Speed Queen Washer Error Code E SH: Shorted Temperature Sensor
E SH reports a shorted temperature sensor circuit on heater models. The heater turns off and the cycle continues with whatever water temperature the supply gives. Clear it, check how warm the water got, and call us if it returns.
Medium: the heater is off and the cycle continues at supply temperature.
- Code
- E SH
- Maker
- Speed Queen
- Equipment
- Washers
- Applies to
- Quantum frontload (FLW1535C family) electronic control; Stacked washer/dryer (SWD447C) washer electronic control; CHM1792C family washer-extractor (QN models, 20-100 lb) front-end control; CHM495R family washer-extractor front-end control (20-100 lb)
What does Speed Queen error code E SH mean?
Heater models measure the water temperature with a thermistor. A short in that circuit, such as a pinched lead or a damaged sensor, makes the control read an extreme temperature. On the CHM495R the control reads above 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which can only happen if the sensor circuit is shorted. With no trustworthy reading, the control turns the heater off and shows E SH. Because the cycle continues, it runs with whatever water temperature the supply provides. Wash results can slip without any alarm that stops the machine. The usual suspects are thermistor wiring with a short or pinched lead, the thermistor itself, or the control input that reads the sensor, and the machine must be a heater model for the code to apply. It appears on Quantum frontload washers, on the older stacked washer/dryer where it is written E:SH, and on CHM1792C and CHM495R washer-extractors. A sensor that reads too hot is a protective trip, so it should not be ignored.
Affected models and control systems
This page covers heater models of the Quantum frontload (FLW1535C family), the SWD447C stacked washer/dryer washer, and CHM1792C and CHM495R washer-extractors. An open sensor circuit reports E oP instead.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- Wash water stays at supply temperature
- E SH appears but the cycle completes
- Loads that need heat come out poorly cleaned
Possible causes
Listed in Speed Queen's documentation
- Thermistor wiring for a short or pinched lead
- Thermistor itself
- Control input reading the sensor
- Whether the machine is a heater model
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E SH on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A sensor lead pinched between the tub and the cabinet after a panel was refit
- Water that got into the sensor plug and bridged its pins
Safe checks before calling for service
- Press any keypad or open the door to clear the code, as the owner's manual says for the CHM1792C.
- After the cycle finishes, check how warm the water got.
- Do not touch the panels or heater wiring.
- If E SH returns, note the formula and temperature you chose, and ask us for a visit through the online form or by phone.
How a technician diagnoses error code E SH
- Read the code and confirm the machine is a heater model.
- Measure the thermistor resistance and compare it with the chart.
- Inspect the wire run and the plug for pinched leads or moisture.
- Check the control input by substituting a known resistance.
- Replace the sensor or wiring only after the short is found.
- The sensor wiring runs beside heater circuits at line voltage, so tracing it live is work for a licensed technician.
- Hot water and electrical connections sit close together inside the cabinet.
- Finding a short in a sensor circuit takes resistance checks and the machine's temperature chart.
How error code E SH differs from similar codes
E oP is the reverse reading, an open sensor circuit that reports a very low temperature.
Technical reference
- Document
- Commercial Frontload Washers Troubleshooting FLW1535C, Part No. 803402R2, March 2016, Section 4 Table 3 (pp. 18-20)
- Edition
- Part No. 803402R2, March 2016
- Models / control
- Quantum frontload (FLW1535C family) electronic control; Stacked washer/dryer (SWD447C) washer electronic control; CHM1792C family washer-extractor (QN models, 20-100 lb) front-end control; CHM495R family washer-extractor front-end control (20-100 lb)
- Section
- Section 4 Electronic Control Troubleshooting - 8. Error Code Listing, Table 3, printed pp. 18-20 (PDF pp. 20-22)
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Speed Queen washer error codes
Is E SH dangerous?
The control shuts the heater off, so it protects the machine, but the wash temperature is no longer controlled.
Why is the water not hot?
With the sensor reading wrong, the heater stays off.
Can I keep running loads?
You can, but heated formulas will not work as intended until it is repaired.
Need help with Speed Queen error code E SH?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.