LG Dishwasher Error Code HE-1

HE-1 on an LG dishwasher indicates a heater malfunction. The control board detected that water temperature increased by 2°F or less over a 20-minute heating period, even after an automatic retry. This means the dishwasher cannot heat the water adequately for washing or sanitizing.

It is not recommended. With the heating element malfunctioning, dishes will not be washed or sanitized at the proper temperature, which is a hygiene concern. Additionally, running the appliance with a known electrical fault in the heating circuit could pose a risk of further component damage.

A reset may temporarily clear the HE-1 code, but if the underlying heater fault is still present, the error will return once the dishwasher attempts another heating cycle and detects the same insufficient temperature rise. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but it is not a fix for a failed heating element, bad connector, or faulty sensor.

Some causes of HE-1 are DIY-friendly, particularly checking and reseating the heater connectors, which requires no special tools. Testing the heating element or temperature sensor with a multimeter is also within reach for experienced DIYers. However, working near the heating circuit involves high-voltage components, so the dishwasher must be fully unplugged before any inspection or repair.

Repair costs vary depending on the faulty component. A replacement heating element typically ranges from $30 to $80 in parts, while a new temperature sensor is generally $15 to $50. If professional labor is needed, expect to add $100 to $200 for a service call and repair, with control board replacement being the most expensive scenario.