Code: F4 E3 / F4E3🧺 Whirlpool Dishwasher

Whirlpool Dishwasher F4 E3 (F4E3) Error Code: Heating Error, Dishes Not Hot or Dry

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Based on 5 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Whirlpool Product Help lists F4E3 as a heating error, with power cycling as the only owner step before service. Whirlpool's technical manual W11480208 for Whirlpool, JennAir, Brastemp and KitchenAid 24 inch filtration dishwashers defines Function 4 as Heating and Error 3 as "heater relay stuck closed or heater failed", and the KitchenAid and Maytag microfiltration manual W11499711 uses the same code for "Relay Shorted or Heater Failed". Both manuals list two causes: the heater relay on the control board shorted, or the heater component shorted to ground. They also note that the control will keep running cycles with no heat without alerting the customer when it finds this fault, and that it disables the heater whenever it detects a heating problem. The manuals tie F4E3 (and the related F4E2, heater open) to poor wash, poor dry, long cycles, and in some cases melted dishware or a dishwasher that always runs hot. One caution: an older Whirlpool technical manual (W11542838) uses Function 4 for the wash motor, where E3 means the motor isn't running. If your model's tech sheet (usually tucked behind the lower kick panel) shows that layout, the code points to the wash motor instead.

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.

  1. Reset the control the way Whirlpool describes: unplug the dishwasher for 30 seconds (or turn its breaker off for 30 seconds if it's hard-wired), then restore power. Whirlpool's reset guide suggests waiting at least a minute if 30 seconds doesn't clear it.
  2. Run a normal cycle and see whether the code returns. Whirlpool says to schedule service if it does.
  3. Check your model's tech sheet behind the lower kick panel to confirm what F4 means on your unit, since one older Whirlpool manual uses F4 for the wash motor rather than the heater.
  4. Make sure the dishwasher is connected to the hot water supply. The W11499711 manual recommends about 120°F (49°C) at the sink and notes that water under 84°F (29°C) causes long cycles, which is worth ruling out even though it isn't the cause of F4E3 itself.
  5. Keep plastic items on the top rack rather than directly over the heater. Whirlpool's W11499711 manual lists plastics loaded over the heater, along with heating faults like F4E3, among the causes of melted dishware.
  6. If you're comfortable with a meter and have cut power first, the manuals check the heater circuit at the control board connector P4 (pins 2 and 3), where a good heater and hi-limit circuit reads about 10 to 40 ohms. Any live-voltage checks are for technicians only, per Whirlpool's own warning.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • The code returns after a power reset. Whirlpool's help page says to schedule service.
  • You see scorch marks, melted plastic or a burning smell near the heater or its wiring. The manuals say to replace any heater or connection showing overheating or shorting.
  • The heater measures correctly but F4E3 keeps coming back, which points to the heater relay on the main control board. Boards are model-specific and should be matched to your full model number.
  • Dishes are coming out too hot, or plastic items are melting. Whirlpool's manuals list a heating fault among the causes.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Dishwasher heating element

Only if a meter test shows it open or shorted to ground, or it shows burn damage. Order by your full model number.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_HEATING_ELEMENT]
⚙

Dishwasher main control board

Only after the heater and wiring test good, since the shorted heater relay sits on this board. Boards differ between models.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_BOARD]
⚙

Digital multimeter

For the power-off resistance check of the heater circuit.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_MULTIMETER]

Sources

  1. Whirlpool Product Help: F4E3 - Dishwasher (Heating Error; cycle power 30 seconds; schedule service if it returns)
  2. Whirlpool Product Help: Resetting the Dishwasher's Controls (Cycle Power), wait at least 1 minute
  3. Whirlpool technical manual W11480208, Whirlpool/KitchenAid/JennAir 24 inch filtration dishwashers (Function 4 Heating, Error 3 heater relay stuck closed or heater failed; heater circuit test, 10-40 ohms)
  4. Whirlpool technical manual W11499711, KitchenAid and Maytag 24 inch microfiltration dishwashers (F4E3 Relay Shorted or Heater Failed; symptom table; hot water 120°F, under 84°F causes long cycles)
  5. Whirlpool technical manual W11542838 (older layout where Function 4 is the wash motor and Error 3 is motor not running)

Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.