KitchenAid Dishwasher Error F3E2 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

F3E2 means your KitchenAid dishwasher's NTC water temperature thermistor has a short circuit — the sensor is stuck sending a fixed signal that the control board recognises as a fault. A shorted thermistor typically causes the control board to read an impossibly low or high temperature reading, so it shuts down the heating circuit for safety. The thermistor itself almost always needs to be replaced.

Affected Models

KitchenAid KDTM354DSS
KitchenAid KDTE334GPS
KitchenAid KDFE104HPS
KitchenAid KDFM404KPS
KitchenAid KDPM604KPS

Common Causes

NTC thermistor internally shorted — the resistance element has failed to near-zero ohms
Two thermistor wires pinched together by a bracket or clamp, creating a short
Water damage to the thermistor connector causing the pins to bridge
Thermistor insulation worn through allowing the wires to contact each other
Control board sensor input circuit damaged by a voltage spike

How to Fix It

Switch off the circuit breaker and unplug the dishwasher before starting any inspection.

Even when not running, appliances can carry residual charge — always de-energise before touching internal components.
Remove the lower rack and spray arm to access the sump at the bottom of the tub. Locate the NTC thermistor clipped into the sump housing with its two-wire connector.

The thermistor is small — about the size of a pencil eraser — and typically has two thin coloured wires leading back through a grommet.
Disconnect the thermistor connector and visually inspect the wires and sensor body for visible damage, melting, discolouration, or a point where the two wires are touching each other.

A thermistor that has been submerged in excessively hot water may show brown discolouration or a cracked housing.
Use a multimeter on the ohms range to test the thermistor. At room temperature a healthy thermistor reads approximately 10,000–15,000 ohms. A reading near 0 ohms confirms a short circuit.

If the reading is close to 0 (or the multimeter beeps continuity), the thermistor is definitely shorted and must be replaced.
Check the wiring harness along its full length for any pinch points where the two wires could be touching. Separate and re-route any wires that are in contact.

Even if the thermistor is shorted, a damaged harness must also be repaired — otherwise it will damage the replacement.
Install the new thermistor, reconnect the harness securely, reassemble the tub components, restore power, and run a test cycle.

Replacement thermistors cost $15–$30 and snap into place without special tools.

When to Call a Professional

Replacing a shorted thermistor is a simple parts swap, but it involves accessing the sump area inside the tub. If you are not comfortable with appliance disassembly, contact KitchenAid service or a qualified repair technician. Always provide your full model number when ordering parts — thermistor part numbers differ by production run.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between F3E1 and F3E2?

F3E1 is an open-circuit fault — the sensor reads infinite resistance as if the wire is completely broken. F3E2 is a short-circuit fault — the sensor reads near-zero resistance as if the two wires are touching. Both require thermistor replacement, but F3E2 occasionally involves a damaged wiring harness as well.

Can a shorted thermistor cause my dishwasher to overheat?

Yes — a shorted thermistor can report an incorrect (usually very low) temperature to the control board, which may cause the heating element to run longer than it should. The control board typically detects this as a fault and shuts down heating, which is why F3E2 appears — this is a safety response.

Is the thermistor the same part for all KitchenAid dishwasher models?

No — while many KitchenAid models use similar NTC thermistors, the part number and connector style can vary by model series and production year. Always use your exact model number (found on the door edge label) when ordering a replacement to ensure compatibility.