What is the difference between HE and tE on an LG washer?

HE indicates a fault in the heating element circuit itself — the element has failed, has a wiring issue, or has tripped its thermal cutout. tE (thermistor error) specifically means the temperature sensor is sending an out-of-range reading to the control board, even if the heating element is physically intact. Both codes can cause the washer to stop heating, but they point to different components. A technician with a multimeter can confirm which part has failed.

How much does it cost to fix an LG washer HE error?

Reseating a loose wiring connector costs nothing. A replacement thermistor costs $10–$25 for DIY. A replacement heating element costs $30–$70 in parts for DIY. Professional heating element or thermistor replacement typically costs $180–$310 in the Boston area, parts and labor included, depending on how much disassembly the model requires.

LG · Washer · Error Code

LG Washer HE Error Code — Heater / Water Temperature Error

Q: Can I still use my LG washer with an HE error?

Yes, for cold-water cycles — the washer will still wash without heating the water. However, any cycle that requires heated water (sanitize, hot wash, steam) will not reach the correct temperature and may time out or halt with HE again. Resolve the heater fault before relying on temperature-sensitive cycles.

Q: Will resetting my LG washer fix the HE error?

A reset clears the displayed code but will not repair a failed heating element or thermistor. If the component has genuinely failed, HE will return as soon as the washer attempts a cycle that requires heating. If HE does not return after a reset, the error was likely a one-time electronic glitch rather than a component failure.

Q: Why does my LG washer show HE only on certain cycles?

HE appears only when the washer actively tries to heat water — on hot, warm, or sanitize cycles. If you primarily use cold-water cycles, the heater circuit is never activated and HE will not display. A heater that works intermittently may also pass on some cycles but fail on others if the element has a partial break in its coil or the thermistor connection is loose.

Q: Is the LG washer HE error covered under warranty?

LG's standard one-year limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. A heating element or thermistor that fails within the warranty period due to a manufacturing defect should be covered. Failures caused by scale buildup from hard water or electrical surges are typically not covered. Check your purchase date and contact LG directly if you believe a defect is involved.

Repair Needed Also displayed as: HE H6 on some model generations

Quick Answer

The HE error code on an LG washer indicates a heating or water temperature fault — the machine expected the water to reach a certain temperature within a set time but it did not. The most common causes are a failed heating element, a faulty thermistor (temperature sensor), or wiring damage in the heater circuit. Start by power-cycling the washer — a one-time HE can be a transient sensor glitch. If the code returns on any heated wash cycle, the heater or thermistor most likely needs professional replacement.

Time

30–60 min

Difficulty

Advanced

Tools

Multimeter, screwdrivers

DIY Cost

$20–$80

What the HE Code Means

The LG washer HE error code is a heater fault. When you select a wash cycle that requires heated water — such as a Hot, Sanitize, or Allergy Care cycle — the control board activates the internal heating element and monitors the water temperature via a thermistor. If the temperature does not rise to the target level within the allowed time window, the board determines that something in the heating circuit has failed and halts the cycle with the HE code.

This code does not appear on cold-water wash cycles because the heater is never activated. If you only run cold washes, you may not notice an HE fault until you attempt a hot or sanitize cycle.

HE almost always points to a hardware failure — either in the heating element itself, the thermistor that reads water temperature, or the wiring connecting these components to the control board. Unlike a clogged filter or a loading issue, this is not something that resolves on its own and typically requires component replacement.

Common Causes — Most Likely First

Failed heating element. The resistive heating element inside the tub has burned out or developed an open circuit and can no longer heat water. This is the single most common cause of a persistent HE code. Very common

Faulty thermistor (NTC temperature sensor). The thermistor that reads water temperature has drifted out of calibration or failed entirely, sending incorrect temperature readings to the control board and triggering a false HE fault. Common

Loose or corroded heater wiring harness. The connectors or wires feeding the heating element have come loose, corroded, or been damaged, interrupting the circuit before the element can operate. Common

Transient control board glitch. A brief power fluctuation or software error caused the board to misread the heater circuit. A power-cycle often clears a one-time occurrence of this type. Occasional

Failed main control board (PCB). The relay or circuit on the control board that switches power to the heating element has failed, so the element never receives power regardless of its own condition. Needs a technician

Scale or limescale buildup on the element. In areas with hard water, heavy mineral deposits on the heater surface reduce its efficiency significantly, causing it to fail to reach target temperature within the allotted time. Less common

How to Fix the HE Error — Step by Step

Power-cycle the washer and retry a heated cycle

Unplug the washer from the wall outlet, wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Select a cycle that uses heat — such as Hot wash or Sanitize — and run it. If HE does not return, a transient glitch caused the error. Monitor the next few heated cycles to confirm it stays clear.

Note: If HE comes back on the very next heated cycle, move on to the diagnostic steps below — a power-cycle will not fix a component failure.

Confirm the error only appears on heated cycles

Run a cold-water cycle (Cold wash, Rinse + Spin) and observe whether it completes without error. If cold cycles run fine and HE only appears on hot cycles, the fault is isolated to the heating circuit — this is the expected pattern for a failed element or thermistor.

