Dishwasher
LG
Updated Jul 26, 2026
LG Dishwasher HE Error — Heater Fault & How to Fix It
HE
LG · DishwasherHE on an LG dishwasher means the heating element has failed to heat the water, or the wate…
Quick answer
HE on an LG dishwasher means the heating element has failed to heat the water, or the water temperature has exceeded the safe limit (above 65 degrees C / 149 degrees F).
What HE means
The heating element in an LG dishwasher heats the wash water to the optimal cleaning temperature. HE (Heater Error) appears when the control board detects that the water did not reach the target temperature within the allowed time, or conversely, that the water got too hot.
Symptoms: dishes come out greasy or not clean (water too cold), or the cycle takes much longer than normal.
How to fix it
- Run hot water at the kitchen sink first. Before starting the dishwasher, run the kitchen faucet until the water is hot. This ensures the dishwasher starts with warm water, reducing the demand on the heater.
- Reset the dishwasher. Circuit breaker off for 10 seconds, then back on. Start a new cycle.
- If HE persists: The heating element or the NTC thermistor (temperature sensor) has likely failed. This is a technician-level repair — the heater operates at mains voltage.
What does the HE code mean?
HE indicates the water heating system has failed to reach the target temperature, or the water has overheated above the safe limit.
Common causes
- Failed heating element (burned out)
- Faulty NTC temperature sensor (thermistor)
- Incoming water too cold (especially in winter)
- Control board heater relay failure
- Limescale on the heater reducing efficiency
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How to fix the HE error
Run hot water at sink first
Reduces demand on the dishwasher heater.
Reset
Circuit breaker off 10 seconds, restart.
If persistent
Heating element or thermistor needs testing — call a technician.
Descale
In hard-water areas, run a monthly vinegar cycle to prevent limescale.
Safety first: The heating element operates at mains voltage. Never attempt to inspect or replace it yourself unless you are a qualified technician.
Part you may need: Heating element / NTC thermistor
Running the kitchen faucet until hot before starting the dishwasher is a good habit — it improves wash results even when the heater is fine.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my dishes still greasy?
If HE is showing, the water is not hot enough. Fix the heater issue and dishes will come out clean.
Can limescale cause HE?
Yes — thick limescale insulates the heater. Monthly descaling prevents this.
HE vs tE?
Both relate to temperature. HE = heater did not heat enough. tE = thermistor fault. Similar symptoms, different parts.
✎ Written by
REZAUL Karim (Riad)
REZAUL Karim (Riad) is the founder of ErrFixHub and a hands-on electronics and home-appliance repair specialist with over 15 years of experience diagnosing and fixing air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, inverters and other household appliances. He built ErrFixHub to turn cryptic error codes into clear, step-by-step fixes anyone can follow — cross-checking every code against manufacturer documentation and real repair-bench experience.
