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Error code reference

Dacor Dishwasher Error Code F-3

Electrical/heater fault

Dacor codesDacor dishwasher codes

Electrical/heater fault – during wash and rinse cycles the WPS monitors water temperature; if the controller does not detect a rise in water temperature within a certain time frame, the heater or related circuitry may have failed.

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What F-3 means on a Dacor dishwasher

The Dacor dishwasher F-3 error code indicates an electrical or heater fault detected by the Water Parameter Sensor (WPS) during active wash or rinse cycles. The WPS continuously monitors water temperature throughout these cycles, and the control board tracks whether the temperature rises within an expected time window. If the controller does not detect an adequate temperature increase, it interprets this as a failure in the heating system or its associated circuitry and triggers the F-3 fault code to halt operation.

The primary component under suspicion is the wash heater itself, which is responsible for elevating water temperature to the levels required for effective cleaning and sanitizing. When the heater element burns out or develops an open circuit, the water temperature remains flat and the WPS reports no rise to the controller. Beyond the heater element, the fault can originate in the wiring harness connecting the heater to the control board, the heater relay on the control board, or the WPS sensor itself if it is providing inaccurate temperature readings.

Diagnosing F-3 requires a systematic approach through the heating circuit. A technician should verify line voltage is present at the heater terminals during a cycle, check the heater element for continuity, and inspect all wiring connections between the heater, the WPS, and the control board for corrosion or damage. If the element and wiring check out, the control board relay or the WPS may be at fault.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F-3

  1. 01

    Failed heating element

    Part replacement

    The heater element may have burned out or developed an open circuit, preventing any water temperature rise during the cycle. Testing the element for continuity with a multimeter will confirm whether it has failed.

  2. 02

    Faulty wiring or loose connections

    Wiring / connection

    Corroded, burned, or disconnected wiring between the heater element and the control board can interrupt power delivery to the heater. Inspecting the harness and connectors at both the heater and board terminals often reveals the issue.

  3. 03

    Defective heater relay on the control board

    Part replacement

    The control board contains a relay responsible for switching power to the heater. If this relay fails in the open position, the heater never receives voltage even though the element itself is intact.

  4. 04

    Faulty Water Parameter Sensor (WPS)

    Part replacement

    If the WPS is providing inaccurate temperature readings to the controller, the board may believe no temperature rise occurred even when the heater is functioning correctly. A WPS fault can generate a false F-3 code.

  5. 05

    Insufficient water supply temperature

    Wiring / connection

    If incoming water is extremely cold, the heater may be unable to raise the temperature fast enough to satisfy the controller within the allowed time frame. Check that the home hot water supply to the dishwasher is at an adequate temperature before assuming a component failure.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F-3

What does F-3 mean on a Dacor dishwasher?
F-3 is an electrical and heater fault code that appears when the Water Parameter Sensor does not detect a rise in water temperature within the expected time during a wash or rinse cycle. The control board interprets this as a failure in the heater or its related circuitry. The dishwasher stops the cycle to prevent damage and alert the user to the problem.
Can I fix F-3 on my Dacor dishwasher myself?
Some aspects of diagnosing F-3 are manageable for a knowledgeable DIYer, such as checking wiring connections for corrosion or damage and testing the heater element for continuity with a multimeter. However, replacing the heating element, control board, or WPS involves working with line voltage components and requires careful attention to safety. If you are not comfortable working with electrical components in appliances, a qualified technician is recommended.
Is it safe to use my dishwasher when F-3 is displayed?
Running the dishwasher with an active F-3 fault is not advisable. Without a functioning heater, the appliance cannot reach the water temperatures needed for proper cleaning and sanitization, meaning dishes may not be hygienically cleaned. Additionally, the underlying electrical fault could worsen if the appliance is operated repeatedly while the issue is unresolved.
Will resetting the dishwasher clear the F-3 code?
A reset may temporarily clear the F-3 code, but if the underlying component has failed, the fault will return once the dishwasher attempts another wash or rinse cycle and the controller again detects no temperature rise. A reset is useful for confirming whether the error is intermittent, but it does not repair any faulty hardware causing the code.
How much does it cost to repair a Dacor dishwasher F-3 error?
Repair costs vary depending on which component has failed. A replacement heating element typically falls in the range of $50 to $150 for the part alone, while a new control board can range from $100 to $300 or more. Adding labor from a qualified appliance technician generally brings the total repair cost to somewhere between $150 and $500, depending on the specific fault and local service rates.

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