Hand washing dishes is cumbersome, time-consuming, and produces more wastewater. That’s why it is a cause of concern when your washer begins to flash with an error code: E3.
The causes of the error code E3 include a clogged pressure system, faulty water level sensor, heating element malfunction, and drainage failure.
The easiest way to resolve error code E3 is to reset the dishwasher. If this doesn’t work, check for clogs, kinks, and faulty components.
If you were wondering what to do when your dishwasher indicates an E3 error code, you’re in the right place.
This article will help you figure out the problem and resolve it depending on your brand.
What to Do If Your Dishwasher Displays Error Code E3
A power surge can occur while the dishwasher is running. When there is an insufficient power supply to the appliance, it stops working correctly and may display an E3 error code.
As a result, before you begin troubleshooting, check the main power supply to your home to rule it out.
How to Fix Error Code E3 on Different Dishwasher Brands
1. Samsung Dishwasher
Clogged Pressure System
When the water level in the drum rises dramatically and exceeds the overflow point, the water level sensor sends a signal indicating too much water in the drum.
The machine will stop running, activate the drain pump, and display the E3 error code.
How to Repair
E3 will appear on the display if the supply hose is not connected properly. In newer models (those manufactured after 2007), it may shoe OE instead.
Check and straighten any bends or kinks along the length of the pipe. If the problem persists, engage the services of a professional technician to examine the situation.
2. LG Dishwasher
Faulty Water Level Sensor
An E3 Error Code on an LG dishwasher signifies an Abnormal Operation Protection Error that stops the washer from working to prevent damage.
The code indicates that the water leveling sensor works abnormally and needs replacement.
It can also arise from a faulty sensor connection.
The water in the drum fails to reach the normal water level. However, you must first check the inlet valve to rule it out as a potential cause.
If the latter is clog-free and in good working condition, the issue points to a faulty water level sensor.
How To Fix
You need to check the wiring for faulty connections and test the sensor using a multimeter. These tasks require technical skills.
So, if your appliance is still under warranty or you cannot correctly handle a screwdriver, reach out to the LG customer service center to help fix the broken machine.
3. SMEG Dishwasher
Malfunctioning Heating Element
The first noticeable sign of heater failure appears during the drying phase. The heater doesn’t activate, making it difficult to dry the plates after washing. The wash load remains wet.
Usually, the unit will heat water sprayed on the load in the’ dry’ setting. After which, it drains, and the bottom fills with cold water.
This effectively allows the steam to condense into the water at the unit’s base.
When the water eventually drains out, the machine makes a beeping sound. This indicates that it is safe to open the door.
How To Fix
To resolve the issue, you’ll need to test the heating element. You can do so with the aid of a digital multimeter.
- Switch off the machine and cut off the water supply by closing the inlet valve.
- Unplug it from the power source.
- Detach the garbage filter and lower sprinkler.
- Flip the unit over and undo the side fasteners.
- Disconnect the branch pipe and gently lift the dishwasher’s bottom. You should now be able to access the block with the heating element.
- Remove the heating element from any connecting wires and clean its contacts of any debris.
- Test it with a multimeter.
Take note of its resistance at room temperature ( about 77°F).
Test again in boiled water of about 212°F (100°C).
The reading should always range between 20 – 60 KOHM. - If the element is faulty, replace it with a new one.
- Put back the dishwasher in reverse order.
4. Hoover Dishwasher
Drainage Failure
When water fails to drain from the compartment, a Hoover dishwasher shows Error Code E3. It points to a drainage issue that often arises from a blocked filter.
Scale and lime buildup causes the most blockages.
To resolve the issue, you must clean the machine.
How To Fix
You’ll need a bucket and a rag before you begin. Place the bucket near the emergency drain and empty the tank.
The emergency drain pipe is located near the filter plug.
Then put a rag to catch any water that might drip from the dishwasher.
Inspect the drain filter for clogs. The drainage pipe is behind a small door on the front of the dishwasher.
When you open the door, you’ll see a screw. Undo it and gently pull the drain filter outwards to inspect it. Remove anything that’s blocking it.
Examine probes to see if they’re caked in scale and lime buildup. Wash them if they are filthy. Refer to your owner’s manual for cleaning and lime removal instructions.
5. Hobart Dishwasher
Wash Water Level is Too Low
Hobart makes large dishwashers that are used in food service establishments and cafeterias. Even commercial dishwashers also get error codes.
However, only the LXi & AM Select Dishwashers display an E3 error code. It indicates:
- Low or no water pressure.
- A clogged hose strainer.
- A leaking fill solenoid valve.
- The machine is placed on uneven ground.
When an E3 error code displays on the screen of a Hobart dishwasher, the first thing you’ll notice is that the machine does not run because water isn’t getting into the tank the way it should.
This error code may also appear when the dishwasher times out before it fills or overfills. When it reaches the recommended quantity but continues to fill up, it could point to a leaking fill solenoid valve.
It could as well be something as trivial as placing the Hobart dishwasher on an unlevel surface, making it tilt to one side.
Request a service agent to visit the installation site and assist with leveling your unit.
How To Fix
Low or no water pressure
Hobart recommends you begin by checking the main water supply. Open a tap and observe as the water pours out.
Verify that the pressure in your facility meets the specifications for your unit.
If the inlet water pressure is low, but the main supply has sufficient pressure, inspect the hose filter for blockage. If this is not the case, evaluate the main water supply valves and confirm they are operational.
If they aren’t, have them replaced by a trained professional.
Open drain valve
If your unit isn’t filling correctly, turn it off and then back on. Do this twice to help clear any blockage in the drain valve.
Press the wash button when the machine reaches the “ready” state. Slowly open the door, then wait at least five seconds before checking the water level.
Then, close the door and wait 30 seconds before rechecking it.
Repeat the on-off process if the water level does not rise higher. If the problem persists, seek the assistance of a qualified technician.
Leaking fill solenoid valve
If your drum fills up too quickly, turn off the dishwasher regardless of what you do. Check to see if water continues to flow into the machine.
Turn off the main supply to avoid flooding your kitchen if it does.
6. Edgestar Dishwasher
Abnormally Long Water Heater Time
Most Edgestar dishwashers (like almost every other brand) have a mechanism that heats the water on its own. The incoming water temperature is too cold when it fails to do so.
This issue is often caused by:
- A water heater malfunction
- Water heater sensor malfunction
How To Fix
Newer models of the Edgestar dishwashers have a secure hot water connection. So, begin by adjusting the temperature of the water source.
Confirm whether you can, depending on the model you have with the product manual.
Connecting an incompatible unit to the hot water supply could cause it to break down over time.
The water heating element is located inside the dishwasher and requires some level of disassembly.
There are also electrical wires and exposed components that you may damage if you choose to DIY test and replace the water heater sensor without technical skills.
Thus, consult a maintenance specialist via Edgestar’s customer support before you attempt taking the machine apart.
7. Electrolux Dishwasher
Water Inlet Issue
Electrolux is a brand from the UK and is known for its range of compact dishwashers.
When the inlet water valve lets in too much water, it might fill the tank quicker than programmed, leading to leaking.
How To Fix
The Electrolux team recommends turning off the dishwasher’s water supply to avoid flooding. Then request a visit by a service engineer to assess the problem.
The Bottom Line
You do not have to be a tech whiz to troubleshoot an E3 error code on your dishwasher. Some of the repairs are easy to DIY.
Ensure you consult the product manual of your specific brand to fix the problem.
However, you should contact your brand’s authorized service center. They will send a technician over or connect you to a virtual tutorial.
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