Samsung · Dishwasher Serious

HC — (1C variants) — High Water Temperature

HC is a high water-temperature error: the dishwasher detected the water temperature is too high (around 80°C/176°F or above) via the thermistor. Common causes are a faulty temperature sensor (thermistor), a control-board issue, or an excessively hot incoming water supply — it is the water temperature, not a heating-element circuit, that is flagged.

Keep using it?
Limited use only
DIY difficulty
Moderate
Verified against
samsung.com ↗

How to fix it

  1. Power off at the breaker for 5 minutes — do not run another cycle until inspected.
  2. Look at the heating element through the tub — discolored or burned areas mean replace it.
  3. Verify normal fill (no 9E history); a stuck-on heater with low water can melt the tub.
  4. Test the thermistor resistance per service manual at room temp.
  5. If the heater relay is welded (heater stays hot with power applied but cycle off), replace the main control board.
  6. Replace the heating element if shorted or burned.

Why it happens

Typical signs: HC on display · Cycle aborts during heated wash or dry · Steam from tub · Heating element discolored

  • Heater stuck on (relay welded) Main board relay shorted closed — heater runs continuously.
  • Failed temperature sensor Thermistor reads low so control keeps heater on.
  • Low water in tub during heat Underfill or mid-cycle leak left heater exposed.
  • Failed heating element Element shorted to ground or to chassis.

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.

  • Samsung dishwasher heating element Common replacement
    Amazon →
  • Samsung dishwasher thermistor Common replacement
    Amazon →
  • Samsung dishwasher main control board Common replacement
    Amazon →

More Samsung dishwasher codes

1C 1C — Low water level / fails to start 1E 1E / IE — Filter clogged / heater fault 3C 3C Error — Wash Pump Failure 3E 3E — Hot water supply too hot 4C 4C / 4E — Water Supply Error 4C5 4C5 / 4E5 — Fill timeout with dry tub

All Samsung codes → All dishwasher codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the HC code mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

HC is a high water-temperature error: the dishwasher detected the water temperature is too high (around 80°C/176°F or above) via the thermistor. Common causes are a faulty temperature sensor (thermistor), a control-board issue, or an excessively hot incoming water supply — it is the water temperature, not a heating-element circuit, that is flagged.

What causes the HC code on a Samsung dishwasher?

Heater stuck on (relay welded): Main board relay shorted closed — heater runs continuously. Failed temperature sensor: Thermistor reads low so control keeps heater on. Low water in tub during heat: Underfill or mid-cycle leak left heater exposed.

Is it safe to keep using a Samsung dishwasher with a HC error?

Limited use only. This is rated a serious-severity fault.

How do I fix HC on a Samsung dishwasher?

Power off at the breaker for 5 minutes — do not run another cycle until inspected. Look at the heating element through the tub — discolored or burned areas mean replace it. Verify normal fill (no 9E history); a stuck-on heater with low water can melt the tub.

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: samsung.com.