A plain-language snapshot of HE for Kenmore Dishwasher — confirm the model series before you act.
Written by
Daniel Reeves Appliance Repair Content SpecialistPublished October 20, 2026
Content statusVerified
Error codeHE
ApplianceDishwasher
Quick answer
HE signals a heating failure on Kenmore dishwashers with model numbers beginning 722.146.
Model compatibility
Kenmore reuses codes across series and model years, so HE may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What thiscode means
Heating failure.
HE in brief
Display: HE
Meaning: heating failure
Models: Kenmore dishwashers numbered 722.146 and up
Triggers: water not heating, or a temperature sensor reading above 194 degrees
Two situations, two directions
Hot water in the tub. Check with a good thermometer. If it reads about 190 degrees, the manual says the electronic control board probably has a heater relay stuck on, so the board needs replacing, and the dishwasher must be unplugged before that work.
Water that is not overheated. The heating element most likely failed to heat. With the dishwasher unplugged, inspect the harness connections at the heating element and the pressure switch, and reseat any loose wire. A loose connection there can stop current reaching the element.
What a technician checks
Meter readings on the heating element and its thermistor come next, and if both are good, live voltage tests decide between the pressure switch and the control board. Those are not owner steps.
See also
IE (not filling), OE (not draining) and FE (overflow) are other Kenmore dishwasher codes about water.
Dishwasher repair in the Miami, New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Diego areas
We handle Kenmore dishwasher repair in the Miami, New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas. Phone (844) 747-3641, quoting HE and the model number, and mention anything you checked.
Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Get started
Seeing this code onyour Kenmore appliance?
Book a specialist Kenmore service visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair. Experienced technicians, clear diagnostics, and workmanship coverage on completed repairs.
