Error Code: E3 Difficulty: Hard
Problem: Indicates a drainage problem, temperature sensor error, or a heating element malfunction causing an abnormally long water heating time.
How to Fix E3 Error (Step-by-Step)
- Turn the appliance off to the dishwasher and confirm the error stays cleared during a full test cycle.
- First, check for a drainage problem. Remove the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher tub and clean it thoroughly. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs.
- If the drain is clear, the issue may be with the heating circuit. Remove the lower dish rack to access the heating element (W10709444).
- Disconnect the wires and test the element with a multimeter for continuity (should be between 10-30 ohms). Replace if the reading is outside this range or shows no continuity.
- If the heating element is good, the problem might be the drain pump (W11413393), which can also trigger this error. Access the pump from the bottom of the unit.
- Check the pump for blockages and test its motor for continuity. Replace the pump if it’s blocked, damaged, or the motor is faulty.
- Reassemble all components and restore power to test and confirm the error stays cleared during a full test cycle.
- 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 Replacement Part
- W11413393
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.
More options (for a better recommendation)
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Expert: Mike Sullivan
EPA Section 608 Certified Technician with 18+ years experience.
Read Editorial Standards →Browse all Amana error codes: Amana Error Codes
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