ERROR CODE · KITCHENAID DISHWASHER · ORANGE COUNTY
KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Code F3 E1
Last updated:
The water temperature sensor is reading out of range.
What F3 E1 means.
F3 E1 reports a fault with the thermistor that tracks wash water temperature. The control posts the code when the sensor reads a value that cannot be right, which points to the sensor or its wiring. A heating element that is not warming the water can also drive the reading out of range. The dishwasher may stretch the cycle or skip heated steps. The sensor sits in the tub sump near the heater.
Most common causes.
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Failed temperature sensor
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Broken or corroded sensor wiring
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Faulty heating element leaving water cold
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Control board misreading the sensor
Try this first: safe DIY troubleshooting.
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Switch the dishwasher off at the breaker for five minutes, then restore power.
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Confirm hot water reaches the kitchen tap.
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Run a normal cycle and feel whether the dishes are warm.
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Watch for the code on the next cycle.
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If F3 E1 stays, the sensor and heater need testing.
What does this repair cost?
Typical part cost
$25–$160
Full repair (parts + labor)
$170–$360
Time on site
60–90 min
Prices reflect 2026 OEM part costs for the Orange County market. The diagnostic is $65, waived when you authorize the repair. 90-day parts and labor warranty.
What happens when you call us
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Call or book online
We pick up Mon-Sun 7am-9pm. Same & next-day appointments available, 7 days a week. Calls before 11am usually get same-day; later calls go to the next morning.
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On-site diagnostic
Our technician arrives in the window we promised, runs a full diagnostic, and gives you a fixed-price repair quote before any work. Service call from $65 (varies by appliance type), waived with the repair.
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Repair on the first visit
Common parts (compressor relays, drum bearings, control boards, igniters, drain pumps) ride on every truck. Most appliances are working again in the same visit.
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90-day warranty in writing
Every repair comes with a written 90-day warranty covering both parts and labor. If something fails inside that window, we come back at no charge.
Recent customer reviews
5.0 stars across 337 reviews on Yelp . Showing the 3 most recent.
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Work was done well and technician was on time and communicative! I used texts and they were answered very quickly. I will use them again.
Verified on Yelp → -
Ivan is the only repairman I would ever trust with our appliances! We have used him 3 times (for our dryer, our dishwasher, and most recently our oven). We called him when our oven unexpectedly stopped working and he got us scheduled right away and had it fixed immediately! He is prompt, incredibly knowledgable, very friendly, reasonably priced, and honest! Look no further if you have any appliance repair needs! Thank you again Ivan!! - Kate
Verified on Yelp → -
Our ice maker in our GE Profile refrigerator stopped working. We contacted several vendors through Yelp and Esquire was quick to respond and were able to come out the next day. Our ice maker was back up and running right away! They were able to buy the proper part and install it all in one day. They were courteous and reasonably priced. I couldn't be more pleased with how it went.
Verified on Yelp →
Don't wait. KitchenAid F3 E1 usually gets worse.
We diagnose, quote in writing, and most repairs finish on the first visit. Diagnostic is $65, waived with the repair.
- Same & next-day appointments available, 7 days a week
- Service call from $65 (varies by appliance), waived with the repair
- 90-day parts and labor warranty