Samsung Dishwasher Error Code HC1

HC1 indicates a heater error caused by the temperature sensor outputting a voltage at or above approximately 4.5V or at or below approximately 0.2V, both of which are outside the normal operating range. The control board interprets this as a fault in the heater circuit and shuts off the heater as a safety measure. The dishwasher will continue running through its cycle, but without active heating, cleaning and drying performance will be reduced.

The dishwasher is designed to disable the heater and continue the cycle when HC1 triggers, so there is no immediate fire or flood risk in most cases. However, running repeated cycles without resolving the underlying fault is not recommended, as the root cause could involve damaged wiring that may worsen over time. Addressing the error promptly is the better approach.

Repair costs vary depending on the cause. If only a connector needs to be reseated or a wiring harness repaired, costs may be minimal, primarily covering a service call if a technician is involved. Replacing a thermistor or heating element typically adds parts costs ranging from roughly $20 to $100 or more depending on the component, with professional labor potentially bringing the total to $150 to $350 or higher.

In many cases, yes. Start by unplugging the dishwasher, locating the heater connectors at the bottom of the tub, and firmly reseating any loose connections. If the connectors look corroded or burned, a wiring repair or connector replacement may be needed. More involved repairs like replacing the thermistor or heating element are within the range of experienced DIYers but require basic electrical testing with a multimeter.

A reset may temporarily clear the HC1 code, but if the underlying heater circuit fault is still present, the error will return during the next cycle when the control board checks the sensor voltage again. Resetting is useful for confirming whether a one-time glitch caused the fault, but it is not a substitute for diagnosing and correcting the root cause.