How to Troubleshoot Error Code F4E3 on a Whirlpool Dishwasher

If your Whirlpool dishwasher is flashing error F4E3 this means the wash motor isn’t doing its job and that’s a big deal when it comes to clean dishes. But don’t worry! We’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot the issue, and the steps you can take to fix it yourself.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance 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.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Meaning of the error code

The Whirlpool dishwasher F4E3 error code signifies a communication problem between the pump and the control board. Commonly, this issue arises due to loose wiring connections or damaged wires that disrupt signals from reaching their destination.

This can lead to noticeable symptoms such as a malfunctioning wash cycle or an inability for the dishwasher to drain properly. It could be indicative of a faulty wash motor.

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 attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• 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.

Troubleshooting steps 

To troubleshoot the Whirlpool dishwasher F4E3 error, follow these steps:

Step 1: Reset power

Resetting the dishwasher is a straightforward process that helps clear temporary faults:

1. Turn off your dishwasher first. You may do this by pressing the “OFF” button on the control panel.
2. Disconnect the electrical power to your dishwasher by unplugging it from its power source.
3. Give it a few minutes before plugging it back in to ensure a proper reset.
4. Start a new wash cycle and check if the error code appears again.

Step 2: Check for wiring or control unit issues

1. Disconnect power from the unit to avoid potential electrical hazards.
2. Check all wiring harness connections starting with the user interface wire harness. 
3. Make sure that they are securely plugged in and there are no loose or damaged wires. If any wires appear frayed, broken, or disconnected, they will need to be repaired or replaced.
4. Carefully inspect the electronic control board for any signs of damage or malfunction. Look out for burned-out areas, loose connections, or visible signs of wear and tear. If any issues are detected, consider replacing the control unit.
5. Once you have checked and addressed any wiring or control unit issues, reassemble and restore power by turning on the breaker at the electrical panel.

Step 3: drainage problems

1. Make sure that the dishwasher drain hose connection isn’t kinked or clogged. A blocked or restricted drain hose can cause water to back up, triggering the error code.
2. Remove and clean the dishwasher’s filter to eliminate any debris or food particles that may be obstructing proper drainage. A dirty filter can impede water flow and lead to drainage issues.
3. The drain pump is responsible for removing water from the dishwasher during a wash cycle. If the pump or drain pump wiring is damaged or malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced to resolve drainage problems.
4. Use a plumbing snake or a similar tool to remove any blockages in the dishwasher’s drain line or garbage disposal connection. Blockages can prevent water from draining properly and trigger error codes.
5. If your dishwasher has an air gap installed, make sure it is correctly mounted and free from any obstructions. An improperly installed air gap can disrupt proper draining and cause error codes.

Step 4: Inspect sensors and switches

1. Make sure that the water supply valve is fully open and provides sufficient water pressure to the dishwasher. If there is a problem with the water supply, it can affect the functioning of the sensors and switches. Make sure to clean the water inlet valve screen as well.
2. Make sure that the door switch is not damaged or stuck. The door switch detects whether the dishwasher door is closed or not. A faulty door switch can prevent proper communication between the sensors and switches. Additionally, make sure to check the door switch wire harness.
3. The float switch is responsible for monitoring the water level inside the dishwasher tub. If this switch gets stuck or malfunctions, it can lead to communication errors and trigger the error code.
4. Inspect all wiring connections related to sensors and switches, ensuring they are secure and free from any damage or loose connections. 
5. Use a multimeter to test the resistance of various sensors, such as the water temperature sensor or OWI (Optical Water Indicator) sensor. The OWI sensor should measure 46-52k ohms at 77°F to indicate a functional sensor. Anything outside of this range indicates a faulty sensor that may need replacement.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your 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.

Be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!