Dishwasher fills but does not heat the water; cycle may run very long and ends with E3 on the display.

Safety first: Disconnect the dishwasher from the mains before accessing internal components. Heating components carry mains voltage.

• Confirm symptom: Run a hot program and open the door carefully after 15–20 minutes (pause the cycle). If the water is cold and E3 appears, the heater circuit is suspect.
• Check for obvious wiring damage: Remove the lower front kick panel or side panel. Inspect the wiring harness going to the heater or circulation pump/heater assembly for burnt connectors or broken wires.
• Test heater (for experienced users): With the appliance unplugged, disconnect the heater terminals and measure resistance with a multimeter. A typical Candy dishwasher heater is usually between 20–30 Ω. An open circuit indicates a failed heater.
• Inspect NTC sensor: The NTC temperature sensor is often clipped into the sump or heater housing. Check for loose connection or corrosion. If accessible, test its resistance and compare with Candy service data.
• If components test faulty: Replace the heater assembly or circulation pump/heater unit as supplied for your Candy model. If heater and NTC are good, the main control board relay may be defective and should be checked or replaced by a professional.