Maytag Washer Error Code HE1

HE1 means the washer's heater has been running for 10 minutes without a detectable rise in water temperature. The control board monitors the heating circuit through a thermistor and triggers this fault when heating performance falls outside the expected range. The most common causes are a failed heater element, a faulty thermistor, loose wiring connections, or insufficient water in the tub.

It is not recommended to continue running the washer while HE1 is active. The code indicates the heating system is not functioning correctly, and the machine has already halted the cycle as a protective measure. Running cycles with a malfunctioning heater or faulty thermistor could produce inconsistent wash results and may mask a wiring issue that could worsen over time.

Resetting the washer may temporarily clear the HE1 code, but it will return if the underlying problem is not repaired. Because the fault is triggered by a monitored condition (no temperature rise after 10 minutes of heating), the control board will detect the same failure and generate the error again during the next cycle. A reset is useful for confirming the fault after repairs, but it is not a fix on its own.

Some causes of HE1 can be addressed without professional help. Start by inspecting the wiring connections at the heater and thermistor for looseness or corrosion, and verify that the washer is filling with the correct amount of water. If those checks do not resolve the issue, testing and replacing the thermistor or heater element requires basic electrical knowledge and a multimeter, which many experienced DIYers can handle safely.

Repair costs vary depending on the faulty component. A replacement thermistor typically runs in the range of $15 to $40 for the part alone, while a heater element can cost between $30 and $80. If a technician is needed for diagnosis and installation, total repair costs including labor generally fall in the range of $100 to $250 depending on your location and the specific parts required.