Maytag Dishwasher F8 E4: Water in the Drip Tray, Leak Detected (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What the code means

Maytag's dishwasher error code guide lists F8E4 as "Water Detected in Drip Tray." Many Maytag dishwashers have a plastic drip tray (leak pan) under the tub with a foam float and switch. When enough water collects in the tray, the float lifts, the switch opens, and the control stops the cycle, runs the drain pump and sounds an alarm. Maytag's help page says the drain sequence will begin and the machine won't run until the code is cleared. In Whirlpool's technical manual W11499711 for KitchenAid and Maytag 24 inch microfiltration dishwashers, F8E4 is Function 8 (Inlet Water), Error 4 (Overfill switch open), and the causes it lists range from a simple spill or suds to a fill valve stuck open or a drain problem. On models with a flashing Clean light instead of a display, the code shows as 8 flashes, a pause, then 4 flashes. Emptying the tray clears the code, but the manual warns that the root cause must be fixed or the leak will come back.

Likely causes

• A leak at the water supply connection, often a loose fitting or an unseated rubber washer on a new installation
• Too many suds from dish soap, too much detergent, or a leaking rinse aid dispenser pushing water out of the tub
• The dishwasher isn't level and tilts forward, so water surges into the funnels that feed the drip tray
• Opening and quickly closing the door while the dishwasher is hot, which can force droplets into the tray
• The float switch is unplugged or its wire was damaged during installation
• The float or switch is stuck in the up (open) position by debris
• A drain problem (check whether F9E1 or F9E2 was also recorded)
• A fill valve stuck open (often recorded with F8E5) or a control fault (F1E1)

Safe DIY checks

1. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. Maytag says to press Cancel once to silence the alarm, keep the door closed and leave the power on so the drain sequence can finish.
2. Look for suds in the tub. If you see them, let them settle, and use only automatic dishwasher detergent, never dish soap.
3. Check the water supply connection under the dishwasher. Make sure the rubber washer is seated, hand-tighten the 3/4 inch elbow fitting, then add 1/4 to 1/2 turn with pliers if needed. The fill hose should exit at the rear left.
4. With the power off, remove the lower access panel. If there's water in the drip tray, press the snap on each side of the tray toward the center and pull it toward you gently, since the float switch wire is still attached. Empty and dry it.
5. Make sure the float moves freely and the float switch connector is fully seated, with the locking tab visible over the back of the connector. Also make sure the power cord doesn't touch the motor or the bottom of the tub.
6. Check that the dishwasher is level side to side and front to back, and adjust the leveling legs if it tilts forward.
7. Reinstall the tray and panel, restore power and water, then press Cancel once to silence the tone and again to clear the code. Run a short cycle and watch for leaks.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• E15 Bosch Dishwasher E15
• E24 Bosch Dishwasher E24
• E25 Bosch Dishwasher E25
• i20 Frigidaire Dishwasher i20
• i30 Frigidaire Dishwasher i30
• FTD GE Dishwasher FTD

All Maytag codes →

Sources

1. Maytag Product Help: F8E4 - Dishwasher (water supply connection, float switch, emptying the drip tray, Cancel twice, suds, drain sequence)
2. Maytag Product Help: Dishwasher Error Codes - Reading (F8E4 Water Detected in Drip Tray)
3. Whirlpool technical manual W11499711, KitchenAid and Maytag 24 inch microfiltration dishwashers (F8E4 Overfill switch open: causes and checks; leak detection drip tray and float)
4. Whirlpool Product Help: F8E4 - Dishwasher (same procedure on Whirlpool-built dishwashers)