Maytag Dishwasher Error Code F8E2 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

F8E2 means the drain motor in your Maytag dishwasher is stalled or overloaded — the pump is trying to drain but cannot spin freely. Food debris, a broken glass shard, or a foreign object lodged in the pump impeller is the most common cause. Clearing the pump filter and trap area resolves most F8E2 errors without any parts replacement.

Affected Models

Maytag MDB7959SHZ
Maytag MDB4949SHZ
Maytag MDB8959SFZ
Maytag MDB Series

Common Causes

Food debris, grease buildup, or a foreign object is blocking the drain pump impeller
Drain filter and trap are heavily clogged with accumulated food residue
Drain hose is kinked or blocked, creating back-pressure the motor cannot overcome
Drain motor has failed internally and cannot run
Garbage disposal connection is clogged or the knockout plug was never removed on installation

How to Fix It

Cancel the current cycle and open the dishwasher door. Remove any standing water from the bottom of the tub using a towel or cup.

Standing water after F8E2 is expected — the drain cycle did not complete. Remove it before inspecting the filter.
Remove and clean the drain filter. On most Maytag models, the cylindrical filter screws out of the tub floor.

Rinse the filter under hot running water and use a soft brush to remove grease and food particles. A clogged filter is the most common cause of F8E2.
With the filter removed, inspect the pump opening in the tub floor for any visible debris, glass shards, or foreign objects.

Use a flashlight and reach in carefully to clear any obstruction. Broken glass is a common culprit — check carefully before reaching in.
Check the drain hose at the back of the dishwasher for kinks or compression against the cabinet.

A kinked drain hose prevents water from leaving even when the pump is working correctly.
If draining to a garbage disposal, confirm the disposal knockout plug was removed during installation and that the disposal itself is not clogged.

A clogged garbage disposal creates a drain path restriction that stalls the dishwasher pump.
Run a short rinse cycle after cleaning. If F8E2 returns immediately, have a technician test the drain motor.

The drain motor is accessible from the bottom of the dishwasher. A resistance test confirms whether it has failed.

When to Call a Professional

If cleaning the filter and pump area does not clear F8E2, the drain motor needs to be tested. A technician can remove the pump assembly, test the motor resistance, and replace it if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there standing water at the bottom of my dishwasher after F8E2?

F8E2 means the drain motor stalled before the cycle could complete the drain phase. The standing water is the wash water that was not pumped out. Clearing the blockage and running a new cycle will drain it.

How often should the dishwasher filter be cleaned?

Maytag recommends cleaning the drain filter every 1 to 2 months under normal use. If you run the dishwasher daily or do not rinse plates before loading, clean it monthly.

How much does a drain motor replacement cost?

A replacement drain motor for a Maytag dishwasher typically costs $40 to $100 for the part. With technician labor, the total repair usually runs $130 to $250.