Dacor Dishwasher HE Error: Heater circuit error
Dacor dishwasher error code he — essential information for Dacor appliance owners. This dacor dishwasher he error code guide explains what this fault means for your Dacor appliance and how to respond safely. What HE Means The HE code is a heating circuit protection fault. It activates when the high-limit thermostat — a one-time or […]
~20%
DIY Fixable
From $220
Typical Repair Cost
60-90 min
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. The dishwasher functions but with reduced water heating. Dishes may not be fully sanitized. Running hot water first at the sink helps.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Ensuring hot incoming water and refilling rinse aid often resolves HE. Persistent HE after these steps means the element or sensor needs testing.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Any burning smell or smoke is detected, Plastic interior components show melting or discoloration.
Symptoms You May Notice
Water does not get hot enough
The dishwasher completes cycles but water temperature never reaches the target 140 degrees F needed for sanitization and effective grease removal.
Grease residue remains on dishes
Oily or greasy items are not cleaned properly because the water temperature is insufficient to emulsify fats and oils.
HE code appears at cycle end
The heating error triggers during the final rinse or sanitize phase when the board detects water has not reached the required temperature within the time limit.
Extended cycle times
The control board attempts to compensate by running the heater longer, extending total cycle time significantly beyond normal duration.
Possible Causes
Heating element degradation
The resistive element at the tub bottom has increased in resistance over time, reducing its heat output below what is needed to reach target temperature.
DIY PossibleIncoming water temperature too low
The home hot water heater is set too low or the supply line run is very long, so incoming water starts at 90 degrees F instead of the recommended 120 degrees F.
DIY PossibleNTC temperature sensor fault
The thermistor that measures water temperature reads higher than actual, causing the board to stop heating prematurely.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Run hot water before starting
Run the kitchen sink hot water tap until it reaches full temperature before starting the dishwasher. This ensures hot water enters immediately rather than cold water from the pipe.
This is the single most common fix for HE codes on Dacor dishwashers.
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2
Check water heater setting
Verify your home water heater is set to at least 120 degrees F. For dishwashers on long pipe runs, 125-130 degrees F is recommended to compensate for heat loss in transit.
Do not exceed 130 degrees F at the water heater to avoid scalding risk at other faucets.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- High-limit thermostat reads open on a multimeter and will not reset — replacement required
- Heating element shows a ground fault on resistance testing
- Control board heater relay is welded closed and the board must be replaced
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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