The HE1 error code on an LG washer signals that the water temperature inside the drum has exceeded a safe limit — the machine detected overheating and shut itself down to prevent damage to laundry, internal components, or risk of scalding. Unlike the HE code (heater not reaching temperature), HE1 means the opposite: the water got too hot. The most common causes are a runaway heating element that is stuck on, a shorted thermistor sending incorrect readings to the board, or a failed control board that cannot cut power to the heater. Do not restart the machine until it has cooled fully — this fault requires professional diagnosis.
What the HE1 Code Means
The LG washer HE1 error code is an overtemperature fault — a safety shutdown triggered when the water inside the drum climbs above the maximum safe threshold, typically around 60–70°C (140–158°F) on standard cycles. The control board uses the thermistor to monitor water temperature continuously throughout every cycle. When the reading exceeds the programmed ceiling, the board immediately kills the cycle and displays HE1.
This is a more serious fault than the standard HE code. While HE means the heater is failing to warm the water, HE1 means the heater is failing to stop warming the water. The heating element is continuing to generate heat when it should not — either because the relay controlling it has welded shut, because the thermistor is giving a falsely low reading that keeps telling the board to heat, or because the control board itself has lost the ability to cut heater power.
Do not attempt to open the door immediately after HE1 appears. The water inside may be scalding hot. Unplug the machine, allow it to cool completely for at least 30 minutes, and then proceed with diagnosis. This fault almost always requires a trained technician to resolve safely.
Common Causes — Most Likely First
How to Respond to the HE1 Error — Step by Step
Unplug the washer immediately — do not restart it
As soon as HE1 appears, press Power to cancel the cycle and then unplug the machine from the wall outlet. Do not attempt to restart it or run another cycle. The heater circuit is misbehaving and continuing to run the machine risks damaging laundry, the tub, or the electrical components.
Allow the machine to cool for at least 30 minutes
Leave the washer unplugged and the door closed. The hot water and drum need time to cool to a safe temperature. Do not rush this step — LG's overtemperature shutdown exists precisely because the water inside can be dangerous.
Power-cycle and run a single test cycle to check if it was a one-time glitch
Once fully cooled, plug the machine back in and run a warm-water cycle while watching closely. If HE1 does not return and the cycle completes normally, a transient spike may have caused the error. Monitor the next two or three heated cycles carefully. If HE1 appears again at any point, move immediately to the diagnostic steps below.
Test the thermistor with a multimeter
Unplug the machine completely. Access the thermistor — it is typically clipped to the heating element body at the base of the outer tub. Disconnect its two-pin connector and measure resistance at room temperature. A healthy LG NTC thermistor reads approximately 10,000–15,000 ohms (10–15 kΩ) at 20°C. A reading of near zero (short circuit) confirms the thermistor has failed in a way that would report falsely low temperatures, causing the board to overheat the water. Replace the thermistor.
Inspect the heating element for signs of damage
With the machine unplugged and cool, access the heating element. Visually inspect for scorch marks, cracked ceramic insulation, or carbon deposits on the element body. Disconnect the element terminals and measure resistance: a healthy element reads 20–50 ohms. A reading of zero ohms (shorted element) means it must be replaced — a shorted element can run uncontrolled and continue generating heat even when the board attempts to shut it off.
Check heater wiring and connectors
Inspect all wiring connected to the heating element and thermistor for melted insulation, burn marks, or short circuits between wires. Damaged wiring in the heater circuit can cause the element to remain energized. Any damaged wires must be repaired or replaced — do not run the machine with compromised wiring.
If thermistor and element both test fine — the control board is the cause
If the thermistor and heating element both measure within specification but HE1 persists, the heater relay on the main control board has most likely failed in the closed position. A welded relay cannot be repaired and requires full board replacement. This must be performed by a qualified technician — incorrect board installation can create a fire or shock hazard.
Book a professional repair before using the machine again
Given the safety implications of an overheating fault, we strongly recommend having a certified LG technician complete the diagnosis and repair if the root cause is not clearly a thermistor that you can replace yourself. Do not use heated wash cycles until the fault is confirmed resolved.
When to Call a Technician
HE1 is a safety-critical fault. We strongly recommend professional service for this code. Book a certified LG technician immediately if:
- HE1 appears more than once — a repeat overheating fault is never safe to ignore
- You notice a burning smell, visible steam, or any discoloration around the door seal or drum area
- The thermistor and element both test within spec, pointing to a control board relay fault
- You are not comfortable working with high-voltage components inside the washer
- The machine tripped a circuit breaker or GFCI outlet when the error occurred
- Laundry was damaged or discolored by overheating during the cycle
Repair Cost Expectations
Thermistor Replacement (DIY)
Professional Diagnosis & Repair
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HE and HE1 on an LG washer?
They are opposite faults. HE means the water is not heating up enough — the heating element or thermistor is failing to reach the target temperature. HE1 means the water has overheated — the machine reached a dangerously high temperature and triggered a safety shutdown. HE is a heating failure; HE1 is a runaway heating event. HE1 is the more serious of the two from a safety standpoint.
Is it safe to open the door after an HE1 error?
Not immediately. When HE1 triggers, the water inside the drum can be at or close to boiling temperature. Unplug the machine and wait a minimum of 30 minutes before attempting to open the door. On front-load models the door lock may also prevent opening while hot water is present — this is a safety feature. Do not force the door open.
Can I reset my LG washer to clear the HE1 error?
A power-cycle reset will clear the displayed code after the machine cools, but it does not fix the underlying cause. If HE1 was a one-time transient event it may not return after a reset. However, if a thermistor, element, or control board component has failed, HE1 will reappear on the next heated cycle. Always allow the machine to cool fully before any reset attempt, and monitor the next cycle closely.
Can a bad thermistor cause HE1?
Yes — this is the most common hardware cause of HE1. If the thermistor fails with a short circuit, it reports an artificially low temperature to the control board. The board interprets this as "the water is still cold" and keeps the heating element running, even as the actual water temperature climbs far beyond the target. Replacing the shorted thermistor typically resolves HE1 when the element and board are otherwise intact.
My clothes smelled burned after HE1 — is the washer safe to use?
No — do not use the machine until it has been inspected by a technician. A burning smell from laundry after an HE1 event indicates the water temperature was high enough to damage fabric, which means it was also high enough to damage internal plastic and rubber components like the door seal, tub, and wiring insulation. Have the machine inspected before any further use.
Is the HE1 error covered under LG's warranty?
LG's standard one-year limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. If HE1 is caused by a factory-defective thermistor, heating element, or control board within the warranty period, LG should cover the repair. Contact LG directly with your model number, serial number, and purchase date before booking third-party service, to confirm warranty eligibility.