Maytag · Dishwasher
Maytag Dishwasher F3E2 Error Code
Water pressure sensor fault
What this error means
F3E2 indicates the wash tank pressure sensor signal is missing or out of range. Fill volume and overflow protection depend on this airtight hose circuit.
How F3E2 is detected
When F3E2 appears on a Maytag dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Maytag MDB4949SKZ, Maytag MDB7759AWM, 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 F3E2 calls are resolved without parts: remove power and pull the dishwasher forward for rear access. 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 F3E2 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
- Pressure hose disconnected at the tub air dome
- Food sludge blocking the air dome fitting
- Hose cracked from heat at the tub connection
- Failed pressure sensor on the control board
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Remove power and pull the dishwasher forward for rear access
- 2Trace the clear hose from the tub to the pressure switch
- 3Blow through the hose to confirm it is open
- 4Reinstall without kinks and run a short fill test
When to call a technician
Clear hose with recurring F3E2 during fill needs pressure switch or main control service.
Affected models
- Maytag MDB4949SKZ
- Maytag MDB7759AWM
- Maytag MDB8989SHZ
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent F3E2 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F3E2 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Maytag dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F3E2; Maytag uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F3E2; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.