Kenmore Dishwasher F3E3 Code Calibration and Backflow

Two meanings, one code

• The OWI (optical water indicator) did not calibrate.
• The drain hose check valve failed, so dirty water backs into the dishwasher.

Seen on Kenmore HE, Elite HE, Global HE and MicroClean HE dishwashers; the Clean light flashes 3-3 where no display exists.

Sequence in the manual

1. Disconnect the drain hose from the air gap, or from the garbage disposal when there is no air gap.
2. Pour water through the hose. Water backing up into the tub means the check valve failed; replace the hose section that joins the drain pump.
3. No backup: reconnect the hose and run the Service Diagnostics Test following the tech sheet. Low soil level should show in the OWI test.
4. High soil level: unplug the dishwasher and clean the OWI sensor.
5. Reassemble, plug in, run the diagnostic test cycle so the board calibrates the OWI on the next cycle, then run a normal wash.
6. Code still present: replace the thermistor/OWI sensor.

More sensor codes

• F3E1: sensor failure.
• F3E2: shorted sensor.

Kenmore dishwasher repair across our service area

We take Kenmore dishwasher repair calls for the Miami, New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas. Dial (844) 747-3641 and give the code (F3E3), the model number and what you have tried so far.

Source: Sears PartsDirect – Kenmore HE dishwasher error codes; Sears PartsDirect – Kenmore Global HE dishwasher error codes; Sears PartsDirect – Kenmore MicroClean HE dishwasher error codes