Samsung Washer Error Code HE Fix: Step by Step Troubleshooting Guide

Introduction: Why the HE code matters and what this guide does

Seeing HE on your Samsung washer does not mean the machine is dying, but it does mean something is off with water sensing or excess suds. The HE error is common, it pops up when the pressure sensor, drain system, or soap usage confuses the washer into thinking the tub is overfilled. Ignore it and your cycle will stop, clothes stay wet, and frustration grows.

This guide gives a practical, samsung washer error code he fix you can do at home. You will get fast checks for detergent and suds, step by step instructions to clean the debris filter and inspect the drain hose and pump, a simple reset method, plus how to test the pressure switch and when to call a technician. Tools: screwdriver, needle nose pliers, bucket, towels, optional wet vacuum. Skill level: basic DIY for most sections, stop and call a pro if you see exposed wiring or need to replace control boards.

What the HE error code means on Samsung washers

On Samsung washers the HE code is the machine telling you there are too many suds, usually from non HE detergent or too much soap. In plain language, the washer thinks the suds level is interfering with normal sensing and drainage, so it pauses parts of the cycle to protect the motor and pump.

How the washer detects it: the control board watches tub movement, water level and motor current. Excess suds change how the tub spins and how water flows, the sensors flag that abnormal behavior, and the display shows HE. Common causes are using regular detergent in a high efficiency washer, pouring in extra detergent for a heavy load, or using fabric softener that suds up.

Symptoms you will see: HE on the display, long or stuck cycles, no spin or drain, clothes still soapy, and a locked door icon. For quick troubleshooting when searching samsung washer error code he fix, stop the cycle, remove excess soap, and run a rinse and spin with no detergent.

Common causes behind HE errors

Most HE errors trace back to a handful of hardware problems, knowing them speeds the samsung washer error code he fix process.

Water supply issues: Low incoming pressure or closed inlet valves lead the list. Check that both hot and cold valves are fully open, hoses are not kinked, and the inlet screens are clean. If your home pressure is weak, the washer may never reach the required fill level.

Pressure sensor failures: The water level sensor, sometimes called the pressure switch, can clog or fail. Inspect the small air tube for blockages, look for cracks, and test the sensor for continuity with a multimeter if you have one. A bad sensor reports incorrect water level and triggers an HE error.

Drain problems: Slow or blocked drainage confuses the control logic. Remove lint, inspect the pump filter, and make sure the drain hose is not clogged or inserted too far into the standpipe.

Control board faults: Moisture, power surges, or age can corrupt the main board. A hard reset can help temporarily, but persistent failures usually require board replacement. These four causes cover most real world fixes.

Quick checks to try before deeper troubleshooting

If you searched "samsung washer error code he fix", try these fast checks first. They fix most simple issues in minutes, and keep you from buying parts you do not need.

Power reset, unplug the washer or flip the breaker, wait 60 seconds, then power back on. This clears transient errors on many Samsung models. If the code stays, move on.

Check both hot and cold water supply valves at the wall, make sure they are fully open. Next, disconnect the inlet hoses and look for the small mesh screens inside the hose connectors. Pull the screens out, rinse under running water, and reinstall.

Inspect hoses for kinks, twists, or crushed spots, replace any that look damaged. After that, do a manual error code reset by unplugging 60 seconds, then starting a rinse or spin cycle to see if the HE code returns.

Step by step fixes for the HE error

1. Shut off water and clean the inlet screens. Turn off the water supply, unscrew the hot and cold hoses from the washer, and pull out the small mesh screens inside the inlet ports. Rinse the screens under a strong tap, pick off mineral deposits with a toothbrush, and soak them in white vinegar for 15 minutes if buildup is stubborn. Reinstall and retest, this simple step fixes many samsung washer error code he issues caused by restricted flow.

