The HE error on your Samsung washing machine indicates a fault with the water heating system. Displayed as HE, HE1, or HE2 depending on your model, this error means the control board has detected that the water is not reaching the target temperature within the expected time — or that it is heating too much. While some HE errors can be cleared with a reset, a persistent HE error usually points to a faulty heating element or thermistor that needs replacement.
What Does the HE Error Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?
The HE error is a heater circuit fault. Samsung’s control board monitors water temperature via a thermistor (temperature sensor) throughout the wash cycle. HE1 typically indicates that the water temperature is too low — the heater is not working. HE2 indicates the water temperature is too high — an overheating condition. Both halt the cycle to protect laundry from damage and to prevent the machine from running with compromised heating, which would leave a cycle incomplete and clothes inadequately cleaned or sanitised.
Common Causes of the HE Error
- Failed heating element: The resistive heating coil inside the drum develops a break or short circuit over time — particularly in hard water areas where limescale coating causes hot spots.
- Faulty thermistor (NTC sensor): The temperature sensor that monitors water temperature can give incorrect readings, causing the control board to think the heater is malfunctioning when it is actually working fine.
- Limescale buildup on the element: In hard water areas, thick limescale insulates the heating element, preventing it from transferring heat to the water efficiently — the element overheats and fails or triggers HE.
- Wiring fault: Loose or corroded wiring connections between the control board and the heater or thermistor can cause intermittent HE errors.
- Control board fault: In rare cases the control board itself fails to send correct power to the heating circuit, triggering HE despite the heater being physically intact.
How to Fix the HE Error: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Perform a soft reset
Turn off the washing machine and unplug it for 1–2 minutes, then restart. Power fluctuations can cause the control board to misread the thermistor and display a false HE error. A reset clears this. If the error does not return on the next wash, no further action is needed.
Step 2: Descale the machine
If you live in a hard water area (most of north and west India), run a descaling cycle using a washing machine descaler or 500 ml of white vinegar in the drum on a hot 60°C cycle without laundry. Limescale on the heating element is the single most common cause of HE errors in Indian Samsung washing machines. Descaling monthly extends the heater’s life significantly.
Step 3: Check the wiring connections (with power disconnected)
If you are comfortable with basic appliance inspection, unplug the machine, remove the back panel, and locate the heating element. Check that the two spade connectors on the element terminals are firmly seated and show no corrosion. Reseat any loose connectors. Also check the thermistor’s wiring connector nearby.
Step 4: Test the heating element and thermistor with a multimeter
With the machine unplugged, disconnect the element wiring. Set a multimeter to resistance (Ohms). A healthy Samsung heating element typically reads 20–30 Ohms. An open circuit (OL or infinity) means the element is burnt out. A thermistor should read approximately 10,000 Ohms at room temperature. Replace whichever component fails the test.
When to Call a Samsung Service Technician
If the HE error persists after descaling and you are not comfortable testing components with a multimeter, contact Samsung India customer care (1800 5 7267864) or an authorised service centre. Heating element replacement typically costs ₹800–₹1,800 for the part; total repair at a service centre is ₹2,000–₹4,500 including labour and visit charge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can the HE error appear without an actual fault?
Yes. A momentary power fluctuation or voltage spike can cause the control board to misread the thermistor and show a false HE error. A soft reset resolves false HE codes. However, if HE appears on every warm or hot wash cycle, the element or thermistor has genuinely failed and needs testing.
How much does it cost to fix the HE error in India?
A descaling treatment costs ₹150–₹400 for descaler liquid. A replacement heating element costs ₹800–₹1,800 online; a thermistor costs ₹200–₹600. An authorised Samsung service centre visit with labour typically adds ₹800–₹2,500, bringing the total repair to ₹2,000–₹4,500.
Does Samsung’s warranty cover the HE error?
Samsung’s 2-year warranty covers manufacturing defects in the heating element or thermistor. Heater failure caused by limescale damage from hard water is treated as a maintenance issue in most cases and may not be covered. Regular descaling (recommended every 1–3 months in hard water areas) is considered user maintenance under Samsung’s guidelines.
Related Samsung Washing Machine Errors
dE Error (Door Lock) | 4E Error (No Water Supply) | 5E Error (Drainage Problem) | UE Error (Unbalanced Load) | OE Error (Water Overflow) | SUD Error (Excess Suds)