Samsung Dishwasher HC Error Code: Heating Error Fix

Quick Answer

An HC code means your dishwasher is overheating or the temperature sensor is failing. In most service calls, I find this is caused by a faulty thermistor or a stuck relay on the main control board. You should immediately turn off the circuit breaker to prevent the heating element from damaging the plastic tub.

So your Samsung dishwasher threw an HC code and shut down mid-cycle. That's the machine saying the heating circuit's out of control, basically a safety shutdown to prevent a melted tub or worse. Ignore it and a borderline-bad thermistor turns into a fried control board real fast. Nine times out of ten it's a dead thermistor or a stuck relay, and neither is a crazy expensive fix if you catch it early.

SamsungDishwasherSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate88% DIY Success

Time to Fix

30–90 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

—

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Torx T20 screwdriver

What Does the HC Code Mean?

OK here's the deal with HC. Your dishwasher's computer thinks the water hit 176°F or the heater won't shut off, so it kills everything and drains. Pretty common on Samsung units from 2015 onward. The thermistor's the cheapest fix, usually under $25. Control board replacement is where it starts hurting your wallet. I replaced two of these last week, both were thermistors. Check that first before you start pricing out boards.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Faulty Thermistor45%

Main Control Board Failure35%

Heating Element Short15%

Wiring Harness Damage5%

Symptoms You May Notice

HC or HE shows on the display mid-cycle and the dishwasher drains completely and stops, usually about 10-15 minutes into the wash when the heating phase kicks in.
Dishes come out cold and soaking wet with no drying at all, because the machine killed the heat before the cycle got anywhere near completion.
You hear the drain pump run at a weird time, like 10 minutes into a cycle when it definitely shouldn't be draining yet.
Faint burning or melted plastic smell coming from under the door, even after the machine's been off a while.
Code shows up at the very start of the cycle before any water's even been heated, which usually means a sensor that's completely dead rather than water that's actually overheating.

Can you reset a Samsung dishwasher to clear the HC code?

After you fix whatever caused the HC code, here's how to clear it. Press and hold the Start/Cancel button for 3 seconds until you hear a beep and the display clears. Then cut power at the breaker for 10 full minutes. Don't rush that part. After you restore power, run a short rinse-only cycle to confirm everything's working before you throw in a full load of dishes.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverTorx T20 screwdriverDigital multimeterNeedle nose pliersFlathead screwdriver for prying clipsTowels or shop rags because water will spill

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range10000–12000 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bypass the HC error code to finish a load?

Don't do it. Seriously. The HC code exists because the heating circuit is either stuck on or reading way out of range, and if that heater's truly locked on, it'll keep cooking until the thermal fuse blows or you soften the plastic tub enough to deform it. I've seen both happen. That turns a $20 thermistor repair into a full dishwasher replacement real fast. Just hand-wash or run to the laundromat for the night and fix the root cause first.

Is the HC code the same as the HE code?

Yes, same thing. Samsung used HC on older models and HE on some newer ones, but they both point to the exact same heating circuit problem. Same diagnostic path, same parts to check: thermistor first, heating element second, control board relays third. Don't let the different letter throw you off the scent.

Why does my dishwasher show HC right at the start of a cycle?

When it trips immediately before the water's even had a chance to heat up, that usually means the control board's reading something physically impossible from the thermistor, like -40°F or 400°F, which tells you the sensor's completely dead rather than the water actually overheating. Unplug the thermistor connector and check resistance right away. Open circuit or 0 ohms? That's your answer. Usually a $20 fix and you're done.

How much does it cost to fix an HC error professionally?

Thermistor replacement is $100-150 total with labor, part's only about $20. Heating element swap, maybe $180-250 depending on your area. Control board replacement is where it hurts, usually $300-450 all in with labor. If a shop quotes you over $450 to fix an HC code, honestly get a second opinion or start pricing new dishwashers, because some of these Samsung units are only $600-700 to replace outright.

Can I replace the thermistor myself or do I need a tech?

Totally doable as a DIY job, honestly one of the easier dishwasher repairs there is. Cut the power, pull out the lower rack, find the thermistor probe at the back of the tub floor, unplug the connector, twist out the old sensor, twist in the new one. Done. Takes maybe 15 minutes if you've never done it before. Just make sure you get the right part number for your specific model because Samsung makes a ton of different thermistors and they're not all the same.

Models Known to Experience HC Errors

This repair applies to most Samsung dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

DW80R9950US, DW80K7050US, DW80J7550US, DW80H9930MS, DW80F800UWS, DW80M9960US, DW80T5040US

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026