KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F6E3: excessive suds in the tub

What F6E3 means

KitchenAid built-in dishwashers with the F#E# control, such as the KDFE104HPS and KDTM404KPS, display F6E3 when there are excessive suds. Too much foam in the tub disturbs the wash and the sensing. You see F6E3 on the display, and the dishwasher stops. The advice is to remove the suds and run a clean wash cycle. It usually comes from the wrong soap, not a broken part.

Common causes of F6E3

Hand dish soap or too much detergent was used.
A rinse aid or soap spill left foam in the tub.
Leftover soap residue from a previous load.

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Open the door and scoop out or wipe up as many suds as you can. 2. Add a little cold water to calm remaining foam, then drain it by running a rinse. 3. Use only detergent made for dishwashers, and only the amount on the package. 4. Run an empty clean wash cycle. 5. Call us if F6E3 comes back with the correct detergent.

! Why to stop there

Taking out the suds usually solves it with no repair.
Repeat foam may hint at a spilled rinse aid dispenser.
If the code lingers with proper detergent, we diagnose it and quote in writing.

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

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 F8E4KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F8E4: water in the base, drain sequence runs

F6E3F6E3 questions

Why do I see F6E3?

The dishwasher detected excessive suds. Too much foam can come from hand soap, too much detergent or a leftover residue. It is about the soap, not about a damaged part.

How do I get rid of the foam?

Scoop out what you can, wipe the tub and run a rinse or an empty clean wash cycle. Next time, use dishwasher detergent in the measured amount only.

When should I call?

If F6E3 repeats with the proper detergent and a clean tub. We inspect it, quote in writing first, and give a 30-day warranty. Hand soap is the most common culprit we see in kitchens.