F3E1: KitchenAid's service documents call it an open thermistor/OWI sensor circuit. Three causes are listed and no owner fix is given.
Model compatibility: KitchenAid reuses codes across series and model years, so F3E1 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
What this code means
F3E1 is an open thermistor/OWI sensor circuit, caused by an open connection, a faulty temperature sensor, or the control's sensor input.
Technician-level KitchenAid documents describe F3E1 as an open thermistor/OWI sensor circuit. Put simply, the dishwasher control reached for a sensor signal and met a gap in the circuit.
At a glance
| Code | F3E1 |
|---|---|
| What it means | F3E1 is an open thermistor/OWI sensor circuit, caused by an open connection, a faulty temperature sensor, or the control's sensor input. |
| What you can check | There is no owner fix for this code. You may try a 30-second power cycle as a plain restart, but do not expect it to clear F3E1. |
| When to call a technician | Book a service visit, since a technician needs to find the open connection, failed sensor or control fault. Mention anything unusual about water temperature or cycle length. |
Causes the documents list
- An open connection in the sensor wiring.
- A temperature sensor that has failed.
- A problem at the sensor input on the control, where the signal is received.
Terms
Thermistor: a little temperature sensor. Its resistance to electric current changes with temperature, and the control reads a temperature from that change. “OWI” appears with it in the source and is not spelled out by KitchenAid, so it stays as written here.
Owner options
The owner help has none for this code. A 30-second power cycle exists for F3E2 (it names the same sensor), but the reset is not tied to F3E1. You may try it as a plain restart without expecting a fix. KitchenAid lists no owner steps here, so book service.
Neighbouring codes
FAQ
“Open” meaning?
The path for current through the sensor circuit is broken, so no full circuit exists.
Only the sensor to blame?
No; a connection and the control’s sensor input are on the list too.
Service for KitchenAid dishwashers in our metro areas
We take KitchenAid dishwasher calls in the Miami, New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas. Call (844) 919-2035 with the F3E1 code and note anything odd about water temperature or cycle length.
Source: KitchenAid Tech Sheet W10750900 Rev C; KitchenAid Job Aid W10573282
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Sources & references
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