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Samsung Dishwasher Error Code HC

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

High temperature heater error — water overheating detected

The dishwasher's temperature sensor reported wash water above the safe ceiling (roughly 176°F), so the control halts the cycle to protect the machine and your dishes. A heater relay stuck on, or a drifting thermistor falsely reading high, are the leading causes.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$180 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $180–$380 Save $165+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Dishwasher error code HC on the display panel
How the HC code appears on a Samsung dishwasher display

What Does Error Code HC Mean on a Samsung Dishwasher?

High temperature heater error — water overheating detected.

The dishwasher's temperature sensor reported wash water above the safe ceiling (roughly 176°F), so the control halts the cycle to protect the machine and your dishes. A heater relay stuck on, or a drifting thermistor falsely reading high, are the leading causes.

What Causes Error Code HC?

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

  1. 1
    Thermistor drifted or failed (false high reading) 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Heater relay on the control board stuck closed 35% of cases
  3. 3
    Incoming water far above 120°F (water heater set too high) 20% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Dishwasher Error Code HC

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Check your water heater setting

    If the house water heater is set above ~140°F, the dishwasher can overshoot during heated cycles. 120°F is the right setting.

  2. 2

    Test the thermistor

    Switch off the breaker, pull the unit, and measure the sump thermistor against its spec (resistance falls as temperature rises). A drifted sensor causes false HC codes.

    🔩 Samsung dishwasher thermistor ($15–$40)
  3. 3

    Suspect the heater relay

    If the water is genuinely scalding at mid-cycle, the board's heater relay may be welded closed — the board needs replacement.

    🔩 Samsung dishwasher main board ($80–$180)
    ⚠️ Heater circuits carry line voltage. Switch off the breaker before any testing.

How to Reset Error Code HC

Switch the breaker off for 60 seconds and rerun a normal cycle. If HC returns mid-cycle, stop using the dishwasher until diagnosed.

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

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

A genuinely overheating dishwasher is a safety issue — if the tub is scalding hot when HC appears, stop using it and have the heater circuit professionally diagnosed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $180–$380

Related Error Codes

4C
Water supply error — dishwasher not filling
⚠ Medium Severity
LC
Leak sensor activated — water detected at base of dishwasher
⚠ High Severity
tE
Temperature sensor failure — NTC thermistor fault
⚠ Medium Severity

Find Replacement Parts

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

🔩
Search PartSelect
Samsung Dishwasher repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

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

More Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

5C Drain failure — water not draining from dishwasher 3C Wash motor error — circulation pump failure HE Heater error — water not heating 7E Water wall reflector error — water wall sensor blocked 1E Water inlet sensor failure bE2 Button error — control panel button shorted

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code HC mean on a Samsung Dishwasher? +
High temperature heater error — water overheating detected
How do I fix error code HC on my Samsung Dishwasher? +
Start by If the house water heater is set above ~140°F, the dishwasher can overshoot during heated cycles. 120°F is the right setting.. If that doesn't resolve it, work through each step in the fix guide above.
How do I clear or reset error code HC? +
Switch the breaker off for 60 seconds and rerun a normal cycle. If HC returns mid-cycle, stop using the dishwasher until diagnosed.
Is error code HC serious? +
This is a high-severity error. You should address it soon. Running the appliance may cause further damage.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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