Samsung · Washing Machine
Samsung Washing Machine HE Error Code
Water not reaching target temperature
What this error means
HE (with HC on related firmware) means the NTC thermistor or heating element circuit failed to bring wash water to the setpoint within the allowed time. Samsung pauses heat to protect the element and wiring.
How HE is detected
When HE appears on a Samsung washing machine, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Samsung WF45T6000AW, Samsung WF45R6300AV, 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 nearest sink for 30 seconds before starting a warm 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
- Failed NTC thermistor reading open or out of range (~30 kΩ at room temp)
- Limescale blanket on element or sensor in hard-water homes
- Open heating element circuit or loose terminal at the tub
- Control board heat relay not energizing the element
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Run hot water at the nearest sink for 30 seconds before starting a warm cycle
- 2Run a tub clean or descaling cycle if white scale is visible on the element area
- 3Power-cycle for 60 seconds and retry Sanitize or Heavy Duty with a light load
- 4Note whether HE appears only on hot cycles—cold-only success isolates the hot inlet path
When to call a technician
Technicians measure NTC resistance against Samsung's chart and test element continuity—board faults need live diagnosis.
Affected models
- Samsung WF45T6000AW
- Samsung WF45R6300AV
- Samsung WA50R5400AW
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use washing machines 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 washing machine—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.