Error code · Dishwasher

Kenmore 665 Dishwasher Code 3-1 / 3-2 / F3E1 / F3E2 (Whirlpool-built HE): Thermistor or Water Sensor

Medium · inspection needed

Code: 3-1 / 3-2 / F3E1 / F3E2 (Whirlpool-built HE)
Appliance: Dishwasher
Brand: Kenmore
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What 3-1 / 3-2 / F3E1 / F3E2 (Whirlpool-built HE) means

A Whirlpool-built Kenmore dishwasher with a 665 model prefix lists F3E2 as a thermistor or OWI sensor problem. The thermistor reads water temperature, and the OWI is the optical water indicator that judges how dirty the water is. F3E1 is not on that list, and the numeric 3-1 and 3-2 forms are not confirmed either. The owner sees a repeating flash count and the cycle may run long or stop.

Common causes of 3-1 / 3-2 / F3E1 / F3E2 (Whirlpool-built HE)

Thermistor circuit reading water temperature
Optical water indicator and its connector
Harness connections near the sump
Main control reading the sensor

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Let the dishwasher sit for a few minutes with the door closed. 2. Check that the filter at the tub bottom is clean and seated. 3. Make sure the tub has water in it and the inlet valve is open under the sink. 4. Note the repeating flash count. 5. Do not take the lower panel or sump apart.

! Why to stop there

F3E2 names two sensors and the code alone does not say which one is responsible.
We test the thermistor and the optical sensor separately.
Any part is quoted in writing before we order it, and the repair carries a 30-day warranty.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Dishwasher codes

Start/Resume Blinking / Clean Light Steady / Control Lock LED (665 / Whirlpool-built)Kenmore 665 Dishwasher Code Start/Resume Blinking / Clean Light Steady / Control Lock LED (665 / Whirlpool-built): Normal Prompts tE / HE / LE / nE (722-prefix)Kenmore Elite 722 Dishwasher Code tE / HE / LE / nE (722-prefix): Thermistor, Heater and Motors 6-2 / 6-4 / F6E2 / F6E4 (Whirlpool-built HE)Kenmore 665 Dishwasher Code 6-2 / 6-4 / F6E2 / F6E4 (Whirlpool-built HE): Float Switch 6-3 / F6E3 (Whirlpool-built HE)Kenmore 665 Dishwasher Code 6-3 / F6E3 (Whirlpool-built HE): Too Many Suds AE / E1 / FE (722-prefix)Kenmore Elite 722 Dishwasher Code AE / E1 / FE (722-prefix): Leak and Overfill Alerts BEKenmore Elite 722 Dishwasher Code BE: foam from the wrong detergent or an unlevel tub Clean Light 7 Blinks / Sanitized LED Blinking (665 / Whirlpool-built)Kenmore 665 Dishwasher Code Clean Light 7 Blinks / Sanitized LED Blinking (665 / Whirlpool-built): Load Not Sanitized Clean Light FlashingKenmore 665 Dishwasher Code Clean Light Flashing: Reading the F and E Count

3-1 / 3-2 / F3E1 / F3E2 (Whirlpool-built HE)3-1 / 3-2 / F3E1 / F3E2 (Whirlpool-built HE) questions

What is OWI?

It is the optical water indicator, a sensor that judges how clean the wash water is. On 665-series, Whirlpool-built dishwashers it sits in the sump area and works with the thermistor.

Is F3E1 the same as F3E2?

F3E1 is not on the list we rely on, so we treat F3E2 as the documented meaning and confirm what your dishwasher is really reporting when we inspect it.

Can a dirty filter cause this?

A blocked filter can change the water readings, so cleaning it is a sensible first step. It will not repair a sensor that has actually failed, though, so a repeat code needs a test.

Book a visit

Still seeing 3-1 / 3-2 / F3E1 / F3E2 (Whirlpool-built HE)?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 955-7152