Amana Dishwasher error code
Amana Dishwasher Error 3-3
OWI (Optical Water Indicator) failed calibration.
OWI (Optical Water Indicator) failed calibration.
Try these first
Start here before buying a part or taking the appliance apart.
- 1Check 1
Clean the Sensor: The OWI sensor is located in the sump area. It can become clouded with debris. Carefully clean the sensor lens with a soft cloth and a mild detergent.
- 2Check 2
Check for Obstructions: Ensure there are no foreign objects in the sump area that could be blocking the sensor.
A quick explanation
What does 3-3 mean?
OWI (Optical Water Indicator) failed calibration.
The answer you came for
How to fix Amana dishwasher error 3-3
Start with the safest checks and work from simple to technical.
- 1
Step 1
1. Cut Power to Dishwasher: Go to the main circuit breaker in your home and switch off the power supply to the dishwasher.
- 2
Step 2
2. 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.
- 3
Step 3
3. Remove Filter and Spray Arm: Take out the dishwasher's filter assembly and the lower spray arm. This will expose the sensor for removal.
- 4
Step 4
4. 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.
- 5
Step 5
5. 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.
- 6
Step 6
6. 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 diagnostic or wash cycle to allow the new sensor to calibrate.
Read the additional checks from the current guide
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. Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump Common replacement category: Drain pump Fit 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. Search Amazon for Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump Whirlpool dishwasher water inlet valve Common replacement category: Water inlet valve Fit 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. Search Amazon for Whirlpool dishwasher water inlet valve Whirlpool dishwasher control board Common replacement category: Electronic control board Fit 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. Search Amazon for Whirlpool dishwasher control board Before ordering: match the part to the complete Amana dishwasher model number on the appliance tag.
What may be causing it?
- Dirty or obstructed Optical Water Indicator (OWI) sensor
- Faulty OWI sensor
These are possibilities to investigate, not proof that one part has failed.
Recommended part
Recommended part for this error code
Replacement part
OEM candidate: WPW10705575
Price noted in the current guide: $16-$33
Why this part is shown: It is associated with Amana Dishwasher error 3-3 in the current guide. The error code alone does not prove this part has failed.
Compatibility varies by model. Confirm that the Amazon listing includes your complete dishwasher model number before ordering.
You can open the recommendation now. Check model compatibility on the Amazon page before purchasing.
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Repair or replace calculator
Use the age and total repair estimate to get a simple comparison. This is guidance, not a guarantee.
Safety first
Disconnect power before opening panels or touching internal parts.
When to stop
- Stop if you see burned wiring, melted connectors, water near electrical parts, or a gas smell.
- Do not perform live-voltage testing unless you are trained and equipped for it.
- Use the exact model manual or service information before replacing electronic controls.
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