Samsung HE1 Error Code — What It Means
The HE1 error code on Samsung front-load washers and washer-dryers indicates a heater error. The machine has detected an abnormality in its heating system, which can involve the heater element itself, the temperature sensor, wiring connections, or the control board’s heater drive circuit. Samsung groups HE1 together with HC, HE, Hr, and 1 HC as heater-related fault codes.
This is not a complaint about incoming hot water supply. It is a fault within the washer’s internal electric heating circuit. The code will appear when the washer cannot properly heat water during a wash cycle due to a failed component or broken connection in that circuit.
Common Causes
- Failed heating element The most commonly replaced part when HE1 appears is the electric heater element, which can fail open, short, or degrade over time.
- Loose or corroded wiring at the heater Damaged connectors, burned terminals, or loose wire connections at the heater or sensor can interrupt the circuit and trigger the fault.
- Faulty temperature sensor or thermistor A defective sensor in the heater circuit can prevent the control board from accurately monitoring or regulating water temperature.
- Control board heater driver failure A failed triac, damaged PCB trace, or other control board output fault can prevent the board from energizing the heater properly.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Power-cycle the washer by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker for five minutes, then restore power and check if the code returns.
- Unplug the washer and access the heater assembly by removing the front or rear service panel according to your model’s service manual.
- Inspect all wiring and connectors at the heater element and temperature sensor for burn marks, corrosion, looseness, or physical damage.
- Test the heating element with a multimeter for continuity and proper resistance, and replace the element if it is open, shorted, or out of specification.
- Test the temperature sensor or thermistor for correct resistance and continuity, comparing your readings to the service data for your exact model.
- Check the control board heater output if the element and sensor test good, looking for a faulty heater drive component or damaged circuit trace.
- Reassemble all connections securely, clear the fault code, and run a heated wash cycle to verify that the repair resolved the HE1 error.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Heating element assembly | Amazon | Match the part number to your washer model, most common repair for HE1. |
| Temperature sensor / thermistor | Amazon | If your model uses a separate sensor in the heater circuit. |
| Wiring harness or terminal connectors | Amazon | For heater circuit connections if damaged or burned. |
| Main control board | Amazon | If heater driver circuit or PCB trace is defective. |
When to Call a Pro
If the power-cycle step does not clear the code, or if you are not comfortable working with live electrical components and accessing the interior of the washer, call a qualified appliance technician. Heater circuit diagnosis requires multimeter testing, safe disassembly, and in some cases control board-level troubleshooting. A professional can verify the exact fault, source the correct replacement part for your model, and perform the repair safely and under warranty where applicable.