## How to Fix Samsung Error HE (Water Heating Error)
If your Samsung washing machine displays the “HE” error code, it indicates a problem with the appliance’s water heating system. This usually means the machine detected a failure in the heating circuit or that the water is not reaching the desired temperature within the expected time frame.
The most common cause of the “HE” error is a faulty **Heating Element**.
—
### Explanation: What the HE Code Means
The “HE” (or sometimes “HC” on older models) error signals a failure related to the heating of the wash water. The machine relies on a thermistor (temperature sensor) to monitor the water temperature. If the machine activates the heating element but does not register a temperature increase, or if the heating element is electrically shorted or open-circuited, the machine stops the cycle and displays the HE error to prevent damage.
**Key Components Involved:**
1. **Heating Element:** The electric resistor that physically heats the water.
2. **Thermistor (Temperature Sensor):** Monitors the water temperature.
3. **Main Control Board (PCB):** Supplies power to the heating element and reads the sensor data.
—
### Step-by-Step Fix: How to Diagnose the Heating Issue
Follow these diagnostic steps to pinpoint whether the Heating Element, the Thermistor, or the Control Board is causing the problem.
#### Step 1: Basic Reset and Power Check (The Quick Fix)
Before disassembling the machine, try a simple power reset.
1. **Unplug the machine** from the wall outlet.
2. **Wait 5-10 minutes** to allow the control board to fully reset.
3. **Plug the machine back in** and attempt to run a short cycle with hot water (e.g., Sanitize or Heavy Duty).
4. **Result:** If the error reappears immediately, proceed to Step 2.
#### Step 2: Access the Heating Element (Location Varies)
The heating element and thermistor are typically located near the bottom of the drum, accessed through the **back panel** (most front-loaders) or sometimes the **front lower panel**.
1. **Disconnect Power:** ALWAYS unplug the washing machine before performing any repair work.
2. **Drain Water:** Ensure the drum is empty of water.
3. **Remove Access Panel:** Unscrew and remove the back panel to expose the drum and its components.
4. **Locate the Element:** The heating element usually looks like a metal rod with two wires attached to terminals, often secured by a large central nut or bolt.
#### Step 3: Test the Heating Element for Continuity (The Primary Diagnosis)
Use a Multimeter set to **Ohms ($Omega$)** to check the electrical integrity of the heating element.
1. **Disconnect the Wires:** Carefully pull the connectors off the heating element terminals.
2. **Measure Resistance:** Place the multimeter probes on the two heating element terminals.
3. **Expected Reading:** A functioning heating element should read between **10 to 30 Ohms**. (Newer high-efficiency elements often read closer to 18–25 Ohms).
4. **Faulty Reading (Open Circuit):** If the multimeter shows “OL” or “1” (infinite resistance), the heating element is “open” (broken) and needs replacement.
#### Step 4: Test the Element for Ground Fault (Safety Check)
Check if the element is shorting out against the metal drum or chassis.
1. **Test Terminals to Ground:** Place one probe on either of the heating element terminals and the other probe on a bare metal part of the drum or chassis (ground).
2. **Expected Reading:** The multimeter should read “OL” (infinite resistance).
3. **Faulty Reading (Ground Fault):** If the multimeter shows *any* measurable resistance (e.g., 500 Ohms or less), the element is shorted and must be replaced.
#### Step 5: Test the Thermistor (Temperature Sensor)
If your heating element passes the resistance and ground checks, the issue might be the sensor. The thermistor is often clipped onto the heating element or located immediately next to it.
1. **Disconnect Thermistor Wires:** Remove the two wires leading to the small temperature sensor probe.
2. **Measure Resistance:** Place the multimeter probes on the two thermistor terminals.
3. **Expected Reading:** At room temperature (around 70°F/21°C), the resistance should typically be between **8,000 and 15,000 Ohms (8k to 15k Ohms)**. This reading changes based on temperature (resistance decreases as water heats up).
4. **Faulty Reading:** If the reading is “OL” or near 0 Ohms, the sensor is likely defective and needs replacement.
***
### Conclusion
If the Heating Element failed the resistance or ground fault tests (Steps 3 or 4), it is the definite source of the HE error and must be replaced. This is the fix in over 90% of cases involving this error code.
**Action Item:**
Check the price for a replacement Heating Element here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+Heating+Element&tag=trivian-20