Error code reference

Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Code 4-3

Wash motor not running due to loose connection in Motor circuit, faulty wash motor, control motor drive/sense…

Whirlpool codesWhirlpool dishwasher codes

Wash motor not running due to loose connection in Motor circuit, faulty wash motor, control motor drive/sense circuit issue, or open fuse on control.

First step from the service manual

Check operation of wash motor during diagnostics. Unplug dishwasher and check resistances of connections in the Wash circuit.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What 4-3 means on a Whirlpool dishwasher

Error code 4-3 on a Whirlpool dishwasher indicates the control board has detected a failure in the wash motor circuit. Specifically, the board is not receiving the expected feedback confirming the wash motor is running. This can stem from three sources: a loose or corroded connection somewhere in the motor circuit wiring, a failed wash motor itself, or a fault in the control board's Motor Drive/Sense circuit that handles motor activation and speed monitoring. Technicians should begin by running the wash motor through the service diagnostic mode to confirm whether it responds at all, then check wiring harness resistance values before condemning the motor or board.

For homeowners, the wash motor is the component that circulates water through the spray arms during a wash cycle. When the dishwasher throws code 4-3, it means water is not being pumped through the machine, so dishes will not get cleaned. The dishwasher has shut itself down as a protective measure. In many cases the fix is a loose wire connector that has vibrated free over time, which is a relatively simple repair. If the motor itself has failed or the control board's motor drive circuit has burned out, parts replacement will be required.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 4-3

  1. 01

    Loose or corroded connection in the wash motor wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    Vibration from normal dishwasher operation can loosen wire connectors at the motor or along the harness. A loose connection interrupts the signal between the control board and the motor, triggering the 4-3 code even if the motor itself is functional.

  2. 02

    Failed wash motor

    Part replacement

    The wash motor windings can burn out or seize, preventing the motor from running when commanded by the control board. If resistance readings on the motor terminals fall outside the specified range, the motor needs to be replaced.

  3. 03

    Damaged or broken wiring in the motor circuit

    Part replacement

    A wire in the motor circuit can chafe against the dishwasher tub or frame and develop a break or short. This produces abnormal resistance readings and prevents the motor from receiving power or sending feedback to the board.

  4. 04

    Control board Motor Drive/Sense circuit failure

    Part replacement

    If the section of the control board responsible for driving and monitoring the wash motor fails, the board cannot command or confirm motor operation. This is the least common cause and should only be suspected after the motor and all wiring connections have been verified as good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 4-3

What does error code 4-3 mean on a Whirlpool dishwasher?
Code 4-3 means the control board detected that the wash motor is not running. The board monitors the motor circuit during operation and throws this code when it cannot confirm the motor has started. The root cause can be a loose wiring connection, a failed wash motor, or a fault in the board's Motor Drive/Sense circuit.
How do I fix error code 4-3 on a Whirlpool dishwasher?
Start by unplugging the dishwasher or shutting off the circuit breaker. Access the wash motor wiring harness and check each connector for looseness or corrosion, reseating any that are not fully seated. Use a multimeter to check resistance across the motor terminals and compare the reading to the specification in your model's service manual. If resistance is out of range, replace the wash motor. If wiring and the motor both check out, the control board may need replacement.
Can I still use my Whirlpool dishwasher when it is showing code 4-3?
No. Code 4-3 means the wash motor is not running, so water is not circulating through the spray arms. Running a cycle will not clean dishes, and depending on the nature of the fault, continuing to attempt cycles could stress other components. The dishwasher should be repaired before returning it to regular use.
How much does it cost to fix a Whirlpool dishwasher with a 4-3 error code?
If the problem is only a loose connector, the repair costs nothing beyond your time. A replacement wash motor for a Whirlpool dishwasher typically runs between $80 and $180 for the part, depending on the model, with professional labor adding $100 to $200. A control board replacement is the most expensive scenario, often $150 to $300 for the part alone. Checking the wiring connections yourself first is always worth doing before spending money on parts.
Is error code 4-3 on a Whirlpool dishwasher hard to repair yourself?
Checking and reseating the wiring harness connectors is a DIY-friendly repair that requires only basic tools and comfort working around appliance wiring after disconnecting power. Testing motor resistance with a multimeter is also manageable for someone with basic electrical knowledge. Replacing the wash motor involves removing the lower access panel and disconnecting the motor from the pump assembly, which is moderate in difficulty. Control board replacement is the most involved repair, and if you are not comfortable with appliance electronics, having a technician handle it is reasonable.

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