Dishwashers have become indispensable in most households. They are made to handle regular use and relieve you of one of the most dreaded household chores.
It is frustrating to turn on the machine only to see an Error Code E2 flashing on the LED display.
The dishwasher Error Code E2 could result from a low power supply, water inlet malfunction, pump blockage, and wiring. Turn the water supply and power off to the dishwasher, then back on to try and reset the dishwasher.
If this doesn’t work, check for kinks on the pipes, clogs of the filters, and replace malfunctioning sensors.
If you’ve recently encountered this error code E2 (or perhaps you’re just curious), you must conduct diagnostic tests to determine where the problem lies. Not sure where to begin?
We will look at why your specific brand has an E2 error code and possible solutions to fix it.
What To Do If Your Dishwasher Displays Error Code E2
Your dishwasher has sensors to monitor for various conditions that may prevent the unit from operating in a usual manner. Most issues are relatively simple to resolve.
Others, however, require technical skills.
Your dishwasher will operate optimally so long as there is an adequate power supply.
However, sometimes a power surge occurs while the dishwasher is running.
When insufficient power flows into the washer, it struggles to perform normally, thus, the E2 error code.
Therefore, before you begin any troubleshooting, check your power supply. There might be an electrical issue with the main power supply to your house.
If this is the case, turn off the dishwasher and switch off the power supply.
Reschedule to do your dirty dishes when the electricity supply stabilizes to avoid ruining your unit.
How to Fix Error Code E3 on Different Dishwasher Brands
1. Samsung Dishwasher
A Samsung dishwasher generates an E2 error and flashes LED lights when the drain filter clogs.
The error code could indicate a blockage in the drain hose, or there could be a kink preventing water from exiting your unit.
You’ll know this is the issue when the dishwasher takes an abnormally long time to drain.
Clogs in drain hoses mainly occur where the hose connects to the main household drain line and when the hose connects to the garbage disposer.
Blockages may be due to lint or small debris broken off from utensils.
How To Fix
One of the easiest things for users is to check the dishwasher’s drainage system. Empty the tank if it is full.
There’s an emergency drain pipe situated close to the filter plug.
Also, before you begin, place an absorbent rag to catch any leftover water from the dishwasher.
Start with the drain filter. The drainage pipe is behind a little door on the front of the appliance.
Open the door, unscrew the cork, and gently pull the filter outwards.
In most Samsung models, the drain filter is housed at the bottom. To get to it:
- Remove the dish basket at the bottom of the unit to expose the filter.
- Check for any blockage.
- If you detect a clog, remove it from the filter.
Next, examine the sewer drain. Detach the hose from the sewer and tip it into a collecting container like a basin.
Water leaking out of the pipe points to a blocked sewer system.
Sometimes you’d go through the whole process to only notice a kink on the drain hose. So, it would be best first to examine the length of the pipe.
Straighten out undesirable loops before moving to examine the drain filter.
To test if the issue is resolved, put everything back in place. Plug the dishwasher, and select a spin setting. It doesn’t have to be a complete cycle; a quick one will do fine.
After all, you’re trying to assess the drainage system and not other possible functionality problems.
When selecting the drain settings, the drum should empty smoothly and within the recommended time.
2. Bosch Dishwasher
Bosch dishwashers are meant to be connected to a cold water supply. Sometimes, we switch to the hot water supply, especially when we clean very greasy dishes.
Although hot water effectively eliminates accumulated oils and caked-on food, it may be causing damage to your dishwasher.
Most units have a mechanism that heats the water by itself. Connecting the unit to the hot water supply could damage the unit over time.
The error code E2 could also be flashing because water is not coming into the machine. It might not be entering the unit at all or could be coming in at a much slower rate.
How To Fix
It would be best if you read the product’s installation manual first. This will tell you if your machine can be safely attached to the hot water inlet.
Consult a dishwasher maintenance specialist to assess the extent of damage caused by the hot water inlet.
