KitchenAid Washer Error Code F8E3 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

F8E3 means the pressure switch (water level sensor) is reporting a reading outside the expected range — either too high or too low — and the control board cannot confirm how much water is in the tub. A kinked or blocked pressure hose, a waterlogged sensor, or a failed pressure switch are the most common causes.

Affected Models

KitchenAid Front-Load Washer
KitchenAid KHFW Series
KitchenAid KHHW Series
KitchenAid Artisan Series Washer

Common Causes

Pressure hose connecting the tub to the sensor is kinked, blocked with detergent residue, or disconnected
Pressure switch has failed and is sending an out-of-range signal to the control board
Excessive suds in the tub are creating false pressure readings — too much detergent was used
Waterlogged pressure switch — water has entered the sensor body and is causing incorrect readings
Control board fault misinterpreting the sensor signal

How to Fix It

Check whether you are using the correct detergent. Only HE (High Efficiency) detergent should be used in a KitchenAid front-load washer.

Standard detergent creates excessive suds that fill the pressure hose with foam, causing false high-level readings and F8E3.
If suds overflow is visible, run a rinse-only cycle with no detergent to clear the foam.

You may need to run 2 to 3 rinse cycles to clear heavy suds buildup.
Locate the pressure hose — a thin flexible tube connecting the bottom of the tub to the pressure switch. Check for kinks or disconnections.

The pressure hose is typically routed along the back of the machine. A kink or blockage prevents accurate level sensing.
Disconnect the pressure hose from both ends and blow through it gently to check for a blockage.

A clear hose should allow air to pass freely. If there is resistance, detergent residue may be partially blocking it — clean or replace the hose.
If hose and detergent checks clear, have a technician test the pressure switch resistance and replace it if faulty.

Pressure switch replacement is straightforward and inexpensive compared to control board repairs.

When to Call a Professional

If clearing the pressure hose and reducing detergent do not resolve F8E3, the pressure switch needs professional testing. A technician can measure the switch output and replace it in one visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an HE detergent and why does it matter?

HE (High Efficiency) detergent is formulated to produce far fewer suds than standard detergent. Front-load washers use much less water than top-loaders, so standard detergent creates so many suds that they interfere with sensors and the wash action.

Can too little detergent cause F8E3?

No. F8E3 is almost always caused by too much detergent (suds) or a faulty sensor. Using too little detergent affects cleaning performance but does not trigger a fault code.

How much does a pressure switch replacement cost?

A replacement pressure switch for a KitchenAid washer typically costs $20 to $50 for the part. With technician labor, the total repair usually runs $100 to $180.