2. Inspect and clean the pressure chamber and hose. Remove the back panel or access panel, locate the thin plastic tube that runs from the tub to the pressure switch, and detach it. Blow through the tube, clear any foam or lint, and wipe the pressure chamber with a lint free cloth. Even a small clog here can trick the machine into thinking it is overfilling.

3. Check the water inlet valve. With power off, unplug the washer and test the valve solenoids with a multimeter for continuity. If a coil shows open or wildly different resistance, replace the valve assembly; on many Samsung models replacing both hot and cold valve sections at once prevents repeat failures. Take photos of wiring before removing to make reassembly foolproof.

4. Test the pressure sensor or pressure switch. Remove the sensor and test its electrical continuity while applying gentle suction to the pressure port, or consult the service manual for the expected ohm range. If the sensor does not change state when pressure changes, swap it for a known good unit.

5. Inspect drain and pump for blockages. A partially blocked drain or failing pump can confuse the fill logic. Remove the pump filter, clear coins, hair, and debris, run a drain cycle, and listen for unusual grinding noises that indicate pump failure.

6. Test control board connections last. Check harness connectors, look for corrosion or burn marks, press all plugs firmly into place, and wiggle test while running a diagnostic mode to spot intermittent faults. If the board shows visible damage or intermittent signals persist, replace the control board or consult a qualified technician.

How to test parts and what to replace

When you see samsung washer error code he, test parts before buying replacements. First, unplug the machine, remove the back panel, then photograph wire locations. To test the water inlet valve, set a multimeter to ohms, probe the two coil terminals, and expect a measurable resistance. A totally open reading means a bad valve. For the pressure sensor, disconnect the tube, blow gently into it while watching continuity or voltage change on the sensor pins; no change indicates failure or a clogged tube. For the drain pump, measure motor coil resistance, typically a low ohm reading; also try powering the pump briefly with the washer unplugged from mains using a battery adapter to see if it runs. Swap identical parts from a donor machine for a quick definitive test. OEM Samsung valves run about $40 to $120, pressure sensors $20 to $60, pumps $30 to $90; buy from Samsung parts, RepairClinic, or verified eBay sellers.

When to call a pro or consider replacement

If your samsung washer error code he fix steps fail after basic checks, call a pro. Signs the problem is electronic control failure include constant HE errors despite resets, touchpad or display that freezes, a burning smell near the control board, or the machine rebooting during cycles. Also watch for multiple error codes appearing together.

Ask the technician these questions before authorizing work
What is your diagnostic fee and is it applied to the repair?
Do you recommend replacing the control board or the user interface?
Will you use an OEM part and what warranty comes with parts and labor?
How long will the repair take and what is the total cost estimate?

Cost versus replace logic: if repair costs approach 50 percent of a new washer, replacement often wins, especially for older machines.

Prevent HE errors with routine maintenance

Preventing the HE code starts with simple habits you can do in minutes. Treat these as routine checks to avoid emergency troubleshooting later.

1. Clean the drain pump filter monthly, unplug the washer first, open the filter cover, catch water with a shallow pan, remove lint and rinse the filter under tap water.
2. Run a hot tub clean cycle once a month, using a commercial washer cleaner or two cups of white vinegar, to dissolve residue that triggers HE errors.
3. Inspect inlet hoses every six months for kinks, bulges, and mineral buildup; replace any hose older than five years.
4. Load smart, use HE detergent, and avoid overloading or one item loads, which cause unbalanced spins and can prompt the error.

These habits cut the need for a samsung washer error code he fix by preventing the problem.

Conclusion and final insights

Quick recap: HE means excess suds or a water level problem, and most issues respond to simple maintenance. For a fast samsung washer error code he fix, clean the dispenser, check drain pump and pressure hose, then run diagnostic mode.

Checklist:

1. Unplug and shut off water.
2. Clean dispenser and filter.
3. Inspect drain hose and pump.
4. Reset the machine.

If the code remains, call Samsung or a qualified technician.