Samsung Washing Machine HE Error Code Explained: Meaning, Causes & Fixes

 
HE Error Code Definition
 
The HE error code on a Samsung Washing Machine indicates that the machine has detected an issue with its heating system. This code is used to alert the user that the water is not reaching its expected temperature during the cycle. Often, the washing machine monitors the heating element and temperature sensor to ensure that the water heats to the proper level needed for an effective wash. When the system detects any discrepancy in performance—such as the water not heating at all or not self-regulating within the designed temperature range—it triggers the HE error code as a safety measure to prevent further complications.

 
How the System Recognizes the Issue
 

• The washing machine’s control board continuously checks the performance of its heating element during a cycle.
• If the temperature sensor registers readings that are outside the normal operating range, the system interprets this as an abnormality with the heating process.
• The HE error code is then displayed to inform you that there is an issue within the heating mechanism that needs attention.
• This alert is meant to prevent the machine from running inefficiently and to protect it from potential damage caused by overheating or underheating.

 
Electrical Connection Issues
 

• Loose or corroded wiring between the heating element and the electronic control board can lead to intermittent current flow that causes the machine to register the HE error code.
• Faulty connectors or damaged wires from repeated bending or vibration during operation may disrupt the power supply, affecting the heater’s performance.
• Problems with the wiring harness or poor solder joints on circuit boards might interfere with proper diagnostics, resulting in the error code.

 
Heating Element Malfunctions
 

• A worn-out or broken heating element may not be able to generate the required temperature, causing the machine to detect a fault and trigger the HE error indicator.
• Internal damage or mineral scale buildup on the element can decrease its heating efficiency, potentially triggering sensor warnings.
• Electrical resistance issues within the element can result in inconsistent performance that the control board interprets as a heating error.

 
Sensor and Thermistor Problems
 

• Malfunctioning temperature sensors or thermistors may feed incorrect temperature readings back to the control board, leading to error detection even if the heater itself is functional.
• Electrical shorts or open circuits in sensor wiring can cause erratic readings, misinforming the system about the actual water temperature.
• Calibration drift over time means that sensors may no longer accurately measure the heating element’s temperature, triggering the error code.

 
Control Board and Relay Faults
 

• The control board might have internal faults or software glitches that misinterpret normal temperature variations as a heating problem.
• Faulty relays on the board can lead to improper activation of the heating element, causing the system to detect an error.
• Component degradation on the board, such as burnt resistors or capacitors, may affect the power regulation to the heating circuit.

 
Other Contributing Factors
 

• Exposure to moisture or temperature extremes can accelerate the deterioration of electrical elements and sensors, contributing to error detection.
• Accumulated detergent residue or mineral deposits might indirectly affect sensor readings or the efficiency of the heating element, influencing the error code.
• Inconsistent voltage supply from the power outlet or power surges may damage the heating circuit components and lead to erroneous error reporting.