Maytag Dishwasher Error Code F8-E3

F8-E3 indicates that the drain motor drive circuit on the control board is stuck in the on position, meaning the control board is continuously signaling the drain motor to run when it should not be. This is a control board circuit fault. The drain motor and its wiring should also be inspected for signs of shorting or overheating, as these can contribute to or cause the board failure.

No. The F8-E3 error indicates a potential short circuit condition involving the drain motor and control board. Running the dishwasher with this fault present risks further electrical damage and could be a fire or shock hazard. The dishwasher should remain unplugged until the repair is completed.

If only the control board requires replacement, repair costs typically range from roughly $150 to $350 depending on parts and labor in your area. If the drain motor is also shorted and needs replacement, total repair costs could range from $200 to $450 or more. Getting a professional diagnosis first can help confirm which components are actually faulty before purchasing parts.

A knowledgeable DIYer can attempt this repair by first unplugging the dishwasher, then inspecting the drain motor and wiring harness for visible signs of burning or shorting. If no damage is found on the motor or wiring, the control board is the component that needs to be replaced. If the motor or wiring shows heat damage, those parts must be replaced along with the control board.

A reset is unlikely to permanently clear this fault because it is caused by a hardware failure in the control board's drive circuit, not a software glitch or temporary sensor condition. The fault may briefly clear after a power cycle but will return once the dishwasher attempts to run a drain cycle. The underlying component issue must be corrected to resolve the error.