KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F3E2: thermistor or water sensor

What F3E2 means

On KitchenAid built-in dishwashers with the F#E# control, such as the KDPM604KPS and KDFE104HPS, F3E2 points to the thermistor or the optical water indicator sensor. These sensors tell the control how hot the water is and how dirty it is. You see F3E2 on the display and the cycle may stop or behave oddly. Try one power cycle before anything else.

Common causes of F3E2

The thermistor that reads water temperature is not reporting correctly.
The optical water indicator sensor is not giving a valid reading.
A wiring or control issue affecting the sensor reading.

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Turn off power at the breaker for about 30 seconds and restore it. 2. Run a short cycle. 3. Check that the tub and filter are not heavily soiled. 4. Make sure the incoming water is hot enough. 5. If F3E2 returns, stop using the dishwasher and call us.

! Why to stop there

Sensor and wiring must be tested to find the real cause.
Swapping the wrong part wastes your money.
You receive the price in writing before the repair, then a 30-day guarantee.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Dishwasher codes

Glowing RedKitchenAid Dishwasher Sani Rinse Glowing Red: end-of-Cycle sanitize indicator H2OKitchenAid Dishwasher Display H2O: water not detected during fill Sanitize Light FlashingKitchenAid Dishwasher Sanitize Light Flashing: sanitization temperature not met Sanitized light blinking (legacy)KitchenAid Legacy Dishwasher Sanitized Light Blinking: load is not sanitized Start/Resume light blinking (legacy and current)KitchenAid Dishwasher Start/Resume Light Blinking: cycle paused, press within 4 seconds F7E2KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F7E2: wash motor error F8E1KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F8E1: not detecting water, same as H2O F8E2KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F8E2: fill valve electrical error

F3E2F3E2 questions

What sensors does F3E2 involve?

The thermistor and the optical water indicator. They help the dishwasher judge water temperature and cleanliness, so errors from them can affect the whole cycle.

Does a dirty filter cause F3E2?

A clean tub and filter help the sensors read well, so clean them. If F3E2 stays after cleaning and a power cycle, the sensor needs testing.

How do you check it?

We test the sensor and its wiring with a meter, give a price in writing before work, and warrant the repair for 30 days. Parts are installed only after the test confirms the diagnosis.