Pro tips for troubleshooting a 3-2 error code on a Maytag dishwasher

Is your Maytag dishwasher displaying a 3-2 error code? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. This is a problem that you can fix yourself with some easy DIY troubleshooting, without the need for a costly service call.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Maytag dishwasher while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What does the 3-2 error mean?

The underlying cause of the 3-2 error is usually a shorted connection or bad part within the Optical Water Indicator (OWI) temperature sensing circuit. This can be caused by a faulty OWI sensor, damaged wiring, or a problem with the dishwasher’s control board.

The OWI monitors the water temperature in the dishwasher during the wash cycle. It contains a temperature sensor — typically a thermistor — that measures the temperature of the water inside the dishwasher. This temperature information is then relayed to the dishwasher’s control board to make sure the water reaches the appropriate temperature for cleaning and sanitization.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Read more: Surprising Things That Can & Can’t Go in the Dishwasher

How to troubleshoot the 3-2 error code

Follow these steps to figure out what’s causing the 3-2 fault code and get your Maytag dishwasher running smoothly again.

1. Use an independent thermometer to check that the incoming household water supply temperature is not above 167°F (75°C). Adjust the water heater temperature if the incoming water is too hot.
2. Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet and turn off the water supply.
3. Remove the outer door panel to access the control board.
4. Disconnect the P12 connector for the OWI sensor from the control board.
5. Set a multimeter to resistance mode (Ω) and use the probes to measure the resistance between pins 1 and 3 of the P12 connector. The normal resistance range at 77°F (25°C) is 46-52 kΩ. If the resistance is within this range, the OWI sensor is good. If the resistance is out of range, replace the OWI sensor.
6. Use the probes to check the resistance between P12-1 and cabinet ground, then between P12-3 and cabinet ground. If either pin shows continuity to ground (a short), repair or replace the wiring harness and retest.
7. Reconnect the P12 connector to the control board.
8. Plug the dishwasher back in and turn on the water supply.

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the dishwasher needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

9. Set a multimeter to DC mode and connect the black probe to P12-2 and the red probe to P12-3.
10. Enter the service diagnostic cycle by pressing a specific sequence of 3 keys (1-2-3) 3 times, with no more than 1 second between key presses, while the dishwasher is in standby mode. This will start the diagnostic cycle when the door is closed.
11. Once you start the diagnostic cycle, use the multimeter probes to test for 5 VDC between P12-2 and P12-3.

If you don’t get 5 VDC, replace the control board as a last resort.

How to remove the OWI (if needed for replacement)

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet.
2. Remove the toe panel and attached insulation at the bottom of the dishwasher.
3. Locate the OWI on the bottom right side of the sump assembly.
4. Rotate the OWI counter-clockwise about 1/4 of a turn to remove it from the sump assembly.
5. Disconnect the harness from the OWI.
6. Remove the OWI sensor and replace it with a new one.

Read more: How Does a Dishwasher Work? 

Looking for more?

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Maytag dishwasher working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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