The dishwasher fills but does not heat the water; cycles take unusually long, and E3 appears on the display.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Disconnect the mains power before opening any panels. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
- Confirm symptom: During a hot program, open the door briefly after 15–20 minutes (pause the cycle first). If the water is cold and E3 appears, a heating fault is likely.
- Check wiring at base: Remove the toe-kick or side panel to access the circulation pump and heater assembly. Inspect connectors for signs of burning, corrosion, or a loose fit. Reseat any loose plugs.
- Inspect NTC sensor: Locate the NTC (temperature sensor) in the sump or on the heater housing. Ensure its connector is firmly attached and free of moisture.
- Advanced testing (for experienced users): With power disconnected, measure the resistance of the heater and NTC using a multimeter. A completely open heater or shorted sensor indicates that replacement is needed.
- Control board check: If the heater and NTC test OK, the heater relay on the main control module may be defective. This typically requires board repair or replacement.
Because the heating circuit is high-current, if you are not experienced with electrical testing, arrange service from a qualified technician.
Video Guide
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
We may earn a commission from links on this page.