Quick answer
Stop if there is a hot smell and verify airflow before another heated cycle.
Safety note
Disconnect power before opening panels or touching wiring. If water is leaking near electricity, stop and call a qualified technician.
Related problem hub
See more heating or temperature fault appliance codes across other brands and appliance types.
What HE means
On many Samsung dryer models, HE belongs to the heating or temperature fault category. The control is seeing a heating, thermistor, or temperature reading outside the expected range.
Codes and exact steps can vary by model number, production year, and regional design. Use this guide as first-pass orientation and confirm model-specific details with the manufacturer source listed below.
Before you start
Write down the full model number and the exact display text before changing parts or clearing the control. Similar-looking codes can map to different model families, and a reset can erase useful timing clues.
If the appliance shows active leaking, a burning smell, smoke, gas odor, repeated breaker trips, or water near power, stop this checklist and use qualified service.
Common causes
- Thermistor or temperature sensor fault
- Heating element or heat pump problem
- Airflow or water-flow restriction causing abnormal temperature
- Control board fault
Recommended check order
- Confirm the model number and exact code spelling.
- Disconnect power for 5 minutes, then retry one short cycle.
- For dryers, verify the vent path is clear before repeating a heated cycle.
- For dishwashers, confirm water can enter and drain normally.
- Stop using the appliance if there is a hot smell, smoke, or breaker trip.
- Run one controlled reset only when the appliance is dry, stable, and safe.
- Stop if HE returns immediately or appears on an empty test.
Safe checks before service
- Disconnect power for 5 minutes, then retry one short cycle.
- For dryers, verify the vent path is clear before repeating a heated cycle.
- For dishwashers, confirm water can enter and drain normally.
- Stop using the appliance if there is a hot smell, smoke, or breaker trip.
What not to do
- Do not keep running heated dryer cycles after an airflow or heat warning.
- Do not use foil duct, crushed duct, or blocked exterior vents.
- Do not bypass locks, sensors, fuses, or leak protection to force a cycle.
- Do not open powered panels or touch wiring for a code check.
- Do not assume one display code proves one specific part has failed.
Stop and call a technician when
- The code returns on a short test cycle.
- The appliance overheats, underheats, or trips electrical protection.
- The repair would require opening a sealed heater or control area.
FAQ
Is HE always a broken part?
No. On a Samsung dryer, HE usually identifies a heating or temperature fault category. A blocked hose, dirty filter, uneven load, or unsafe operating condition can trigger a code before a part failure is confirmed.
Can I reset HE?
A single power reset can be reasonable after visible checks are complete and the appliance is safe. If HE returns immediately, treat it as an active fault rather than a nuisance message.
Why does model number matter?
Brands reuse similar code text across model families. The model number controls the exact manual steps, access points, and service boundary.
Aliases and related display text
People may search for this same condition using different capitalization or alternate display forms.
- HE