Samsung Dishwasher HC Error: Meaning, Causes & Safe Checks

HC Check carefully Safe checks first

Quick answer

Samsung dishwasher HC (or HE) means it stopped near the end of a cycle because it got too hot inside. Switch it off for 5 minutes, then run a normal programme empty. Check the water feeding it is within the normal domestic temperature range, and clean the filters. If HC returns, contact Samsung support.

Also shown as HE

What HC means on a Samsung dishwasher

The dishwasher has stopped because the temperature inside is too high.

Applies to: Samsung dishwashers with a digital display. HC1, HC2 and HC4 are different codes.

What you might notice

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • You smell burning, see smoke or scorch marks, or the appliance trips your electrics. Stop using it, and switch it off at the wall only if it is safe to reach. Otherwise switch off at the consumer unit.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Switch off at the wall and let it rest

  1. If the display shows a code, write it down first.
  2. Switch the appliance off and turn it off at the wall socket.
  3. Leave it off for the time your manual or the manufacturer suggests (see the note below if there is one), then switch on and try again.

For this fault: Samsung: power off for 5 minutes, then run a normal programme with the dishwasher empty.

Don’t repeat this over and over if the code keeps returning. That means there is a fault to diagnose.

Clean the dishwasher filters

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • Wear protective gloves. Broken glass and sharp debris can collect in the filter and pump area, and it is hard to see.
Dishwasher filter assembly Twist to unlock, lift out Coarse filter Flat fine filter sits flat in the base Wear gloves: glass collects here. Refit until it locks.
Dishwasher filter assembly. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Take out the lower basket.
  2. Twist and lift the filter unit out of the base of the tub, then separate the parts as your manual shows.
  3. Rinse every part under running water. Use a soft brush for stubborn debris and nothing abrasive.
  4. Wipe food remains out of the sump area around the filter opening.
  5. Refit the filters so they lie flat and lock in position. On many models arrows line up when they are locked.

Don’t run the dishwasher without the filters fitted.

When to call an engineer

If the checks above don’t clear HC, or any of the stop signs apply, contact Samsung or a qualified appliance engineer. Have the model and serial number from the rating label ready, and start with Samsung UK support.

Repair or replace?

Most HC cases are cleared by the safe checks above. If they don’t help, the remaining causes are parts an engineer has to diagnose. We don’t publish repair prices because they vary by area, part and model.

Related problems

Related codes

Questions people ask

Are HC1, HC2 and HC4 the same as HC?

No. Samsung’s UK table lists HC1 as stopping part-way through (check it isn’t fed very hot water and clean the filters), and HC2 and HC4 as drying problems linked to blocked or covered vents.

Different code or symptom? Use the fault finder, see all Samsung dishwasher codes, or read how Samsung codes work. Not sure it’s safe? Read our safety information.

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.