Kenmore · Dishwasher
Kenmore Dishwasher F3 Error Code
Water temperature sensor fault
What this error means
F3 means the tub water thermistor is reading abnormally—open or shorted. Kenmore 665 dishwashers use this NTC near the heating element to regulate wash and dry temperatures.
How F3 is detected
When F3 appears on a Kenmore dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Kenmore 665.13223K901, Kenmore 665.17789K801, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most F3 calls are resolved without parts: access the thermistor mounted near the heating element under the tub. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If F3 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Failed NTC thermistor WPW10467289
- Disconnected sensor wire in the tub sump area
- Sensor corroded from hard water deposits on the pins
- Connector loose at the electronic control board
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Access the thermistor mounted near the heating element under the tub
- 2Measure resistance—about 55K ohms at 77°F, dropping near 20K at 120°F
- 3Clean corroded connector pins with electrical contact cleaner
- 4Replace the sensor if reading is 0 or infinite
When to call a technician
New sensor with correct resistance but recurring F3 may indicate main control board input failure.
Affected models
- Kenmore 665.13223K901
- Kenmore 665.17789K801
- Kenmore 665.14703N510
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent F3 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F3 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Kenmore dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F3; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F3; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.