LG Dishwasher Error Code HE

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026

⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Heater failure — water not heating

The most common cause of the HE error on a LG dishwasher is heating element open circuit (~55% of cases); start with: test heating element.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$95 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $200–$400 Save $185+ by doing it yourself

LG Dishwasher error code HE on the display panel — How the HE code appears on a LG dishwasher display

What Does Error Code HE Mean on a LG Dishwasher?

Heater failure — water not heating.

HE fires when the control board sees wash-water temperature failing to climb toward its target within an expected window, indicating the heating circuit isn't delivering heat. The board monitors the NTC sensor while energizing the heater relay; if temperature stalls, it flags HE. Most often the element itself is open-circuit, but a drifted or open NTC sensor or a stuck heater relay can mimic it. Unlike tE, which reports an out-of-range or shorted sensor reading, HE centers on absent heat output.

Models affected: LG dishwashers with an in-tub or flow-through heating element and NTC temperature sensor, including models such as the LDFN4542S, LDTS5552S, and LDF5545ST

What owners report: Owners commonly report HE alongside cold, filmy dishes and poor drying, often noticing it partway through or at the end of a cycle. It can occasionally be a false alarm from a loose element or sensor connector, so reseating wiring before ordering parts is a frequently mentioned quick win.

What Causes Error Code HE?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

1

Heating element open circuit 55% of cases
2

NTC sensor failure 30% of cases
3

Control board heater relay failure 15% of cases

How to Fix LG Dishwasher Error Code HE

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min

⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.

1

Test heating element

Test continuity — 15–25 ohms expected.

🔩 LG dishwasher heater ($45–$95)
2

Test NTC sensor

~6k ohms at room temperature.

🔩 LG NTC sensor ($15–$40)
3

Replace failed component

Install appropriate part.

How to Reset Error Code HE

After repair, run full program.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full LG dishwasher reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If element and sensor good, control board relay failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $200–$400

Related Error Codes

Temperature sensor failure

⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code HE appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows HE →

Samsung Washing Machine HE

Water heater error — water not heating to target temperature

Samsung Dryer HE

Heater fault — drum not heating or overheating

Samsung Dishwasher HE

Heater error — water not heating

GE Appliances Dishwasher HE

Heater circuit failure — no continuity through the heating element

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your LG Dishwasher:

🔩

Search PartSelect

LG Dishwasher repair parts

🔧

Search RepairClinic

Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More LG Dishwasher Error Codes

AE Leakage detected — water found in base tray OE Drain error — dishwasher not draining IE Water inlet error — not filling with water FE Water overflow — overfill protection triggered LE Leakage detected — flood protection activated CE Motor/pump over-current error

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my LG Dishwasher when error HE appears? +

It is not advisable. The dishwasher may still power on, but running it while HE is active can worsen the heating fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.

What most commonly causes HE on a LG Dishwasher? +

Across reported LG dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is heating element open circuit (55% of cases), nTC sensor failure (30%), then control board heater relay failure (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.

HE keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +

A reset only clears the stored HE fault; if it returns, the heating problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — test heating element, then test NTC sensor — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.

How much does it cost to fix LG Dishwasher error HE? +

A DIY repair typically runs $15–$95 in parts, versus $200–$400 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $185. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Which LG Dishwasher models show error HE? +

HE is documented on LG dishwashers with an in-tub or flow-through heating element and NTC temperature sensor, including models such as the LDFN4542S, LDTS5552S, and LDF5545ST. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

• LG Support — Help Library — official manufacturer documentation
• Our editorial & verification policy

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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