Samsung · Dishwasher
Samsung Dishwasher HE Error Code
Wash water not reaching heat target
What this error means
HE on Samsung rotary-spray models indicates the water did not reach target temperature during wash—often the flow-through heater, thermistor, or incoming water was too cold. WaterWall models may map HE differently; check your manual.
How HE is detected
When HE appears on a Samsung dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Samsung DW80R5060US, Samsung DW80B6060US, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most HE calls are resolved without parts: run hot water at the kitchen sink 30 seconds before starting heavy cycle. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If HE returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Cold plumbing dead-leg—first water from tap is lukewarm
- Scale buildup in the flow-through heater passage
- Open heating element or loose wire at the terminal block
- Failed thermistor reporting low temp to the board
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Run hot water at the kitchen sink 30 seconds before starting Heavy cycle
- 2Use a dishwasher cleaner to descale the internal heater channel
- 3Retry with Heated Dry off to isolate wash heat from dry heat
- 4Avoid starting sanitize cycles when the water heater is set below 120 °F
When to call a technician
HE on consecutive cycles with hot inlet water needs heater or thermistor testing under the tub.
Affected models
- Samsung DW80R5060US
- Samsung DW80B6060US
- Samsung DW80N3030US
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent HE from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when HE appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Samsung dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for HE; Samsung uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting HE; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.