Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: Disconnect power at the circuit breaker before any inspection.
- Check your home water heater thermostat — recommended setting is 120°F (49°C) for dishwasher compatibility.
- Run the kitchen faucet for 60 seconds before starting the dishwasher to flush any very hot water from the supply line.
- Restore power and run a rinse-only cycle to confirm HC clears.
- If HC persists on confirmed-normal supply temperature, the thermistor or heating element thermostat is faulty.
If it's still not filling correctly
- If normal household water flow looks good but the code returns, the inlet-valve or fill-sensing path becomes more likely.
- If airflow still seems weak after the basic checks, the fan path or a deeper obstruction becomes more likely.
- If the warning returns immediately after a clean restart, the sensor or wiring path becomes more likely than a one-time glitch.
What This Error Means
Error HC on your Samsung dishwasher means: The dishwasher has detected that the water temperature is too high for the current cycle on rotary spray arm models. The heating element or water supply is delivering water above safe operating limits, and the cycle has been interrupted to prevent damage. The dishwasher's self-diagnostic system has flagged this condition and may have paused the current cycle.
The most frequent cause is incoming water supply temperature too high — water heater set above 140°f delivering near-scalding water. Work through the causes and steps below before calling a technician.
Many cases of HC can be partially resolved by the homeowner. Complete all DIY steps before contacting a technician.
Temperature errors often clear with a power cycle and pre-running the kitchen faucet before starting the dishwasher. This ensures the supply line delivers water at the correct starting temperature rather than cold standing water from overnight. If the error persists after two attempts, a sensor or heating element fault is the cause.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
The Samsung dishwasher may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.
Likely cause: Incoming water supply temperature too high — water heater set above 140°F delivering near-scalding water
Check first: SAFETY: Disconnect power at the circuit breaker before any inspection.
The warning may return immediately because the appliance is detecting an internal fault.
Likely cause: Heating element control circuit fault — element is heating beyond the setpoint
Check first: Check your home water heater thermostat — recommended setting is 120°F (49°C) for dishwasher compatibility.
Common Causes
- Incoming water supply temperature too high — water heater set above 140°F delivering near-scalding water
- Heating element control circuit fault — element is heating beyond the setpoint
- Thermistor (temperature sensor) misreading water temperature as higher than actual
- Thermostat failed in the closed position — element runs continuously without cutoff
What Not to Do
- Do not run the dishwasher with HC active — sustained overtemperature can damage the tub, seals, and wash components
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Samsung dishwasher display wording and code formats can vary by series.
- If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.
Display and panel differences
- Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Common parts
- Thermistor/temperature sensor ($20–$50)
- Heating element thermostat ($15–$40)
- Heating element if element is confirmed faulty ($30–$80)
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Samsung dishwasher parts.
Service option
Samsung service visit if the warning returns after the basic checks are complete.
Suggestions in this section are organized to support the troubleshooting flow first. Any future affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
HC persists after confirming water supply temperature is within normal range
- HC appears consistently at the start of every cycle regardless of supply temperature
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Set the home water heater to 120°F — this prevents HC errors and is the recommended temperature for both safety and dishwasher compatibility
Related Error Codes
HE
Samsung dishwasher error HE usually means the machine is not heating the wash water correctly.
3E
The incoming water supply to the dishwasher exceeds the safe operating temperature limit (above 176°F / 80°C). Samsung dishwashers heat their own water and are designed for a cold or warm supply — not a supply that is already at high temperature.
1E
On WaterWall models, 1E indicates the filter is clogged and restricting water flow. On rotary spray arm models, 1E indicates the water temperature has risen above safe operating limits or the high-temperature heater is faulting.
Extra notes
- This page is based on Samsung support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
- The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.
Source and model notes
Last reviewed: 2026-04-08
Based on: Based on Samsung support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.
View Samsung US Official Support
Model coverage note: Samsung dishwasher code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.
Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.
Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.