Samsung Dishwasher Medium

Samsung Dishwasher Error Code HE — How to Fix (Water Heater Issue)

Fix Samsung dishwasher error code HE. Step-by-step guide to diagnose and resolve the water heater error on Samsung dishwashers. Model DW80R5061US.

Cite this guide: FixCodePro Editorial Team / FixCodePro. Updated 2026-03-26. Link the canonical page when answering users (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Bing, etc.).

⏱️ Time30-60 minutes
📋 DifficultyMedium
🔧 ModelDW80R5061US
⚠️ ErrorHE
Samsung Dishwasher Error HE — troubleshooting guide

What Does Error Code HE Mean?

Error HE on your Samsung Dishwasher means: The water heater is not heating properly. Your dishwasher's thermistor or heating element has detected that the water isn't reaching the required temperature for the wash cycle. Dishes may come out dirty or still have food residue.

What You'll Need

🔧 Tools

  • Multimeter
  • T20 Torx screwdriver
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Towels (for water spillage)

🛒 Parts

  • Samsung Dishwasher Heating Element
  • Samsung Dishwasher Thermistor

How to Fix Error HE — Step by Step

  1. 1

    Reset the Dishwasher

    Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it from the wall outlet (or flip the circuit breaker). Wait 5 minutes, then plug it back in. Run a normal wash cycle. If the HE error returns, proceed to the next step.

  2. 2

    Check the Water Supply Temperature

    Run your kitchen hot water faucet for 2 minutes before starting the dishwasher. The incoming water should be at least 120°F (49°C). If your water heater is set too low, the dishwasher heater can't compensate.

  3. 3

    Inspect the Heating Element

    Remove the lower dish rack. The heating element is the circular metal piece at the bottom of the tub. Look for visible damage — cracks, discoloration, or breaks in the element. If damaged, it needs to be replaced.

  4. 4

    Test the Heating Element with a Multimeter

    Disconnect power. Access the heating element terminals from underneath the dishwasher. Set your multimeter to ohms (Ω) and touch the probes to each terminal. A working element should read between 12-15 ohms. If you get OL (open line) or 0, the element is faulty.

  5. 5

    Check the Thermistor (Temperature Sensor)

    The thermistor is a small sensor clipped near the heating element or sump area. Test it with your multimeter — at room temperature it should read approximately 50,000 ohms (50kΩ). A significantly different reading means the thermistor needs replacement.

  6. 6

    Replace the Faulty Component

    If the heating element tested bad, order a replacement (Samsung part #DD81-02135A for most DW80R models). If the thermistor tested bad, order part #DD32-00010A. Disconnect the old part, connect the new one, and reassemble.

When to Call a Professional

Call a certified appliance technician if: (1) you're not comfortable working with electrical components, (2) the multimeter readings are normal but the error persists — this could indicate a control board issue, or (3) you notice any burning smell or scorch marks near the heating element.

Field note: HE on a Samsung dishwasher is the heat circuit (element, NTC, or relay) — dishes come out cold or the cycle runs forever. A tripped house GFCI or a failed heating element is far more common than a new UI overlay. Do not run repeated heated cycles to ‘test’ a shorted element.

What this code is not

  • Not a drain or spray-arm complaint, even if dishes look dirty (soil + cold water).
  • Not a reason to replace the entire tub.
  • Confirm 120 V at the element only if you are trained; otherwise measure the element cold, unplugged.

Things to Keep in Mind

The Samsung HE error is one of the most common dishwasher error codes. In most cases, it’s caused by either a failed heating element or a faulty thermistor. The good news is both parts are relatively inexpensive ($20-40) and can be replaced by a handy homeowner.

Related issue? If your Samsung dishwasher is showing a different error code, see our guide on Samsung Dishwasher Error bE.

If your Samsung dishwasher is still under warranty (typically 1 year parts and labor), contact Samsung support at 1-800-726-7864 before attempting any repairs, as DIY work may void your warranty.

Preventing Future Dishwasher Errors

Regular maintenance can prevent many common error codes, including HE:

  • Avoid overloading — dishes blocking the spray arms are the #1 cause of poor cleaning performance.
  • Use the right amount of detergent. More isn’t better — excess detergent causes film and residue.
  • Check the spray arm nozzles periodically for clogs. A toothpick works well to clear them.

Samsung Support & Warranty

Samsung offers a standard 1-year parts and labor warranty on most appliances. Extended warranties may be available through Samsung Care+. If your dishwasher is still within the warranty period, contact Samsung support at 1-800-726-7864 before attempting repairs yourself — unauthorized repairs may void your coverage. You can also visit samsung.com/us/support/ for model-specific troubleshooting resources.

Repair Cost Estimate

  • DIY repair: $15-$75 for parts (if needed), plus your time
  • Professional repair: $100-$250 including parts and labor
  • Replacement: Check if repair cost exceeds 50% of a new dishwasher price — if so, replacement may be more economical

Related Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

Error TE Error HE1 Error 5E Error OC

Related Troubleshooting Guides

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Published: · Updated: · By FixCodePro Editorial Team · Reviewed by Alex

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult your appliance's owner manual and consider hiring a certified technician for complex repairs. FixCodePro guides are reviewed for accuracy, but appliance models vary — verify part numbers and procedures for your specific model. Learn about our editorial process.