KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Code F8E3

F8E3 means the dishwasher detected very low water or air in the pump during a wash cycle. The most common triggers are excessive suds from the wrong detergent, dishes trapping water in the sump, a missing diverter disk, a water leak, or a disconnected overfill switch. The control triggers this fault to protect the pump motor from running dry. Addressing the cause is necessary before the cycle will complete normally.

A reset may clear the fault code temporarily, but it will return if the underlying cause is not corrected. Resetting is useful for confirming whether the issue is intermittent or persistent, but it does not repair detergent problems, loading issues, missing parts, or wiring faults. Fix the root cause before relying on a reset to clear the code.

Repair cost varies widely depending on the cause. If the fix is simply switching detergents or reloading dishes, there is no parts cost. A replacement diverter disk or rinse aid dispenser typically runs in the range of $15 to $50 in parts. An overfill switch replacement is generally in the $20 to $60 range for parts. If professional labor is needed, total repair costs including diagnosis and service can range from $100 to $300 or more depending on the technician and the parts required.

Start by running a short cycle and opening the door after 1 to 2 minutes to check for excessive suds. If suds are present, switch to a proper dishwasher-specific detergent and use the recommended amount. If suds are not the issue, check that dishes are not capturing water, inspect the diverter disk for proper installation, look under the unit for leaks, and verify the overfill float switch harness is connected securely.

Continuing to run the dishwasher with an active F8E3 fault is not recommended. If the pump is running without adequate water, the motor can overheat and sustain damage. If the cause is a water leak, continued operation could worsen the leak and cause water damage to surrounding cabinetry or flooring. Diagnose and resolve the fault before running additional cycles.