LG · Dishwasher Serious
HE — Heater error
The control was unable to raise the water to the expected temperature in the allotted time, or it detected overheating above approximately 149°F. The heater circuit is disabled to prevent damage.
- Keep using it?
- Limited use only
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
- Verified against
- lg.com ↗
How to fix it
- Power off at the breaker 2 minutes; restart and run a Heavy cycle to confirm HE returns.
- Tip the unit back and inspect the two heater terminals for discoloration; reseat or replace terminals.
- Disconnect heater wires and measure resistance — open circuit means replace the heater.
- Measure thermistor resistance cold (typically ~50–60 kΩ at room temp; check service manual).
- Inspect any inline thermal fuse and replace if open.
- If heater, thermistor, and fuse all test good, replace the main PCB.
- After repair, run a long hot cycle and confirm the tub gets warm to the touch.
Why it happens
Typical signs: HE shown late in the cycle · Dishes not drying / poor wash results · Long cycle times · Plastic items not fully heated
- Open heating element Internal break in the sheath heater at the sump — no current draw.
- Failed thermistor Temperature sensor reads out of range; HE and tE can be related.
- Failed main control / relay Heater relay on the main PCB welded closed or open.
- Tripped thermal cut-off One-shot thermal fuse on the heater opened from a prior dry-fire.
- Loose heater terminal Discolored / melted ring terminal at the heater pin under the unit.
Parts you may need
If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
More LG dishwasher codes
Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: lg.com.