Error Code: F46 Difficulty: Moderate
Problem: Inlet Valve Sensor Error. There’s a problem with the inlet valve sensor.
How to Fix F46 Error (Step-by-Step)
- Shut off both the power and the water supply to the dishwasher.
- The water inlet valve is typically located at the front, behind the lower kick panel. Remove the screws holding the kick panel in place.
- You will see the inlet valve with the water supply line and a hose connected to it. Place a towel underneath to catch any water.
- Disconnect the water supply line and the hose from the valve. You may need pliers for the hose clamp.
- Disconnect the wiring harness from the old valve and remove the screws that mount it to the dishwasher’s frame.
- Install the new water inlet valve, making sure to reconnect the wiring harness, water supply line, and hose securely.
- Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks before reinstalling the kick panel and restoring power.
- 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
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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