If your LG Washer is showing error code HE, the machine has detected a problem with the water heating system. Error HE means the heating element is not raising the water temperature as expected, or the heater circuit has detected a fault. Here is how to diagnose and fix LG Washer error HE.
Error HE stands for Heater Error. LG Washers equipped with an internal heating element monitor water temperature during hot and warm wash cycles using the NTC thermistor (temperature sensor). If the water temperature does not rise to within the target range within a set time — typically because the heating element is open-circuit, the thermistor is inaccurate, or there is a wiring fault — the control board displays error HE and stops the cycle.
Not all LG Washer models have a heating element. Cold-fill models (which rely on the home’s hot water supply only) will not display HE as a heating fault. If you are seeing HE on such a model, the error may relate to a thermistor or wiring issue rather than the element itself. Check your model’s specifications if you are unsure whether it has an internal heater.
Follow the steps below one at a time — many error codes can be fixed faster than they look.
Press Power to stop the cycle. Unplug the washer for 10–15 minutes. Plug back in and select a 60°C or hot wash program. If HE returns within a few minutes of the cycle starting (before the water has had time to heat up), a real heater fault exists and requires further investigation.
Unplug the washer before any internal work. On most front-load LG Washers, the heating element is located at the lower rear of the outer tub, accessed by removing the rear service panel (6–8 screws). The element is a curved metal bar that sits inside the drum at the bottom of the tub, secured by a rubber seal and a retaining nut. Disconnect the two wiring connectors from the element terminals before testing.
With the wiring disconnected, set a multimeter to resistance (ohms). Touch the probes to the two element terminals. A working LG Washer heating element typically reads between 20 and 30 ohms. A reading of infinite ohms (open circuit) or 0 ohms (short circuit) confirms the element has failed. Also test between each terminal and the element’s metal body — any continuity here indicates a grounded (shorted) element that must be replaced immediately.
Some LG Washer heater assemblies include a high-temperature safety thermostat clipped to the element body. Test this component with the multimeter on continuity mode — it should show continuity (closed circuit) at room temperature. If it shows open circuit, it has tripped due to overheating and must be replaced. A tripped thermostat often indicates the element previously overheated, so check for limescale buildup on the old element before fitting a new one.
If the element tests faulty, remove it by loosening the central retaining nut, pulling the element out of the tub, and removing the rubber seal. Install the new element with a new seal, tighten the retaining nut firmly (do not overtighten), reconnect the wiring, and reassemble the rear panel. Run a hot wash cycle to confirm the repair. The water should reach the target temperature without triggering HE.
After completing the repair, unplug the washer for 10 minutes to clear all stored fault data. Plug back in, select a hot wash at 60°C, and allow the cycle to run. Monitor whether the water heats correctly. If HE returns, check the thermistor — a faulty thermistor can cause HE even after a successful element replacement. See the separate guide for LG Washer Error tE for thermistor testing steps.
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