On the covered Whirlpool dishwasher, F6 E3, FA E1 means excessive suds, or on the older tables suds or air in the pump, or a detergent dispenser fault First, look for foam in the tub. Then: scoop out the suds, run the clean-out cycles Whirlpool describes, and use only dishwasher detergent.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool dishwasher code F6 E3, FA E1”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The wrong detergent
What separates it Foam fills the tub and the code appears during the cycle
How to confirm Whirlpool says laundry detergent, hand soap or dish detergent for hand washing can cause suds
- 2
A rinse aid cap left off
What separates it Suds appear after the rinse aid dispenser was filled
How to confirm Check that the rinse aid dispenser cap is back on, as Whirlpool says
- 3
Too much dishwasher detergent
What separates it Foam appears with a correct detergent used in a heavy dose
How to confirm Measure the dose against the soil level of the load
- 4
A low water level that puts air in the pump (older tables)
What separates it There are no suds, but the fill level is too low
How to confirm The table says the water level should just touch the bottom of the overfill float mushroom, and looks for flipped-over bowls holding water
- 5
A damaged detergent dispenser (FA E1)
What separates it The dispenser does not release detergent properly at the wash step
How to confirm The older table says to check the wiring to the detergent dispenser and replace it if the wiring is intact
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact display: F6 E3 or FA E1
- Which detergent and how much was used
- Whether the rinse aid cap is on
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleLook for foam in the tub.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleScoop out the suds, run the clean-out cycles Whirlpool describes, and use only dishwasher detergent.
Scoop out the suds
ReversibleWhirlpool says to use a plastic cup to scoop out as many suds as possible.
Run the clean-out sequence
ReversibleRemove the dishes and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable cooking oil to the bottom of the dishwasher to suppress suds. Run a full cycle with no detergent or dishes, then a full cycle with the detergent cups filled but no dishes.
Drain a sudsy tub
ReversibleThe older table says that if you see excessive suds, cancel the cycle: the drain pump runs for 3 minutes. If it cannot drain the sudsy water, drain by hand or with a wet/dry shop vacuum.
Check the fill level if there are no suds
ReversibleThe older table says a low water level causes air in the pump; the level should just touch the bottom of the overfill float mushroom. Look for bowls or containers that flipped over and held water, and reload so they cannot flip. If none, a defective water inlet valve can cause a low level; test the supply as on the F6 E1 page.
Scoop and flush before you test again
ReversibleRemove as much foam as you can with a cup, then run a rinse cycle with no detergent until the water runs clear. Testing the machine while foam remains will repeat the code and mislead you.
Check the rinse aid dispenser
ReversibleA cracked rinse aid cap or an overfilled reservoir can leak into the tub and foam. Wipe up spills and refill only to the line, then watch the next cycle for suds.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- F6 E3 or FA E1 (6-3 and 10-1 on the older tables).
- Parts named by the service tables
- Detergent dispenser; water inlet valve; wire harness.
- Tools
- A plastic cup, vegetable oil and a towel; a shop vacuum for a stubborn fill.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Unplug the dishwasher if foam has reached the control housing or the floor
- !Do not use a wet/dry vacuum near exposed wiring while the dishwasher is plugged in
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The oil quantity and the 30 day cleaning interval are Whirlpool's own wording.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does F6 E3, FA E1 mean on a Whirlpool dishwasher?+
excessive suds, or on the older tables suds or air in the pump, or a detergent dispenser fault
What does the oil do?+
Whirlpool says 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable cooking oil in the bottom of the dishwasher suppresses suds.
How often should I clean the dishwasher?+
Whirlpool says approximately every 30 days for best performance.
What is FA E1?+
On the older tables, a detergent dispenser failure.
Do KitchenAid and Maytag dishwashers behave the same way?+
Yes.
Can dish soap really cause this?+
Yes. Hand dish soap foams far more than dishwasher detergent and can fill the tub in one wash.
Will the foam damage the machine?+
A little will not, but a lot can leak out of the door and wet the floor, so clear it promptly.
Does the older table mention something else?+
It lists suds or air in the pump, or a detergent dispenser fault, so a code that returns without suds deserves a check of the pump and the dispenser.
How much detergent is right?+
Fill the cup to the line for a normal load, and use less in soft water.