KitchenAid Dishwasher F3E1 Error Code: Thermistor/OWI Open

How F3E1 is defined

In KitchenAid’s service papers, F3E1 carries the label “Thermistor/OWI sensor circuit open.” The control tried to read the sensor’s signal and found the circuit broken.

What a thermistor is

A thermistor is a small temperature-sensing part whose electrical resistance varies with heat; that variation is how the control gets a temperature reading. Beside it the source puts “OWI.” KitchenAid leaves the abbreviation unexpanded, and so do we.

The break could be in one of three places

• An open connection somewhere in the sensor wiring
• A faulty temperature sensor
• The sensor input on the control, the point where the signal is read

Anything for the owner to do?

Not according to the documents. KitchenAid’s owner pages give a 30-second power cycle for the neighbouring F3E2, which names the same sensor, but nothing links the reset to F3E1 specifically. Trying it is harmless, though it should be seen as a restart and not a repair. With no owner steps listed, service is the way forward.

Other codes in the F3 group

• F3E2 names the thermistor or OWI sensor and has the owner reset.
• F3E3 is the same sensor failing its calibration.

Short answers

What is “open” in this context?
The electrical path through the sensor circuit is interrupted, so it cannot form a complete loop.

Does the sensor alone explain it?
Not necessarily. The sources also name a connection and the control’s sensor input.

KitchenAid dishwasher repair in Los Angeles

Our Los Angeles number is (310) 363-8964. For F3E1, tell us the code and whether you noticed odd water temperature or an unusual cycle length.

Source: KitchenAid Tech Sheet W10750900 Rev C; KitchenAid Job Aid W10573282