KitchenAid dishwasher F4E3 error code
F4E3 does not mean the same thing on every KitchenAid dishwasher. Our data shows 2 documented meanings, depending on which engineering platform the model is built on. Look up your model number to see the one that applies.
| Meaning | Appliance | KitchenAid models |
|---|---|---|
| Heater: relay shorted or heater failed | Dishwasher | 72 |
| Wash motor: motor not running | Dishwasher | 21 |
F4E3: Heater: relay shorted or heater failed
- Brand
- KitchenAid
- Appliance
- Dishwasher
- Code
- F4E3
- Documented meaning
- Heater: relay shorted or heater failed
- Applies to
- 72 KitchenAid models on 3 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- No — stop and have it checked
F4E3 means the control found the heater relay shorted or the heating element shorted to ground.
What the dishwasher is detecting
The control monitors the heater circuit for current when the heater should be off and for leakage to ground. Either condition sets this code; cycles continue without heat.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented A shorted heater relay on the main control.
- Documented A heating element shorted to ground.
Safe checks you can make
- If you notice a burning smell, melted plastic, or a breaker or GFCI that trips during cycles, switch off the dishwasher's breaker and leave it off.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Inspects the heater and its connections for overheating or shorts.
- Checks the heating and heated-dry circuit with power off.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher heating element or drying fan replacement | $190–$410 | Moderate |
| Dishwasher main control board replacement | $260–$590 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Stop using it until it is checked. Stop using the dishwasher and schedule service. A shorted heater or relay is an electrical and overheating risk.
KitchenAid models documented with this code
- KDFE104KBL
- KDFE104KPS
- KDFE104KWH
- KDFE105PPS
- KDFE204KBL
- KDFE204KBS
- KDFE204KPS
- KDFE204KWH
- KDFE304RPS
- KDFM404KBS
- KDFM404KPS
- KDFS334SPS
- KDFS424SBL
- KDFS424SWH
- KDPM604KBS
- KDPM604KPS
And 56 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
F4E3: Wash motor: motor not running
- Brand
- KitchenAid
- Appliance
- Dishwasher
- Code
- F4E3
- Documented meaning
- Wash motor: motor not running
- Applies to
- 21 KitchenAid models on 1 platform
- Can you keep using it?
- With caution
F4E3 means the control tried to run the wash (circulation) motor but did not detect it turning.
What the dishwasher is detecting
The control powers the wash motor and watches a sense signal that confirms it is running. If the motor is powered but does not respond, the control records this code and may cancel the cycle.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented A loose connection in the wash motor circuit, or a failed wash motor.
- Documented A failed motor drive or motor sense circuit on the main control.
- Possible Something jammed in the pump, such as glass or a seed, that stops the motor from turning.
Safe checks you can make
- If your model has a removable filter in the bottom of the tub (the owner's manual shows how to twist it out), take it out, rinse it under the faucet and lock it fully back in place.
- Switch off the dishwasher's circuit breaker (or unplug it, if it plugs in under the sink) for one minute, restore power and run a short cycle to see whether the code returns.
- Note whether the code comes back right after a power reset or only after some cycles; that detail helps the technician.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Checks whether the wash motor runs during the service diagnostic cycle.
- Checks the motor and its circuit with power off.
- Replaces the control only when the motor circuit checks good and the motor still gets no power.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher circulation pump and wash motor replacement | $300–$620 | Heavy |
| Dishwasher main control board replacement | $260–$590 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Use with caution. The dishwasher cannot wash without this motor and will cancel cycles. Do not keep restarting it; schedule service.
KitchenAid models documented with this code
- KDFE104HBL
- KDFE104HBS
- KDFE104HPS
- KDFE104HWH
- KDPE204GBS
- KDPE204GPS
- KDPE234GBS
- KDPE234GPS
- KDTE204GBL
- KDTE204GPS
- KDTE204GSS
- KDTE204GWH
- KDTE214GPS
- KDTE214GSS
- KDTE234GBL
- KDTE234GBS
And 5 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
Related problems and codes
Other codes documented on the same KitchenAid platforms:
Repair or replace?
A fault code alone rarely justifies replacing a dishwasher. Most F4E3 repairs involve a single component once diagnosed. Replacement becomes worth considering when the unit is near the end of its typical 9–12-year life and the diagnosed repair is a major one. See the repair-or-replace guide.
Need F4E3 diagnosed in the Las Vegas area?
We repair Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana and other Whirlpool-family appliances in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and Boulder City. A model number helps but is never required to book.