Maytag Dishwasher Error Code F3E2 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

F3E2 means your Maytag dishwasher's NTC temperature sensor has shorted — its resistance has dropped below the minimum the control board accepts, making it appear as if the water is far hotter than it actually is. This is the opposite of F3E1 (which is an open circuit — no signal). A shorted thermistor always requires replacement — it cannot be reset or repaired.

Affected Models

Maytag MDB7959SHZ
Maytag MDB4949SHZ
Maytag MDB8959SFZ
Maytag MDB Series

Common Causes

NTC thermistor has internally shorted, creating a resistance below the minimum threshold
Wiring to the thermistor is shorted (two wires touching), creating a false low-resistance reading
Water damage has reached the thermistor and caused a short in its sensing element
Control board is misreading the thermistor signal due to a board fault
Thermistor connector pins are bridged by mineral deposits or detergent residue

How to Fix It

Perform a hard reset: turn off the dishwasher circuit breaker for 5 minutes, then restore power and run a test cycle.

F3E2 does not typically clear on reset because a shorted thermistor is a hardware failure. If it clears, the cause may have been a brief wiring contact — monitor closely.
If F3E2 returns immediately, check the thermistor wiring harness connector under the dishwasher for a pinched or chafed wire.

A wire touching the metal tub or a bracket can create a short without the thermistor itself failing. Check the full harness run from the sensor to the control board.
If no wiring fault is visible, have a technician test the thermistor resistance.

A shorted NTC thermistor reads near-zero or very low resistance when measured with a multimeter. A normal thermistor reads several thousand ohms at room temperature.
Replace the thermistor if it measures outside the normal range.

The NTC sensor in most Maytag dishwashers is a small part accessible from the bottom of the tub. It typically clips into place and unplugs from a harness connector.

When to Call a Professional

F3E2 requires replacing the NTC thermistor — a shorted sensor cannot self-recover. A technician can confirm the diagnosis with a resistance measurement and swap the sensor in one visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between F3E1 and F3E2?

Both involve the NTC temperature sensor, but in opposite ways. F3E1 means the sensor is open (no signal — too high resistance). F3E2 means the sensor is shorted (too low resistance). Both require thermistor replacement.

Can F3E2 cause the dishwasher to overheat?

Yes. A shorted thermistor that reports falsely high temperatures can cause the control board to reduce heating — but one that reports falsely low temperatures can cause the heater to run too long. Either way, the dishwasher stops operating until the sensor is replaced.

How much does a thermistor replacement cost?

A replacement NTC thermistor for a Maytag dishwasher typically costs $20 to $50 for the part. With technician labor, the total repair usually runs $100 to $180.