LG dishwashers display error codes when they face problems. You can understand the error codes by referring to the user manual. But if you see the HE error code, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
The HE error code on an LG dishwasher means there’s a Heater Error. It’s triggered when the dishwasher is overheating above 149 degrees Fahrenheit or if it’s not heating at all. First, reset the dishwasher to see if it clears the code. If not, troubleshoot the thermistor, heater, and main control board.
This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting process for the HE error code. By the end, you’ll know why it’s happening and how you can fix it.
What Does The HE Error Code Mean On An LG Dishwasher?
The HE error code on your LG dishwasher means there’s a problem with the machine’s heater.
Two conditions can cause the HE error code to appear, which are:
- No heat: Your dishwasher must heat up to clean effectively. But when there’s no heat at all, the HE error code will be triggered.
- Overheating: While heat is necessary, overheating is dangerous for your appliance. So, the HE error code will also be triggered when temperatures rise above 149 degrees Fahrenheit.
Both conditions above will prevent you from using the dishwasher correctly. So, you must troubleshoot and resolve the issue as soon as possible.
The following section will help you do that.
How Do You Fix The HE Error Code On An LG Dishwasher?
Whether your LG dishwasher is overheating or not heating at all, the HE error code is caused by the following reasons:
Reset Required
About this: Household appliances like your LG dishwasher can sometimes experience glitches or short-term errors. When that happens, the appliance will show unusual behaviors, like the HE error code you see on display.
You should always start by assuming that the machine needs a reset when you troubleshoot your dishwasher. A quick reset can clear plenty of errors, potentially saving you lots of time and effort in troubleshooting.
How to do it: Your LG dishwasher will reset when it stops receiving any incoming power. You can do that by shutting off its circuit breaker or removing the power plug from its wall socket.
Then, leave the dishwasher without power for at least 1 minute. That will give the appliance enough time to drain any leftover power it has inside, resetting its components as a result.
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Lastly, reconnect and restart the dishwasher to check if the HE error code is still active. If it’s gone, that means you’ve solved the problem. However, you’ll need to proceed to the following troubleshooting steps if the code is still there.
Read: 5 LG Dishwasher Problems You Need To Know
Faulty Thermistor
About this: A thermistor is a temperature sensor inside your LG dishwasher. Its purpose is to measure how hot or cold the dishwasher is and relay that data to the main control board.
If the data says the water is still cold, the main control board will send power to the heater. That will stop once the thermistor senses that the water is hot enough, so the dishwasher can avoid overheating itself.
How it triggers the HE error: The thermistor will trigger the HE error code when it becomes faulty. That’s because it fails to measure the correct temperature inside the appliance. As a result, it’ll send the wrong data to the main control board.
Depending on the data the faulty thermistor sends, the dishwasher will fail to heat up or overheat to dangerous temperatures.
The HE error code will be triggered in both cases.
How to fix it: Fixing this problem is as straightforward as replacing the faulty thermistor. Unfortunately, you can’t recover or repair the thermistor once it stops working correctly.
Carefully disconnect the thermistor’s wires before removing them. You must be careful to avoid damaging the wires, as you’ll be connecting them to the new thermistor you install as a replacement.
Read: How To Fix LG Dishwasher Which Has No Power?
Problematic Heater
About this: A crucial component not often discussed is the heater, also called the ‘heating element’. You’ll find that component at the base of the compartment, connecting to the dishwasher at both ends.
The heater is made from materials with high electrical resistance. When power is supplied to the heater, that resistance causes electricity to convert into heat. As a result, the water in your dishwasher becomes hot and helps clean your kitchenware more effectively.
How it triggers the HE error: Heating elements can also suffer faults that trigger the HE error code. Those problems are typically caused by electrical faults like short circuits and physical damage from heavy items falling on top of the heating element.
For example, a failed heating element will only heat up partially or not at all. That will lead to a lack of heat, triggering the HE error code.
On the other hand, a shorted heating element will continue producing heat even when it shouldn’t. That will lead to overheating beyond 149 degrees Fahrenheit, which also triggers the HE error code.
How to fix it: Heating elements are another dishwasher component that must be replaced once it stops working correctly. It’s best to replace it as soon as possible, even if it generates a little heat.
The replacement process is very straightforward. First, disconnect the heating element at both ends and remove it from the appliance. Then, plug the new heater the same way.
Read: How To Fix LE Error Code On LG Dishwasher?
Defective Main PCB
About this: Everything your LG dishwasher does is controlled by the main printed circuit board (PCB), also called the main control board. This board has components that send and receive electrical signals to the machine’s parts to wash your dishes correctly.
How it triggers the HE error: The main control board is at the center of everything your dishwasher does. Any faults or defects at the main PCB will cause your dishwasher to behave unusually.
Unfortunately, that means it can also mistakenly trigger the HE error code even though all its components are working correctly.
How to fix it: It’s possible to fix individual components on the PCB. However, it’s not a practical solution as individual parts are hard to find, let alone replace.
The best way to get your dishwasher working again is to buy a new control board from LG and replace the one you already have.
Read: How To Reset CL Error Code On LG Dishwasher?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few things you’ll want to know about the heating error in your LG dishwasher:
How Hot Should An LG Dishwasher Heating Element Be?
Your LG dishwasher’s heating element should not exceed 149 degrees Fahrenheit. The HE error code will appear on the display when the machine exceeds that temperature.
Read: What Means NE Error Code On LG Dishwasher?
What Heats Up The Water In A Dishwasher?
The dishwasher water is heated by a heating element. You’ll find it at the base of the compartment.
Does The Dishwasher Need Hot Water To Run?
No, your dishwasher can run using only cold water. However, it won’t be as effective at cleaning stains and grease from your dishes without hot water.
Do Dishwashers Use Hot Water Or Heat Their Own?
Dishwashers are usually connected directly to your household’s hot water supply line. That way, the water is already hot when filling the appliance. Still, the machine has a heater that can also heat any cold water that comes in.
Why Does My Dishwasher Smell Of Burning?
The burning smell in your dishwasher happens because of overheating. First, shut off the dishwasher at its power source and troubleshoot the problem’s root cause.
