Home › Kenmore › Dishwashers › F6E3
Kenmore Dishwasher F6E3 Error Code
Suds or air in the pump on Kenmore dishwashers.
KenmoreAll Kenmore dishwasher codes
The pump is drawing foam or air instead of water. Hand dish soap or too much detergent is the usual reason. Low water in the tub, from a cup or bowl that flipped over and filled up, can do it too.
Compatible models
Shown on Kenmore HE and Elite HE models and on the Global HE and MicroClean HE lines, per Sears PartsDirect.
Also shown as
Without a display, watch for the Clean light flashing 6 times, then 3 (6-3).
Difficulty
Most people can clear this one at home with simple checks.
Not sure you are reading the code right? See how to read Kenmore dishwasher codes.
How to fix Kenmore F6E3
Cancel to pump out the suds
Press Cancel. The drain pump runs for about 3 minutes. If foam is still sitting in the tub, scoop it out or use a wet/dry vac.
Use only dishwasher detergent
Never put hand dishwashing liquid in the dispenser. Check the dispenser lid closes and isn't cracked, since a broken one can release detergent at the wrong time.
Turn over any upturned containers
Plastic tubs and cups that flipped and filled with water lower the tub level. Empty them and load them face down on the top rack.
When to call a technician
No suds and the water still doesn't reach the bottom of the overfill float: the inlet valve may be delivering too little water and should be checked by a technician.
Parts linked to F6E3
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.
Step-by-step guides for this problem
- Dishwasher Leaking? 7 Causes, From the Door Gasket to the Hoses
Leaks out the front of the door usually come from the wrong detergent (dish soap makes suds that push past the seal), a torn or dirty door gasket, or a dish blocking the door.
- Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes? 9 Causes and Real Fixes
Dirty dishes usually trace back to a clogged filter, spray arm holes plugged with debris, water that isn't hot enough, or loading that blocks the spray.
- Dishwasher Not Draining? 7 Fixes to Try Before Calling a Pro
A clogged filter, a garbage disposer that needs clearing (or a new one with its knockout plug still in), a blocked air gap or a kinked drain hose cause most drain problems.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kenmore models show the F6E3 code?
Shown on Kenmore HE and Elite HE models and on the Global HE and MicroClean HE lines, per Sears PartsDirect.
Can I fix Kenmore F6E3 myself?
Usually, yes. Most F6E3 problems clear with simple checks you can do at home. Start with the first step above: cancel to pump out the suds.
Other Kenmore dishwasher codes
- F1E1 / F1E2Main control board fault
- F2E1 / F2E2Stuck button or control panel not talking to the board
- F3E1 / F3E2Water temperature and soil sensor fault
- F5E1 / F5E2Door switch problem
- F6E1Dishwasher isn't filling
- 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.