On the covered KitchenAid dishwasher, F6 E3, FA E1 means the tub holds more foam than the pump can move, from too much detergent or the wrong kind, or on older machines suds or air in the pump or a detergent dispenser fault First, open the door and look for foam before you run anything else.
Differential
Likely causes of “KitchenAid dishwasher code F6 E3, FA E1”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The dishwasher has detected too many suds in the tub
What separates it The display shows F6 E3 and foam rises over the filter or leaks from the door
How to confirm Open the door after the cycle stops and look for foam in the tub
- 2
Too much detergent or the wrong kind of detergent
What separates it Hand dish soap or washing-up liquid was used, or far too much powder or gel
How to confirm Remember what went into the dispenser and the tub
- 3
Rinse aid or detergent spilled in the tub
What separates it A bottle was left open or an overfilled dispenser overflowed
How to confirm Check the dispenser and the floor of the tub
- 4
Soapy dishes from a hand wash
What separates it Dishes carried suds into the machine
How to confirm Rinse the dishes before loading
- 5
A float or sensor that misreads the water
What separates it The tub has no suds but the code shows
How to confirm A technician tests the sensors
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- That the display shows F6 E3 and not F6 E4
- What detergent was used and how much
- Whether suds are visible in the tub
- The model number from the label on the door
Try in this order
0 of 9 completedWhat to do first
Reversibleopen the door and look for foam before you run anything else.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleScoop out the foam, run a rinse with no detergent until the water runs clear, and use only dishwasher detergent from then on.
Stop the cycle and open the door
ReversiblePress Cancel so that the dishwasher stops, and open the door carefully since suds can spill out.
Scoop out the suds
ReversibleUse a cup or a sponge to remove as much foam as you can, and pour a little cold water over the rest to break it down.
Run a rinse cycle
ReversibleClose the door and run a short rinse with no detergent, so that the remaining suds are flushed to the drain.
Wipe up any leak
ReversibleDry the floor and the area under the door, since foam can leak out and cause a fall or damage.
Use the right detergent next time
ReversibleChoose a dishwasher detergent and measure it to the line in the dispenser. Never use hand dish soap.
Call KitchenAid if it returns
ReversibleIf F6 E3 shows with no suds, a technician checks the water-level and sensor circuits.
Run a cleaner cycle afterwards
ReversibleOnce the foam has gone, run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar on the top rack, to clear any soap film from the pump and the spray arms.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The code on this page
- F6 E3, excessive suds.
- Parts involved
- The detergent, the water level sensors and the float.
- Related
- F6 E4 and its relatives name the float switch.
- Suds and a quiet KitchenAid
- KitchenAid dishwashers are built to run quietly, and the sound insulation that makes them quiet also hides the sound of a pump struggling with foam. A machine that is oddly silent, with a tub that looks full of bubbles, is telling you the same thing as the F6 E3 code. Look inside before you assume the cycle is simply running.
- The right amount of detergent
- Modern dishwasher detergent is concentrated. Fill the cup to the first line for a normal load and use less when the water is soft, since extra detergent does not clean better and only produces residue. Pods and tablets are the easiest way to avoid overdosing.
- When foam keeps coming back
- If the tub foams even with the right detergent and no dish soap, look for rinse aid that has leaked, a crack in the rinse aid cap or a soapy pan that was rinsed in the sink and carried in. A thorough rinse and a cleaner cycle usually break the pattern.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If F6 E3 returns after the suds are cleared and the right detergent is used, book KitchenAid service with the model number
- !Do not use hand dish soap in a dishwasher, since it creates far more foam than the machine can handle
- !Switch off at the breaker before reaching under the machine if foam has leaked
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does F6 E3, FA E1 mean on a KitchenAid dishwasher?+
the tub holds more foam than the pump can move, from too much detergent or the wrong kind, or on older machines suds or air in the pump or a detergent dispenser fault
What caused the suds?+
Too much detergent, the wrong detergent such as hand dish soap, or spilled rinse aid.
Can I put a little dish soap in?+
No, even a small amount can produce a tub full of foam.
Is the dishwasher damaged?+
Usually not, if the suds are cleared promptly.
Is F6 E4 the same?+
No, F6 E4 names the float switch, and a level machine with a free float is the first check.
Why is my quiet KitchenAid so silent with F6 E3?+
The insulation muffles the pump, so a struggling pump is harder to hear than on other machines.
Can rinse aid cause suds?+
Yes, a leak from a cracked rinse aid cap can foam the tub.
Do pods help?+
Pods give a fixed dose, which makes overdosing less likely, but never add dish soap.
How do I break up foam quickly?+
A tablespoon of vegetable oil on the foam, or cold water, will collapse it, though scooping is simpler.