Samsung washing machines are valued for their thoughtful functionality and reliability. However, any equipment sooner or later fails.
You can understand what exactly the malfunction is using special codes that are displayed on the display if something goes wrong.
The article will talk about what the H1 error on a Samsung washing machine means, how to decipher it, when you can fix it yourself, and when you need to call a technician.
What does the code that the Samsung washing machine produces mean?
Error H1 indicates that the malfunction concerns the heating element, better known as the heating element.
Users encounter this code most often. A breakdown occurs after 7-8 years of operation of the device (average data).
Other H1 error symbols:
- H1.
- H2.
- HE.
- HE1.
- HE2.
If the Samsung model is not equipped with a display, then with error H1 all mode indicators will blink, and the temperature sensors of 60 or 40 degrees, or 60 degrees and “Cold water” will light up.
Most often, people encounter this problem 10-15 minutes after the start of washing , although sometimes the code appears within a few seconds after the cycle starts. In this case, the device can work properly if washing is carried out at a water temperature of 30 degrees.
Decoding
All codes that begin with the letter “H” indicate a problem with water heating. There are two options: it is either absent, or, on the contrary, redundant. Therefore, it is quite logical that the device continues to wash things in cool water, but does not wash in those modes that require heating.
H1 is a signal that the water temperature rises by more than 40 degrees within 20 minutes, or it exceeds 95 degrees (regardless of the cause of the malfunction).
If there is a number 2 after the letter h, this means that the water is not heating , and more than 10 minutes have passed since the start of washing.
Causes
The H1 error never occurs on its own. It indicates a malfunction in the heating element or its surrounding parts. Possible reasons for its appearance:
Failure of the heating element .
This is the most common reason, which is caused by a short circuit or other factors. However, there is only one outcome: the part has “burned out” and needs to be replaced. As a rule, most users who have encountered such a problem say that traffic jams in the apartment are often knocked out.- Thermal sensor failure . This element is responsible for measuring the temperature of the water in the device. At the same time, it either does not heat up or overheats. You need to be prepared for the fact that in many Samsung models the sensor is built into the heating element, so it will not be possible to do without replacing it.
- Microcircuit failure . The control board is an intelligent module that is responsible for the operation of the device as a whole. Most often, the relay that controls the start of the heating element turns out to be burned out. In this case, repairs will not be as expensive as if it is necessary to completely replace the module. If the reason for H1 is a board failure, then the error most often appears a few minutes after the start of the wash, and the cycle itself stops completely.
- Damage to the wiring that connects the heating element and the microcircuit . In this case, the code will appear and disappear. You can cope with the problem by twisting the damaged wires or replacing them completely.
- The overheating fuse has melted . The heating element is a metal tube with a spiral inside. The space between them is filled with a fusible element, which is the fuse. If it melts, the corresponding code pops up. Provided that the unit is equipped with a ceramic heating element with reusable fuses, the part can be restored. In other cases, it will have to be changed.
What the error can lead to
The occurrence of problem H1 always causes the system to refuse to start or continue the washing process, since the temperature regime will not be maintained. If the cause is a faulty inlet valve, the heater will operate in the absence of water. A hot heater can burn out, as can the temperature sensor placed on it.
How to fix the problem yourself?
If you see error H1 on the display, you don’t need to immediately call the technician. You can try to cope with the problem on your own.
However, you should not count too much on success, since this code most often indicates a breakdown that requires the help of a professional.
You can try to fix the problem in the following ways:
Check that the unit is connected to the network securely. You need to make sure that the cord and plug are not damaged. If the machine is connected via an extension cord or adapter, it is necessary to evaluate their performance.- If the code is displayed for the first time, you need to disconnect the device from the power source. After 10 minutes it is connected and the result is assessed. This measure helps when a failure occurs in the control module.
- Check that the wires coming from the heating element to the control module are securely connected. This is especially true if the device was previously disassembled for the purpose of repairing other parts. It is possible that the contacts were damaged and simply need to be corrected.
A step-by-step algorithm for gaining access to the heating element and performing independent diagnostics of its performance:
- Disconnect the device from the electrical network.
- Remove the front cover and remove the protective cover from the heating element.
- Inspect the heating element for damage. Sometimes oxidized contacts and their unreliable fastening are visible.
- If there is a multimeter in the house, it is used for self-diagnosis.
- After disconnecting the wires, you need to measure the resistance. When the number 1 appears on the multimeter screen, we can assume that the problem has been found (the heating element has burned out). If the readings remain at 28-30 Ohms, then the part is in working condition.
- In a similar way, measure the resistance level on the wires.
- Once the problem is identified, simple repairs can be made. In the store they buy a working part, unscrew the broken heating element, clean its seat and contacts, and then install a new heating element. All you have to do is tighten the nuts, connect the wires and continue using the washing machine.
