On the covered Kenmore Global HE, HE and MicroClean HE dishwasher, 3-3 or F3E3 means Kenmore's service table lists this code as: OWI failed to calibrate or the drain hose check valve failed, allowing dirty water to backflow into the dishwasher.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore Global HE, HE and MicroClean HE dishwasher code 3-3 or F3E3”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The drain hose check valve has failed and dirty water flows back into the dishwasher
What separates it Water backs up into the tub when you pour water through the drain hose
How to confirm Disconnect the hose at the air gap or disposal and pour water through it
- 2
The OWI sensor is dirty and reads a high soil level instead of low during the diagnostic test
What separates it The service diagnostics test shows high soil level in the OWI test
How to confirm Run the Service Diagnostics Test from the tech sheet and read the OWI soil level
- 3
The thermistor/OWI sensor is failed and cannot calibrate
What separates it The hose and cleaning steps pass and the code returns after a normal cycle
How to confirm The chart replaces the sensor after cleaning and recalibration
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether water flows back into the tub when the drain hose is tested
- The OWI soil level shown in the Service Diagnostics Test
- Whether the dishwasher drains into an air gap or a garbage disposal
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCorrect only the documented fault domain
ReversibleDisconnect the dishwasher drain hose connection from the air gap or the garbage disposal if you have no air gap. Pour water through the drain hose to see if water backs up into the dishwasher tub. If so, replace the portion of the drain hose that connects to the drain pump because the check valve in that hose failed. If water doesn't back up into the dishwasher through the drain hose, reconnect the hose and run the Service Diagnostics Test according to the instructions in the tech sheet. You should see low soil level indicated during the OWI test in the diagnostic mode.
If you see high soil level during the OWI test, unplug the dishwasher and clean the OWI sensor. Reassemble the dishwasher and plug the dishwasher back in to restore electrical power. Run the diagnostic test cycle so the electronic control board will calibrate the OWI sensor on the next cycle. Run a normal wash cycle. If you still see the error code, replace the thermistor/OWI sensor. Parts named: Thermistor/OWI sensor, drain hose.
Disconnect the drain hose from the air gap or the garbage disposal and pour water through it
ReversibleIf you have no air gap, disconnect at the disposal. Water that backs up into the tub means the check valve in the pump-side hose section has failed.
Replace the hose section that connects to the drain pump if water backs up
ReversibleThe check valve is part of that portion of the hose, so the chart replaces that section rather than the whole drain hose.
Run the Service Diagnostics Test and read the OWI reading, then clean the sensor if it shows high soil
ReversibleThe tech sheet gives the test. A clean sensor reads low soil level; the chart cleans it, reassembles, runs the diagnostic cycle to recalibrate, then a normal wash cycle before replacing the sensor.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Parts named by the chart
- Thermistor/OWI sensor and drain hose.
- Tools
- A pan or bucket, a screwdriver or nut driver, and the tech sheet for the diagnostic test.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Stop if dirty water backs up into the tub, which is a hygiene issue as well as a fault
- !Do not run normal cycles with a failed check valve; replace the hose section first
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The hose test, the diagnostic test and the calibration cycle are chart text.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does 3-3 or F3E3 mean on a Kenmore Global HE, HE and MicroClean HE dishwasher?+
Kenmore's service table lists this code as: OWI failed to calibrate or the drain hose check valve failed, allowing dirty water to backflow into the dishwasher.
How does the chart test the check valve?+
By disconnecting the drain hose at the air gap or disposal and pouring water through it to see whether it backs up into the tub.
What is calibration?+
After cleaning, the diagnostic cycle lets the control board calibrate the OWI sensor on the next cycle.
When is the sensor replaced?+
Only if the code still appears after the hose test, the cleaning and a normal cycle.