Like any electrical appliance, an automatic washing machine can break down over time. A machine is a collection of components and mechanisms; the performance of each of them determines the quality of operation of the device as a whole. To identify the malfunction and eliminate it in a timely manner, the manufacturer has provided an automatic testing system. The machine itself checks the operation of components and assemblies, and in case of a malfunction, displays an error message. This article will tell you what the he2 error means on a Samsung washing machine and how to fix it.
Heating system errors
Usually the he2 error appears at the most inopportune moment. A typical situation is that the laundry is loaded, a program is selected and started. The drum is filled with water, but the machine is in no hurry to wash. Instead, after a few minutes, it throws an error like he2. The error code is displayed on the screen, but in cheaper models it is expressed in the form of temperature indicators that glow in a steady red light and flashing operating mode indicators.
Before taking any action, it is worth finding out what such a message means. It is not difficult. Any error whose coding contains the Latin letter “H” indicates a malfunction in the heating system. Actually, there are two possible malfunctions.Heating may not turn on at all, or may not turn off at the required water temperature.
Two error messages indicate that there are problems with the heating:
- he1 indicates excessive heating, the temperature rises at a rate above 40 degrees in two minutes;
- he2, on the contrary, indicates insufficient heating or its complete absence.
As you might guess, this error may not appear when using “cold wash” programs; moreover, the machine can work perfectly in any program, until the moment when heating the water is necessary.
The occurrence of this error most often serves as a reason to begin serious repairs, most likely with the replacement of the heating element. However, before you get upset, you should rule out all other options.
Error like random glitch
Despite the fact that the he2 error on a Samsung washing machine directly indicates a problem with the heating element, it can be caused by completely different reasons, from a lack of water in the system to a malfunction of the firmware. Therefore, before starting repairs, it is worth performing a few simple steps.
- Turn off the machine and unplug the cord from the outlet. Let the device stand for a few minutes, turn it on again and try to run the same program. There is, however, a minimal probability that the machine will work normally again.
- Check the presence of water in the system; it is quite possible that it was turned off at the wrong time. It would also be a good idea to make sure that the supply pipe is not clogged or the inlet valve is clogged.
Washing machine inlet valve
- It would also be a good idea to make sure that the washing mashine is not loose.It is likely that due to excessive vibration, the contact of the heating element comes off and as a result it cannot work normally.
If these basic actions do not lead to the desired result, the machine still does not work, he2 signals, repair is impossible.
Call the master
The easiest way to repair a machine reporting a heating system error is to call a technician. This method is suitable for a person who is busy or has no experience in such work. It is up to the owner to decide whether to call a technician to your home or take the washing mashine to a workshop. In any case, washing will have to be postponed for the next few days, or even weeks.
A visit to the workshop is also the best solution for those whose washing mashine is under warranty. You should not open the device yourself, because in this case the owner will lose the warranty and will have to pay for the repair himself.
DIY repair
If the machine displays error he2, you can be sure that the reason lies in the heating device, in the heating element. With a high degree of probability, the temperature sensor is working normally, the power circuit is not broken. To finally verify this, you should disassemble the device, get to the heater, disconnect it and test it.
Disassembling the machine
It is important to understand that disassembling a machine is a rather complicated process; it would be a good idea to read the documentation again, and it is advisable to watch a video on the topic.
- The washing machine should be unplugged.
- It is necessary to remove the laundry from the drum and completely drain the water. To do this, you will need to unscrew the filter, having first laid out a rag on the floor.
- It is advisable to move the machine to a room convenient for work. It is important to understand that the washing machine is a large thing, and in order to get to the heating element you will have to disassemble it almost completely.
- The top cover is removed, which in most models prevents access to the control panel.
- There are two screws in the niche near the powder tray; they need to be unscrewed.
- The screw holding the control panel to the side is removed.
- The clamp holding the cuff is released. You don’t need to remove it yourself, just tuck it deeper inside the washing mashine.
- The lower (narrow) panel of the washing machine is removed. Underneath are the screws that hold the front panel down. They also need to be unscrewed.
- Using maximum caution, remove the control panel. It is important not to damage the integrity of the wires going to it, otherwise the repair will drag on indefinitely.
- Under the removed control panel there are two bolts holding the front panel on top. They also need to be unscrewed.
- Carefully remove the front panel by pulling it towards you. It is important not to pull out the interlock wire; it must be carefully disconnected.
Access to the heating element is open; it is located at the bottom of the tank, exactly under the hatch. The wires going to it are disconnected; it would be a good idea to first draw a diagram of their location, or simply film it with a mobile phone camera.
Testing heating element
Once you have access to the heater, you should check its functionality. To do this, it is not necessary to remove it, just disconnect the wires going to it. The best device that allows you to quickly and accurately determine whether a heating element is “alive” or not is a multimeter.
Using the multimeter switch, it is switched to resistance measurement mode. The measurement principle is simple - a damaged element will have infinite resistance. The resistance of a working heating element is at the level of 25-30 Ohms and depends on the specific model.
If a break is detected, the heater must be replaced, but if its resistance is within normal limits, it is worth checking the integrity of the wiring, and possibly the functionality of the control module.
Heater selection
Ten is a device that often fails. The main cause of breakdowns is scale. In most populated areas of our country, the water supply is far from ideal, which entails a whole bunch of all kinds of problems.
There is an opinion that new heating elements and devices with a ceramic coating are less susceptible to scale formation and are therefore more durable. This is a very controversial statement; it seems reasonable not to spend money on expensive devices, but to buy a regular heater that has the required characteristics.
When choosing a heater for a Samsung washing mashine, you should not chase power; it is better to buy a heater with the same parameters as the one that was installed from the factory. Some models may refuse to work with heating elements that have a power different from that specified in the documentation.
It is important to pay attention to the reputation of the seller and be sure to demand a guarantee. Few people would like to pay money and then dismantle the washing mashine again a week later.
Replacing the heating element
The old heater is dismantled. It is necessary to remove as much dirt and scale as possible from the niche in which it was located. The seat is additionally treated with fine-grained sandpaper. The walls of the niche are lubricated with laundry soap. The new heating element “sits” in its place. Fixed. Wires are connected. It is worth carefully inspecting the terminals; if oxide is present, you may need to clean them.
After the heating element is replaced, all that remains is to assemble the machine. To do this, all steps are performed in reverse order.The main thing is not to rush, but to systematically connect everything that was previously disconnected.
The machine is installed in its original place, water and power are connected. Next you should do a test wash. If the machine was assembled correctly, there will be no problems. The program will start, work normally, and with the new heating element the machine will work for many more years.
