Troubleshooting error code HE on an LG dishwasher

Is your LG dishwasher displaying the error code HE? Don’t worry, this is a problem that you can fix yourself without the need for a costly service call and we’re here to help you do it, like a Pro!

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The error code information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What the error code means

The error code “HE” on an LG dishwasher typically indicates an issue with the heating element or the control board. If the water in the dishwasher tub is not heating up as expected, the HE error code may be displayed. This could be due to a problem with the heating element, such as a short circuit or a break in the heating element circuit.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 

Troubleshooting steps

1. Visually inspect the heater and sump area of the dishwasher for any visible damage or debris.
2. Check for any signs of burning, melting, cracks, or other physical damage to the heater.
3. Remove any debris or buildup that may be obstructing the heater or sump area.
4. Locate the wiring connection to the heater and inspect it for any loose, damaged, or disconnected wires.
5. Check the wire terminals for corrosion or other damage that may be affecting the connection.
6. Using a multimeter, measure the resistance of the heater. The normal range for heater resistance is 10.8-13.2 ohms.
7. If the resistance is outside of this range, the heater will need to be replaced.
8. Locate the thermistor on the heater assembly and measure its resistance.
9. The normal resistance range for the thermistor is 11-14k ohms at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. If the thermistor resistance is outside of this range, the thermistor will need to be replaced.

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the appliance needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. With the dishwasher powered on, use a multimeter to check for 120V AC voltage at the heater connection.
2. If there is the correct voltage but the heater is not heating, the heater will need to be replaced.
3. If there is no voltage to the heater, the issue is with the control board.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your LG dishwasher working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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