Samsung Dryer HE Error Code – Meaning, Causes & Fixes

What Does HE Mean?

What Causes This Error?

• Clogged lint filter — should be cleaned after every single load; even partial clogging reduces airflow and causes heat to build up in the drum
• Blocked or kinked exhaust vent duct — lint buildup in the vent duct is the leading cause of dryer fires and the most common cause of thermal faults; ducts should be cleaned annually
• Faulty thermistor sending incorrect temperature readings to the control board — a failed thermistor can report temperatures that are too high or too low
• Failed heating element in electric dryers — the element wire cracks or breaks, severing the heating circuit
• Defective gas valve coils or failed igniter in gas dryers — prevents the burner from lighting
• Blown thermal fuse from a previous overheating event — the fuse is located on the heating element housing and requires replacement once blown
• Obstructed or stuck exhaust flap on the exterior wall — the flap should open freely when the dryer runs; a clogged or stuck flap traps hot air in the duct

How to Fix HE

1. 1

   Remove and clean the lint filter completely before anything else. Even a filter that looks partially clean can restrict airflow enough to cause overheating on a long cycle. Wash it under warm water with a soft brush if dryer sheets have left a coating — hold it up to the light to check for blocked mesh sections.

2. 2

   Disconnect the exhaust duct from the back of the dryer. Use a dryer vent brush (available for $10–$20) to clean lint from the full length of the duct. Check for any crushed, kinked, or excessively long sections — vents over 25 feet or with multiple bends lose significant airflow capacity.

3. 3

   Go outside and locate the vent exit on the exterior wall. Push the flap with your hand to confirm it opens freely. If it's blocked with lint or physically stuck, clear it. A stuck exterior flap alone can cause the dryer to overheat within a single cycle.

4. 4

   Unplug the dryer and wait 10 minutes for it to cool down completely. Reconnect power and run a short cycle on Air Dry (no heat). If the HE error doesn't appear on air-dry but returns on a heated cycle, the heating system itself is the issue — not airflow.

5. 5

   With the dryer unplugged, use a multimeter to test the thermal fuse. It is located on the heating element housing, accessed from the back panel. The fuse should show continuity (near zero ohms). An open reading (OL or infinite resistance) means the fuse has blown and must be replaced — it costs $5–$15 and takes 20–30 minutes to replace.

6. 6

   If the thermal fuse is intact, test the thermistor. On most Samsung dryers, it is a small two-wire component on the exhaust duct inside the machine. At room temperature it should show approximately 10,000–50,000 ohms. Check the Samsung service manual for your model's exact specification. An out-of-range reading requires replacement.

When to Call a Professional

Can You Still Use the Device?

The dryer may still tumble in air-dry mode (no heat), but it will not dry clothes effectively. Do not continue running heat cycles while HE is active — repeated thermal fault cycles can stress the control board and wiring. If the thermal fuse is the cause, it blew for a reason: resolve the airflow issue before replacing the fuse, or the new fuse will blow again quickly.