GE Dishwasher Error Code E3

E3 on a GE dishwasher signals a heater failure in the wash cycle. The control board monitors water temperature during heating, and if the water fails to reach the target temperature within 90 minutes, or fails to rise more than 3 degrees Celsius over a 30-minute window while the thermistor is confirmed working, the code is stored. The dishwasher skips the heated step, completes the cycle, and then logs the E3 fault.

The dishwasher will continue to run cycles after an E3, but it will skip the heated wash step, meaning your dishes will be washed in unheated water. This reduces cleaning and sanitizing effectiveness. The machine itself is not in a dangerous state, but it is not performing at spec, and the underlying fault should be addressed to restore proper operation.

A reset may temporarily clear the E3 code from the display, but because the fault is entered into memory at the end of the wash cycle, it will return as soon as the dishwasher runs another heated wash cycle and the same condition is detected. The underlying cause, whether a failed heating element, faulty relay, or wiring issue, must be repaired to prevent the code from reappearing.

A knowledgeable DIYer can diagnose and repair E3 in many cases. Start by checking the wiring connections at the heating element for looseness or corrosion, then test the heating element for continuity using a multimeter. If the element is open-circuit, it can be replaced as a DIY repair. If the element tests good, the control board relay may be at fault, which is a more advanced repair.

Repair costs vary depending on the failed component. A replacement heating element typically costs between 30 and 80 dollars for the part, with professional labor adding roughly 80 to 150 dollars. A control board replacement is more expensive, with parts ranging from 100 to 250 dollars depending on the model, plus labor. Diagnosing the exact cause before ordering parts helps avoid unnecessary expense.