Is the flow valve to the pipe turned off or on? Ensure it’s in the ‘on’ position and check for any kinks on the inlet hose.
3. Bosch Dishwasher
Bosch dishwashers flag the E3 code as an auto-stop protection error. It signals that the temperature sensor is faulty.
When the temperature sensor (thermistor) malfunctions, it affects the heating element.
This is a widespread issue with compact dishwashers and even when there’s no apparent problem with the power supply.
The heating element operates at max power when the temperature sensor is faulty. This is because the thermistor cannot correctly regulate the temperatures in the dishwasher.
How To Fix
Here’s how to locate, test, and replace a thermistor.
- Unplug the device from the power and turn off the water supplies.
- Take away all of the dish baskets.
- Remove the garbage filter and disassemble the lower sprinkler.
- Turn the device upside down and unscrew the side fasteners.
- Unplug the branch pipe and gently lift the dishwasher’s bottom. You should now be able to access the thermostat. (You will find it next to the block with the heating element.
- Disengage it from the power supply wires.
- Clean the temperature sensor’s contacts and test it with a tester.
To test the thermistor, use a digital multimeter.
Measure its resistance at room temperature ( about 77°F/25°C).
Place the thermistor in boiled water (212°F/100°C) and test its resistance once more.
The reading should maintain between 20 – 60 KOHM.
If it is damaged, replace it with a new one. You cannot fix temperature sensors, so don’t attempt to. Reassemble the dishwasher.
Temperature sensor issues require some level of disassembly. So, if you don’t believe in your technical skills, you may want to call in a professional.
4. Edgestar Dishwasher
The majority of dishwasher blockages are attributed to improper use.
If you don’t remove food remnants when placing them in the dishwasher, the clog could be caused by a buildup of fragments and oils.
The residue eventually solidifies and becomes lodged within the dishwasher drain pipes. And the machine takes a very long time to drain water from the tank.
How To Fix
Rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher to avoid dishwasher blockages. This significantly reduces buildup in the unit.
It also helps if you conduct a regular service wash. This way, residue lacks the opportunity to accumulate, effectively eliminating clogs.
5. Fisher and Paykel Dishwashers
When we talk of wiring, it could arise due to damaged wires or poor connection, causing low or high voltage.
It could also be a bad ground connection to the appliance’s electrical box or a loose user interface connection.
How To Fix
- Disconnect the dishwasher from power.
- Check the connection between the user interface and the electronic control.
- Then examine the wiring of the entire circuit containing the heating element and the board.
Check wires leading to various components like the drain pump and water inlet valve wiring. Replace damaged cables and tighten loose wires.
6. Maytag Dishwasher
The main control board might not be receiving the correct signal from the user interface.
The error code E2, thus, appears to indicate this communication breakdown in the unit’s operation.
How To Fix
- Switch off and unplug the appliance from the power source.
- Remove the inner door liner by unscrewing the screws that secure it in place.
- Examine all the wire connections that link the front interface to the main control board. Tighten any loose cables and replace damaged ones.
- Then return everything in reverse order, beginning with the liner.
7. Hobart Dishwasher
Hobart makes commercial dishwashers. This error code is displayed on Hobart’s LXi & AM Select Dishwashers right after the machine stops running.
This is because water isn’t getting into the tank the way it should. The machine will not run when the wash water level is too low; the appliance shuts down.
How To Fix
Examine the inlet pipe for kinks or damage, then ensure the water level sensor is in good working condition.
In Summary
When your dishwasher displays an E2 error code, start by eliminating the most apparent causative factors, such as a low power supply and a clogged drainpipe.
Remove them from the list of possible causes as you rule each one out. Then proceed to the technical ones, which frequently necessitate some degree of disassembly.
If the dishwasher Error Code E2 reappears after cleaning the contacts, removing blockages, or replacing the thermistor, you may need to consult a professional.