From time to time, your home appliances may run into an error code indicating a problem that needs addressing. Most of the time, these errors are easy to fix. However, one of the more challenging errors is the HE code which indicates that your dryer is getting too hot.
This should be addressed immediately, as if left alone, it may cause damage to the dryer components. So in this article, I’m going to consolidate all the reasons why this issue occurs and explain how to get the problem fixed so you can restore your washer back to working order.
Causes of Samsung Dryer HE Code
When the HE error code appears, it means there is some kind of issue with the heating element. The difficulty is in identifying and addressing the exact root cause, as the problem may be triggered by something as simple as a buildup of lint or a broken thermostat.
However, in some rare cases, it may counterintuitively be caused by your dryer not generating adequate heat due to low voltage.
1. Airflow is Restricted
Samsung dryers rely on airflow to properly circulate the hot air around your clothes and dry them. Sometimes the airflow path may be disturbed or blocked off due to a clogged vent or air intake, which causes the heating element to overheat as there’s no airflow.
You’ll need to inspect and remove any blockages so your dryer can properly circulate the hot air.
2. There is a Buildup of Lint
Dryers use a lint filter designed to catch the small bits of lint that come off your clothes as they dry.
However, this lint trap needs to be cleaned out manually from time to time, or it will get so clogged up that it stops working, which then causes the lint to accumulate in places like the exhaust vent and trigger overheating problems.
3. The Heating Element is Worn Down
Heating elements can often wear down over time, especially if you use the dryer often. If the heating element is malfunctioning, overheating, or underheating, it may trigger the HE code.
This component will need to be inspected for functionality using a multimeter and replaced if it’s found to be faulty.
4. The Thermal Fuse is Failing
The thermal fuse is a safety component that monitors the internal temperature of the dryer. Should the temperature exceed a certain threshold, the thermal fuse will blow and immediately stop the dryer from heating.
While this is great because it stops more damage from being caused to the other components, once the thermal fuse is blown, it will have to be replaced with a new one as they are single-use components.
5. A Broken Thermostat
The thermostat assists in regulating the dryer’s internal temperature while in operation by monitoring the dryer temperature and instructing the heating element to turn on or off as needed.
If the thermostat becomes faulty or breaks, the dryer no longer knows its own temperature, which will trigger the HE dryer code.
6. The Control Board is Malfunctioning
The control panel acts as the brain of the dryer, controlling the various functions inside the appliance by sending signals to turn things on or off as needed.
So if there is an electronic control error, it may trigger other components not to function properly. But because of its inherent complexity and difficulty to fix, when the control panel runs into problems, the best solution is to replace the whole board.
7. There is a Power Supply Issue
If there is any power or electrical issue with the dryer, whether it be the power cord, power outlet, or wall outlet, it is possible that your dryer won’t receive enough power, which triggers the HE dryer error code.
Sometimes it’s something simple like the circuit breaker being tripped, but other times it may be an electrical failure that needs addressing before the dryer can operate properly.
How to Fix Samsung Dryer HE Code
Now that you have a better idea of what causes this problem, it’s time to get it fixed.
In some cases, this is very easy and involves some general machine cleaning. However, in certain cases, you may need to replace a failed component.
1. Clean Out the Vent to Restore Proper Airflow
If the air vents are blocked, it may trap heat inside the dryer and cause it to overheat, so the first step is to remove any vent or exhaust blockages. All you need to do here is remove the hose/duct from the washer and disconnect the vent from the dryer by loosening the clamps with a screwdriver and lifting them away.
Now you need to clean out both the vent and duct. The easiest way to do this is using a vacuum cleaner to suck up as much built-up dust, debris, or lint as possible.
If there is a buildup deep inside the duct, you will have to dislodge it. Something like a long broom can work for this, but you must be extra careful not to pierce the duct as these are often made from a thin material and are easy to tear.
Once thoroughly cleaned out simply reattach the vent and the duct to the washer.
2. Clean Out the Lint Filter
Likewise, if the lint filter gets clogged up, all that excess lint and dust will get sent straight to the vent and block it up, so we also need to give this a good clean.
First, you need to remove the lint screen from the dryer. You can usually access this by opening the door and looking at the bottom of the door rim; then, you can just pull the lint screen away from the dryer by hand.
Once removed, you can use your hands or a soft brush to remove as much of the built-up lint as possible. If it’s particularly stubborn, you can also wash it with warm soapy water; just be sure to let it completely air dry before reinstalling it.
3. Replace the Faulty Heating Element
If your Samsung dryer heating element fails and triggers the HE code, it will need to be replaced with a new one. However, this is quite an involved process with many steps involved.
If you are not already intimately familiar with working on Samsung dryers, the best option here is to contact Samsung customer support, who will arrange for a trained technician to come and replace it for you.
4. Replace the Thermal Fuse
Once the thermal fuse has blown, the only option is to replace it, as these are single-use components.
- Start by turning the dryer off and unplugging it from the power supply.
- The thermal fuse is usually located at the back of the dryer in the heater assembly. If you’re unsure of its exact location, you should refer to your user manual to ascertain its location.
- Disconnect the wires from the blown temperature fuse and remove the screws holding it. This should release the old thermal fuse, which can now be discarded.
- Insert the new thermal fuse in its place, plug the wires back in using the same configuration, and then screw the temperature fuse into the dryer.
- Power the dryer back up and test it for functionality.
5. Fix the Broken Thermostat
Before proceeding, you should first test the thermostat using a multimeter to determine if it’s broken; if it is, then the only option is to replace it. The thermostat is usually located in the blower housing on the back of the dryer; use a screwdriver to remove the old, faulty thermostat from the clothes dryer.
Install the new thermostat in its place and plug the wires back in using the same configuration. Then start the dryer back up.
6. Replace the Control Board
As the Samsung dryer control board is quite a complicated component, it’s complicated to fix and repair yourself after experiencing a board failure. So the usual course of action is just to replace the boardย entirely.
Once again, we recommend contacting Samsung customer support, who will arrange for a replacement board and a service technician to come and install it for you.
7. Ensure the Power Supply is Working
Even though the HE heating error is commonly associated with overheating the dryer, if there is a power supply problem and the clothes dryer is underheating, this can also cause problems.
Here’s what you need to check to ensure your dryer’s getting enough power:
- First, you should check it’s plugged into a power sourceย and that the associated circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped.
- Try plugging another device into that outlet so you can be sure that it’s working.
- Check the power cord for apparent signs of damage, such as burning. If it looks damaged, it should be replaced.
Preventing Samsung Dryer HE Error Code
Outside of one-off component failures, the most common reason this error code occurs is due to a buildup of lint and dust in the dryer vent or duct, which then triggers overheating inside the dryer.
To prevent this buildup from occurring, you should clean out the lint filter regularly to ensure it doesn’t get too clogged up.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
