HE Heater error - water not heating

moderate

The Samsung HE error code on your dishwasher indicates: Heater error - water not heating. This typically requires troubleshooting the defrost system.

Samsung Dishwasher Affects 2 models

What Causes Error HE

high likelihood #1

Defrost heater burned out

The heating element that melts frost off the evaporator coils has failed.

high likelihood #2

Defrost thermostat/bi-metal failed

The safety thermostat that tells the heater when to turn on/off is stuck open.

medium likelihood #3

Defrost timer or control board issue

The component that initiates defrost cycles is not triggering properly.

medium likelihood #4

Drain line clogged

Melted frost water can't drain away, refreezes, and causes ice buildup that triggers the error.

How to Fix Error HE

  1. Step 1: Power cycle the refrigerator

    Unplug for 5 minutes. If the error clears but returns within 24-48 hours, the defrost system has a real fault.

  2. Step 2: Manual defrost

    Unplug the fridge, open both doors, and let it sit for 6-8 hours (put towels down for water). This clears all ice buildup so you can inspect components.

  3. Step 3: Check the defrost heater

    After defrosting, locate the heater (glass tube or wire loop behind the back panel inside the freezer). Test continuity with a multimeter — it should read 20-40 ohms. No reading = burned out.

    ⚠️ Always unplug before testing electrical components.

  4. Step 4: Test the defrost thermostat

    The bi-metal thermostat is clipped to the evaporator coils. Test for continuity when cold (below 37°F it should be closed/0 ohms). If open when cold, replace it.

  5. Step 5: Clear the drain line

    Find the drain hole at the bottom of the freezer compartment. Flush it with warm water using a turkey baster. A clogged drain causes ice to build up and trigger false defrost errors.

  6. Step 6: Replace failed components

    Order the defrost heater or thermostat for your model. Both are usually simple bolt-in replacements.

When to Call a Professional

If both the heater and thermostat test fine but the unit still won't defrost, or if you suspect a sealed-system refrigerant issue

  • Control board-level defrost failures require board replacement
  • Refrigerant leaks in the evaporator mimic defrost problems
  • Some models require a technician to enter forced-defrost diagnostic mode

Video Repair Guides

Watch a repair walkthrough for this error code on YouTube:

▶ Search YouTube for "Samsung dishwasher error HE fix"

Models Affected

This error code has been reported on the following Samsung dishwasher models:

DW80R5060USDW80R9950US