Unplug the washer and access the heating element

Disconnect power completely before opening the machine. On most LG front-load models the heating element is accessed from the rear panel or through the front by removing the door seal and front panel. Pull the washer away from the wall, remove the rear panel screws, and locate the heating element at the bottom of the outer tub.

Safety: Always confirm the machine is unplugged and has been off for at least 10 minutes before reaching inside. The heating element and surrounding water can retain heat.

Test the heating element with a multimeter

Disconnect the two wires from the heating element terminals. Set your multimeter to resistance (Ohms) mode. Touch the probes to the two terminals. A healthy LG heating element typically reads between 20 and 50 ohms. A reading of zero (short circuit) or infinite/OL (open circuit) confirms the element has failed and must be replaced.

Test the thermistor (NTC sensor)

The thermistor is usually clipped to the heater body or mounted nearby in the tub. Disconnect its connector and measure resistance across its two terminals at room temperature. An LG NTC thermistor typically reads approximately 10,000–15,000 ohms (10–15 kΩ) at 20°C (68°F). A reading far outside this range — or an open circuit — indicates the thermistor has failed and needs replacement.

Tip: Thermistors are inexpensive (often under $15) and worth replacing at the same time as the heater if you are already inside the machine.

Inspect the wiring harness and connectors

With the element and thermistor accessible, inspect the wire connectors for corrosion (green or white residue), burn marks, or loose terminals. Gently tug each connector to confirm it is seated fully. Corroded terminals can be carefully cleaned with electrical contact cleaner and a small brush.

Replace the failed component and reassemble

Install the replacement heating element and/or thermistor using the correct LG part number for your model. Reconnect all wiring securely, reassemble the panels, and restore power. Run a full Sanitize or Hot wash cycle and confirm HE no longer appears and that water reaches temperature (the cycle should complete normally without pausing).

If the element and thermistor test fine — the control board may be the cause

If both components measure within spec but HE persists, the control board relay that powers the heater has likely failed. Board diagnosis and replacement requires professional equipment. Do not attempt to run heated cycles if the board is suspected — continued use with a faulty heater relay can cause damage.

When to Call a Technician

HE is a component-level fault that often requires opening the machine. Call a professional LG washer technician if:

HE returns on every heated cycle after a power-cycle reset
You are not comfortable using a multimeter or disassembling the washer cabinet
The element and thermistor both test within spec but the error persists — pointing to a control board fault
You notice a burning smell, scorch marks near the heater area, or see melted wiring insulation
The washer trips your home circuit breaker when a heated cycle is selected

Repair Cost Expectations

Heating Element / Thermistor DIY

$20–$80

A replacement LG heating element runs $35–$70 depending on model. A thermistor is typically $10–$20. If you can access and replace the part yourself, this is a low-cost repair.

Professional Heater Replacement

$170–$290

Typical range for an LG washer heating element or thermistor replacement in the Boston area, including parts, labor, and diagnostic. Control board replacement is higher — typically $280–$420.

Washer Not Heating? We'll Fix It Today.

Same-day appointments across Boston and MetroWest. Certified LG technicians, heating elements and thermistors stocked on the truck, and a 90-day warranty on every repair.

Book LG Washer Repair Call (781) 666-9565

Frequently Asked Questions

What does HE mean on an LG washer?

HE stands for a heater error. The washer's control board monitored the water temperature during a heated wash cycle and determined that the water did not reach the target temperature within the allowed time. This means either the heating element is not generating heat, the thermistor is not reading temperature correctly, or a wiring or board fault is preventing the heater circuit from operating.

Can I still use my LG washer with an HE error?

Yes, for cold-water cycles only. If you select a cold wash, rinse, or spin cycle that does not activate the heater, the machine will typically complete it without error. However, avoid running Sanitize, Hot, or Allergy cycles until the fault is repaired, as the heater circuit is not functioning correctly and these cycles will not achieve the intended water temperature.

Will resetting my LG washer fix the HE error?

A reset — unplugging for 60 seconds — may clear a one-time transient HE caused by a power fluctuation or brief sensor glitch. If HE reappears on the next heated cycle after a reset, a component has failed and the reset alone will not fix it. Follow the diagnostic steps to identify whether the heating element, thermistor, or control board is the cause.

How do I know if it is the heating element or the thermistor causing HE?

A multimeter test is the most reliable method. The heating element should read 20–50 ohms between its two terminals; open circuit (OL) or zero ohms means it has failed. The thermistor should read approximately 10,000–15,000 ohms at room temperature; a reading far outside this range or an open circuit indicates thermistor failure. If both test within spec, the control board relay is the likely fault.

Why does my LG washer show HE only on certain cycles?

HE only appears when the heater is actively called upon — on Hot, Warm (when water heating is used), Sanitize, or Allergy cycle settings. Cold-water cycles never activate the heater, so they complete without triggering the code even when the heater has fully failed. If you only ever run cold washes you may not notice the fault for a long time.

Is the LG washer HE error covered under warranty?

LG's standard one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. A failed heating element or thermistor within the warranty period should be covered if it is a component defect rather than damage caused by use. Scale buildup from hard water is generally considered a maintenance issue and may not be covered. Contact LG directly with your model and serial number to confirm warranty status before booking a repair.