Error Code: 3-3 Difficulty: Moderate
Problem: OWI (Optical Water Indicator) failed calibration.
How to Fix 3-3 Error (Step-by-Step)
- Cut Power to Dishwasher: Go to the main circuit breaker in your home and switch off the power supply to the dishwasher.
- Access the Sensor: Remove the lower dish rack to get clear access to the bottom of the dishwasher tub. The OWI (Optical Water Indicator) sensor is located in the sump area.
- Remove Filter and Spray Arm: Take out the dishwasher’s filter assembly and the lower spray arm. This will expose the sensor for removal.
- Disconnect and Remove Sensor: The sensor is typically held in place by a locking tab. From underneath the dishwasher (you may need to remove the front kickplate), locate the sensor, turn it counter-clockwise to unlock it, and pull it out of the sump. Disconnect its wire harness.
- Install New OWI Sensor: Attach the wire harness to the new sensor. Insert the new sensor into the sump opening from inside the tub, making sure the seal is snug. Turn it clockwise to lock it into position.
- Reassemble and Power Up: Reinstall the filter assembly and the lower spray arm. Put the lower dish rack back in place. Restore power at the circuit breaker and run a check or wash cycle to allow the new sensor to calibrate.
- Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn it back on.
What to Check Next on This Amana Dishwasher
Focused repair path: dishwasher fill, drain, wash motor, heating, leak, sensor, and control checks. Do not treat a returning fault as a reset-only problem; use the point in the cycle where the fault appears to choose the next check.
- Disconnect power before opening panels, then confirm the door latch, float, inlet valve, drain path, and harness connections are seated.
- Match the timing of the failure to the likely path: fill, wash circulation, drain, heat, leak detection, or control communication.
- Clear debris from filters, sump areas, spray arms, and the drain loop before treating the fault as a failed board.
- If a part is suspected, verify voltage or continuity where appropriate and match the complete Amana dishwasher model number before ordering.
Check, inspect, clean, test, measure, remove, reconnect, clear, and replace parts only when the symptom supports that path. If these checks point toward a part, verify the complete Amana model number from the appliance tag before ordering. Similar error wording can use different valves, sensors, pumps, motors, heaters, locks, switches, fans, or control boards depending on the exact model.
Recommended Parts to Check
No exact official OEM part number is listed here because the correct Amana dishwasher part can vary by complete model number. These are targeted part-category searches, not universal fit claims.
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Whirlpool dishwasher drain pumpCommon replacement category: Drain pumpFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by complete Amana dishwasher model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Why this category can matter: standing-water, drain, and no-complete-cycle symptoms after the filter and hose are checked.
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Whirlpool dishwasher water inlet valveCommon replacement category: Water inlet valveFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by complete Amana dishwasher model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Why this category can matter: fill, low-water, or no-water symptoms after supply and float checks.
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Whirlpool dishwasher control boardCommon replacement category: Electronic control boardFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by complete Amana dishwasher model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Why this category can matter: repeating error-code or control faults after wiring and latch checks.
Before ordering: match the part to the complete Amana dishwasher model number on the appliance tag.
More options (for a better recommendation)
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When It’s Better to Replace Than Repair
Dishwasher repairs can add up quickly when the pump, control, heater, or leak-related parts fail.
Confirm cabinet width, water line, drain routing, electrical connection, and panel style before ordering.
For repair parts, verify exact fit with the full dishwasher model number before buying; these links are general replacement-appliance shopping options.
- [OK]Drain pump or circulation pump failure
- [OK]Leaking tub, door, or float-switch issues
- [OK]Heater or control failures on an older unit
- [OK]Repeated poor washing or drying performance
Recommended Dishwasher Replacement Options
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Still Not Working?
If the replacement part didn’t fix the issue, you may have a wiring problem or main board failure.
Browse all Amana error codes: Amana Error Codes
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