What HE means (lg he error)
An lg he error on an LG dishwasher means a heater problem — the water heater either will not heat or has gone over a safe temperature (around 149°F). The control raises HE so the dishwasher does not run with unheated water or overheat, which points to the heating element or its sensing.
Symptoms to look for
The signs below help confirm you are dealing with this condition rather than a different fault on your LG Dishwasher. You may see one of them or several together, and they can build up gradually or appear suddenly after a power event, a long door opening, or recent service.
- The display shows “HE”
- Dishes are not cleaned or dried well
- Water stays cold on heated cycles
- The fault appears during the heating phase
Common causes
Several different faults can produce these symptoms. Working through the most likely causes in order helps separate a quick, owner-level check from a problem that needs trained service and the correct LG parts.
- Failed heating element — the element does not heat or shorts
- Thermistor fault — the temperature sensor reads out of range
- High-limit trip — a safety thermostat has opened
- Control fault — the board mismanages heating
Troubleshooting steps you can try
Work through these checks in order before calling for service. Stop wherever you are unsure, or where high-voltage parts, gas, the sealed refrigeration system, or a heat-pump compressor are involved, and hand the rest to a qualified technician.
- Power the dishwasher off at the breaker for several minutes, then restore.
- Confirm the incoming water is reaching a normal hot temperature at the tap.
- Avoid heated-dry or sanitize cycles until the cause is found.
- If HE persists, leave it for service to test the heater and thermistor.
Parts a technician may replace
Depending on what the diagnosis shows, a technician may inspect, test, or replace the heating element, high-limit thermostat, thermistor, and control board. The correct part for your LG Dishwasher is matched from the model and serial number, and genuine LG components are fitted rather than generic substitutes so that performance, safety, and the appliance’s long working life are all protected. Confirming the failed part before ordering avoids replacing more than the fault actually requires.
When to call a technician
HE needs a technician to test the heating element, thermistor, and high-limit thermostat and replace the failed part. When the fix calls for trained service, book a visit through our scheduling page and an experienced, qualified technician will diagnose and repair it. For manufacturer documentation and model lookup, see the manufacturer at lg.com/us.
Prevention and care
Regular care keeps this condition from returning on your LG Dishwasher. Keep filters, vents, and the condenser or exhaust path clean, avoid overloading or blocking airflow, check that doors and seals close cleanly, and follow the LG maintenance guidance for your model. Because this unit relies on electronic control, protect it with a stable, correctly rated power supply and have any built-in or laundry installation done to LG specification so the control never sees an out-of-range condition. If a code appears, note exactly what was shown before you reset the appliance — that record helps the technician reach an accurate diagnosis and avoid replacing parts unnecessarily.
Related help and LG resources
Browse other LG Dishwasher diagnostics, read about professional LG Dishwasher repair, look up your unit in the LG models reference, or the related tE thermal error, or schedule a service visit. For LG manufacturer documentation and model lookup, visit the manufacturer at lg.com/us.
