Jenn-Air Dishwasher Error Code 8-3

Error code 8-3 means the control board has detected an open fuse on the circuit that powers the drain motor. This is an electrical fault, not a blocked drain. The control board cannot complete the drain motor circuit, so the dishwasher will not drain. The fuse is a protective component on the control board itself, and diagnosis starts with the Fuse Service and Diagnostic Checks outlined in the service documentation.

Start with the Fuse Service and Diagnostic Checks on Page 1 of the service documentation, located next to the Meter Check diagram. Use a multimeter to test the fuse on the control board for continuity. If the fuse is open, replace it, but also test the drain motor and wiring harness before reassembling, because a shorted motor or damaged wiring harness will blow the new fuse again. If the fuse and motor both test good, the control board may need replacement.

Replacing the drain motor may fix the code if the motor is shorted and caused the control board fuse to blow, but it is not guaranteed to resolve the issue on its own. The open fuse on the control board must also be addressed. If the fuse is not replaced or the board is not repaired, the new motor will have no power. Follow the Fuse Service and Diagnostic Checks first to determine exactly what failed before ordering parts.

No, you should not run the dishwasher while code 8-3 is active. The drain motor circuit is broken, meaning the machine cannot pump water out of the tub. Running a cycle will result in standing water in the tub and the wash cycle failing to complete. Continuing to run the unit without resolving the fault risks water damage and does not clear the code.

Cost depends on which component has failed. If the control board fuse is the only issue, the repair is relatively inexpensive, though the board may need to be replaced as an assembly if the fuse is not serviceable separately. A replacement drain motor typically costs between $50 and $150 for the part. A new control board is the most expensive outcome, often ranging from $150 to $350 or more for the part alone. Adding professional labor, expect a total repair cost between $150 and $500 depending on what is found during diagnosis.