects abnormal water temperatures or heating performance during operation. Follow the steps below to diagnose and resolve the issue.

1. What do HE, HE1, HE2, and HE3 error codes mean?

- Water is not heating properly: The dishwasher may detect that the water temperature is not increasing as expected during the wash cycle, leading to incomplete cleaning.

- Water temperature is too high: The dishwasher may stop operating if the internal water temperature exceeds the normal range, potentially damaging components.

- Possible thermostat or heating element issue: A damaged thermostat, faulty heating element, or wiring problem may cause the dishwasher to display a heater-related error code.

2. How to troubleshoot HE, HE1, HE2, and HE3 errors

1. Turn off the dishwasher: Unplug the appliance from the power source to ensure safety.
2. Allow the dishwasher to cool down: Wait for several hours to let the internal components cool completely.
3. Avoid using the dishwasher for at least half a day: This helps reset the system and prevents immediate reoccurrence of the error.
4. Restart the dishwasher: Plug the appliance back in and turn it on. Run a test cycle to check if the error code disappears.

If the error persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.

3. Additional things to check

- Check the water supply temperature: Ensure the incoming water is hot enough (at least 50°C / 122°F). Cold water can trigger heating-related errors.

- Inspect the heating element: Look for visible damage, such as cracks or discoloration, on the heating element located at the bottom of the tub.

- Test the thermostat: A faulty thermostat may fail to regulate water temperature correctly. Professional diagnosis is recommended.

- Verify wiring connections: Loose or corroded wires connected to the heating element or thermostat can cause intermittent errors.

4. When to request professional service

Contact Samsung Support or a certified technician if:

- The error code reappears after cooling down and restarting the dishwasher.

- The dishwasher fails to heat water during multiple cycles.

- The dishwasher stops mid-cycle repeatedly due to heating issues.

A damaged thermostat, heating element, or internal wiring may require professional inspection and repair.

5. Supported Samsung dishwasher models

These troubleshooting steps apply to most Samsung dishwasher models, including:

- Samsung Dishwasher DW50Rxxxxx Series

- Samsung Dishwasher DW80Rxxxxx Series

- Samsung Dishwasher DW60Rxxxxx Series

- Samsung Dishwasher DW70Rxxxxx Series

6. Why do HE, HE1, HE2, and HE3 errors happen?

Heating-related errors commonly occur due to:

- Low water supply temperature.

- A malfunctioning heating element or thermostat.

- Electrical issues, such as loose wiring or a tripped circuit breaker.

- Overheating caused by prolonged use or blocked air vents.

7. Related Samsung support topics

- How to check water supply temperature for Samsung dishwashers

- How to reset a Samsung dishwasher after an error code

- How to inspect the heating element in a Samsung dishwasher