If the above steps do not help solve the problem, then you need to contact a specialist.
Self-check of the heating element
To check the heating element yourself, follow the instructions:
- Remove the lid of the washing machine by unscrewing the fasteners on the sides.
- Next, unfasten the control panel in the same way - be careful with the wires!
- Remove the front panel of the equipment - carefully disconnect the wire attached to it.
- Just below the drum there is a part with attached wires - this is a heating element.
- Using a voltmeter, check the resistance of the component itself - the norm will be about 025.7. Also check the housing resistance - the indicator should be 0, if this is not the case, then there is a possibility of a short circuit.
By the way, we recommend a few more useful instructions for troubleshooting errors on Samsung washing machines.
If you have a new temperature sensor, you can try replacing the old one:
- Unscrew the water heater slightly - in most models the nut is located in the middle.
- Disconnect the wires from the sensor.
- Using pliers or by hand, remove the old temperature sensor - if there is scale, this can be a little problematic.
- Insert the new part and tighten the water heater - carefully so as not to overdo it.
- Fold the machine back, remembering to tighten each fastener and connect the wires.
Now you can check the functionality of the device. It is advisable to do this without loading things into the drum - it is better to run the test program and wait for the error to display. If it's not there, then everything is fine. Otherwise, you will need to go to a specialist.
Did you manage to fix the error?
Not really
Call the master
When it was not possible to cope with error h1 on your own, you need the help of a repairman. You can find a master in your city in several ways:
Contact a Samsung service center. If the warranty period has not expired and it is proven that the breakdown is a consequence of a defect, repairs are carried out at the expense of the manufacturer. In this case, you will have to transport the car to your destination yourself.- Use word of mouth and call the workshop. Perhaps her services were used by relatives or friends who were satisfied with the quality of the services provided.
- Contact private craftsmen. Their contacts can be found on the Internet or in printed advertisements.
In the latter case, you need to be careful not to encounter scammers.
Reviews of the specialist will help you avoid falling for their tricks. Moreover, you need to study them not on the site itself, but by typing the name of the master into the search bar. Before the repairman arrives, you need to study the average price for the service provided , as well as for parts that need repair:
- work to replace the heating element - 1700 rubles, price of the part - 1600 rubles;
- work to replace the temperature sensor - 1600 rubles, price of the part - 550 rubles;
- work to replace the control board - 2400 rubles, the price of the part is from 4000 to 8500 rubles;
- replacement of faulty wires - 1800 rubles.
If it happens that a fake specialist has already entered the house and is demanding an incredible amount for repairs, you need to call the police. As a rule, in this case, the scammers immediately retreat.
When calling a specialist to your home, you cannot be left alone with him. It’s good if there are at least 2 people in the apartment.
HE3 - steam function
This error is generated by Samsung machines equipped with a steam system. The washing principle in them differs from classic models. The water turns into steam, which is then used to process the laundry.
It has its advantages and disadvantages. As a rule, such models are significantly more expensive. The main advantage is delicate washing, comparable to dry cleaning.
HE3 appears when there is a malfunction in this system. The mechanism is quite complex. And if it fails, it is better to contact a specialized service for repairing household appliances.
Preventing the problem from occurring
To protect the heating element from breakdown in the future, you need to ensure that a layer of scale does not form on it.
To do this, it is recommended to use high-quality washing powder . Modern products include components that protect the device from salt deposits.
From time to time it is necessary to carry out preventive descaling. This can be done using folk remedies or professional household chemicals.
If the plugs in your apartment often break, you need to call an electrician who will fix the problem. Until this point, you must use an adapter adapter.
Preventive actions
Due to the fact that the heating element is designed to heat water, it comes into contact with this environment very intensively. As a result, its tube becomes heavily coated with scale. This can be seen in a regular electric kettle. Any white or yellowish coating that appears should be removed so that it does not increase in size and cause a malfunction of the unit.
To do this, experts recommend regularly cleaning the heating element using descaling agents, the best example of which is the well-known Calgon. It perfectly removes scale, extending the life of the washing unit.
It is not recommended to use powders intended for hand washing, as they produce too much foam. After the operation, it is necessary to thoroughly wipe the seals made of rubber material so that moisture does not corrode their surface. It is also necessary to handle the door carefully and close it in one tight motion. Storing detergents, other items and heavy objects on the machine is strictly prohibited.
Items with decorations and metal elements must be washed in mesh bags.
Helpful information
Tips for finding an h1 error:
- Error H1 should not be confused with the display message coded 2H. This entry indicates the amount of time remaining until the end of the wash.
- To complete the cycle, you need to make adjustments to the program. The device is paused, reducing the water temperature to 30 degrees.
- Before removing the cover to gain access to the heating element, the machine must be turned off. It is unacceptable to check it while the unit is running.
You can find out about all the error codes for Samsung washing machines here.
