What HE actually means
The machine can't heat the water properly, so it has stopped mid-wash rather than carry on with a cold load.
Samsung's control board watches the water temperature while the heater is switched on. If the temperature doesn't climb as expected within the time allowed, the machine times out and puts up HE (some displays show the same fault as TE). Because it fails during the heating stage, the drum is normally still full of water and the door stays locked with the washing inside.
What HE looks like on a Samsung washer dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Samsung washer dryer, HE usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Machine door won't open
- Door won't lock or click shut
- Door lock light flashing
- Door stuck shut with the load inside
- Won't start even with the door closed
- Machine not draining
- Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.
What usually causes it
- A failed NTC temperature sensor on the heater \u2014 this is the one that most often turns out to be at fault
- A burnt-out or open-circuit heating element
- Limescale or debris packed around the element on machines in hard water areas
- A poor connection or damaged wiring to the element or sensor
- A control board fault \u2014 the least common of the causes
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, switch back on and see whether it clears \u2014 occasionally it's a one-off timeout.
- If the drum is still full, open the filter flap at the bottom front and drain the water down through the small emergency hose behind it into a shallow tray. Have towels ready. Once the water is out the door will usually release.
- Try a cold-only or rinse-and-spin programme. If that runs through and only heated washes fail, that points firmly at the heating circuit and confirms what the engineer needs to look at.
Common questions about Samsung HE
What does HE mean on a Samsung washer dryer?
The machine can't heat the water properly, so it has stopped mid-wash rather than carry on with a cold load. Samsung's control board watches the water temperature while the heater is switched on. If the temperature doesn't climb as expected within the time allowed, the machine times out and puts up HE (some displays show the same fault as TE). Because it fails during the heating stage, the drum is normally still full of water and the door stays locked with the washing inside.
Can I fix Samsung HE myself?
There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, switch back on and see whether it clears \u2014 occasionally it's a one-off timeout.
- If the drum is still full, open the filter flap at the bottom front and drain the water down through the small emergency hose behind it into a shallow tray. Have towels ready. Once the water is out the door will usually release.
- Try a cold-only or rinse-and-spin programme. If that runs through and only heated washes fail, that points firmly at the heating circuit and confirms what the engineer needs to look at.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Samsung HE?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Tried the checks and it's still showing HE?
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.
What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washer dryer faults are seen same day or next day.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.
Other Samsung washer dryer codes
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