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Kenmore Dishwasher F3E1 / F3E2 Error Code
Water temperature and soil sensor fault on Kenmore dishwashers.
KenmoreAll Kenmore dishwasher codes
These dishwashers use one combined part, the thermistor/OWI sensor, to read water temperature and how dirty the wash water is. F3E1 means the board lost the sensor signal, and F3E2 means the sensor reads as shorted. A damaged harness to the sensor is the first suspect, then the sensor.
Compatible models
Kenmore HE and Elite HE dishwashers, and the Global HE and MicroClean HE lines (Sears PartsDirect).
Also shown as
The Clean light flashes 3-1 or 3-2 on models without a display. A related code, F3E3 (3-3), means the sensor failed to calibrate or dirty water flowed back through the drain hose.
Difficulty
Try the basic checks, but the usual fix is a technician's job.
Not sure you are reading the code right? See how to read Kenmore dishwasher codes.
How to fix Kenmore F3E1 / F3E2
Restart with the power off
Turn the breaker off for a few minutes, then back on, and run a short cycle to see if the code repeats.
Check the drain hose for backflow (F3E3)
If you're seeing F3E3, look at how the drain hose connects at the air gap or disposal. Dirty water coming back into the tub after a cycle points to a failed check valve in the hose section by the pump.
When to call a technician
The sensor and its wiring sit under the tub, so a technician should check the harness and fit a new sensor if the wiring is sound.
Parts linked to F3E1 / F3E2
These are the parts most often behind this code. Tap one to see what it does and the signs it is failing.
Order parts by your full model number so they fit.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kenmore models show the F3E1 / F3E2 code?
Kenmore HE and Elite HE dishwashers, and the Global HE and MicroClean HE lines (Sears PartsDirect).
Can I fix Kenmore F3E1 / F3E2 myself?
Only the basic checks. You can safely try the steps above, but F3E1 / F3E2 usually points to a part or fault that needs a technician.
Other Kenmore dishwasher codes
- F1E1 / F1E2Main control board fault
- F2E1 / F2E2Stuck button or control panel not talking to the board
- F5E1 / F5E2Door switch problem
- F6E1Dishwasher isn't filling
- F6E3Suds or air in the pump
- F6E4Overfill float switch open
- F7E1 / F7E2Heating element fault
- F8E1 / F8E2Slow drain or drain pump fault
- F9E1 / F9E2Diverter motor fault
- IENot filling (722 series)
- OENot draining (722 series)
- AE / E1Leak detected in the base (722 series)
- FEOverflow detected (722 series)
- LEWash pump motor locked (722 series)
- HEHeating failure (722 series)
- C1 / C2 / C3Drain problem (363 electronic models)
- C6 / C7Water too cold or temperature sensor fault (363 models)
- Clean light blinks 7 timesHeater circuit failure (665 models)
- Sanitized light blinksSanitize temperature not reached (665 models)
Last reviewed 2026-10-21. Codes and steps can vary by model; check your owner's manual.