The LG Washer Error HE is a specific diagnostic code indicating a Heater Error. This occurs when the main electronic control board detects that the water temperature is not rising as expected during a heated cycle (such as “Sanitary” or “Steam”) or if the heating circuit’s resistance is outside of the safety parameters. Essentially, the “brain” of your washer has requested heat, but the feedback loop has failed.
đź“– Safety Precaution: High Voltage
Before unscrewing any panel, ensure you have the correct service manual for safety.
As a user, you might notice the washer stalling mid-cycle, the glass lid feeling cold during a “Steam” wash, or the machine simply stopping with the “HE” letters flashing on the digital display. While a heater failure sounds catastrophic, it is often a localized issue involving a single sensor or a heating element that can be replaced without purchasing a new machine. With a systematic approach, you can diagnose and resolve this issue yourself.
Symptoms of a Failing LG Heating System
Identifying the “HE” error is usually straightforward because the code will be displayed prominently, but several “pre-symptoms” often occur before the code finally locks out the machine:
- Cold Water on Hot Cycles: If you select a “Sanitary” or “Allergiene” cycle and the water remains lukewarm or cold, the heater is likely failing to engage long before the error code triggers.
- Extended Cycle Times: The washer may “hang” at a certain minute mark (often with 30-40 minutes remaining). This happens because the control board is waiting for the thermistor to report a specific temperature increase before proceeding to the next stage.
- The “HE” Flash: The machine will stop entirely, drain the water for safety, and flash “HE” on the LED display, accompanied by an error chime.
- Tripped Circuit Breaker: In cases of a “grounded” heating element, the machine might trip your home’s GFCI outlet or circuit breaker as soon as the heating portion of the cycle begins.
The Complete Solution
The Complete Solution: Step-by-Step Repair
Step 1: Safety First. Before touching any internal components, you must unplug the washer from the wall outlet. Warning: The heating circuit handles high voltage and current; working on a live machine carries a risk of severe electric shock. Shut off the hot and cold water supply valves to prevent accidental flooding if a hose is bumped.
Step 2: Accessing the Heater. For most LG top loaders with a heater, you will need to access the rear or bottom. Remove the screws securing the rear metal panel using your Phillips head screwdriver. Once the panel is removed, locate the heating element assembly at the bottom of the tub. You will see two heavy-gauge wires (usually blue/red or white/black) and a smaller pair of wires for the thermistor.
Step 3: Testing the Heating Element. Disconnect the two main power wires from the element terminals using needle-nose pliers (pull by the connector, not the wire). Set your multimeter to the Ohms (Ω) setting. Place the probes on the two terminals of the element.
Analysis: You should see a reading between 10 and 30 ohms. If the meter reads “OL” (Open Loop) or infinite resistance, the element is burned out and must be replaced. Also, check for a “short to ground” by touching one probe to a terminal and the other to the metal casing of the heater; any reading here indicates a dangerous short.
Step 4: Testing the Thermistor. Locate the smaller sensor tucked into the heater assembly or nearby on the tub. Disconnect its plug and test for resistance. At room temperature (approx. 77°F), you should see roughly 40k to 50k ohms. If the reading is 0 or “OL,” the sensor is dead. If it’s significantly lower or higher, it has drifted and is causing the HE error.
Step 5: Replacing the Component. If the element is faulty, use a 10mm socket to loosen the nut in the center of the heater assembly. Do not remove the nut entirely; just loosen it until it is flush with the end of the bolt. Push the bolt inward to release the rubber gasket’s tension, then gently pry the heater out of the tub. Slide the new heater in, ensuring it engages the internal bracket, and tighten the 10mm nut to compress the seal. Warning: Over-tightening can crack the tub; under-tightening will cause a leak.
Step 6: Reassembly and Testing. Reconnect all wires securely. Ensure they are tucked away from moving parts like the drive belt or pulley. Replace the back panel. Plug the unit back in and run a “Tub Clean” or “Sanitary” cycle. If the machine completes the cycle without the HE code appearing, the repair is successful.
| Metric | Specification |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Moderate (Requires basic electrical testing) |
| Estimated Time | 45 – 90 Minutes |
| Required Tools | Digital Multimeter, Phillips #2 Screwdriver, Needle-nose Pliers, 10mm Socket/Wrench |
| Estimated Cost | $25 – $130 (Depending on Thermistor vs. Heater Assembly) |
Detailed Diagnosis: Root Causes
To fix the HE error, we must look at the three pillars of the heating circuit. Failure in any of these will result in the same error code:
- The Heating Element (Physical Burnout): Over years of use, the heating element (located at the bottom of the outer tub) can develop a layer of limescale or calcium. This scale acts as an insulator, causing the element to overheat and eventually “pop” or crack. When the internal resistive wire breaks, the circuit is opened, and no heat is generated.
- The Thermistor (Temperature Sensor): This is a small NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) resistor. Its job is to tell the control board exactly how hot the water is. If the thermistor’s internal resistance drifts due to age or moisture intrusion, it may send an “out of range” signal. Even if the heater is working, the board won’t believe it, triggering the HE code.
- Wiring and Connector Integrity: Top-load washers are subject to significant vibration during high-speed spins. Over time, the wiring harness leading to the heater can chafe, or the connectors can become loose or slightly charred due to the high amperage (current) required to run a 1000W+ heater.
- Control Board Relay Failure: Occasionally, the mechanical relay on the main PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that switches power to the heater can “weld” shut or fail to contact. This is often caused by voltage spikes or simple component fatigue after thousands of cycles.
How to Prevent Error HE
Once you have restored your washer to working order, follow these maintenance tips to ensure the heating circuit doesn’t fail again:
- Manage Hard Water: If you live in an area with high mineral content, use a water softener or add a descaling agent (like citric acid or a commercial washer cleaner) once a month. This prevents the “insulating” scale from building up on the heater, which is the #1 cause of burnout.
- Use High-Quality Surge Protectors: Since the HE error can sometimes be caused by a fried control board relay, protecting the machine from power surges can save the “brain” of the unit.
- Avoid Overloading: Excessive weight causes the tub to bounce more violently. This physical stress can strain the wiring harness leading to the heater, eventually causing the wires to snap or the connectors to vibrate loose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still use my washer if it has the HE error?
A: Generally, yes, but only on “Cold” or “Tap Cold” settings. Since those settings do not activate the heater, the board will not monitor the heating circuit. However, you should address the repair soon, as an internal short in the heater could eventually lead to a total board failure.
Q: Is it always the heater, or could it be the control board?
A: Statistically, 90% of HE errors are caused by the heating element or the thermistor. The control board is rarely the culprit unless you have tested both the heater and thermistor and found them to be within the correct Ohmic range.
Q: Why does the HE error only appear at the end of the cycle?
A: LG’s software often performs a final “sanity check” on the water temperature. If the board never saw the temperature rise during the wash phase, it may wait until the final spin or the very end of the cycle to throw the error and alert the user that the clothes were not properly sanitized.