Whirlpool · Dishwasher Serious

F8E3 — Drain Pump Stuck On

The control sees the drain pump being powered when it should be off — usually a stuck relay on the control board.

Keep using it?
Limited use only
DIY difficulty
Hard
Verified against
applianceaid.com ↗

How to fix it

  1. Power off at the breaker.
  2. Pull the toe-kick and inspect the drain pump wiring for any pinches or shorts to the cabinet.
  3. Restore power and observe — if the pump immediately runs without a cycle started, the control board is the cause.
  4. Replace the electronic control board.

Why it happens

Typical signs: F8E3 on display · Drain pump runs continuously · No water stays in tub to wash

  • Stuck drain pump relay on control board Relay welded closed.
  • Wiring short on drain pump circuit A pinched wire is feeding the pump constantly.

Parts you may need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Whirlpool dishwasher electronic control board Common replacement
    Amazon →

More Whirlpool dishwasher codes

E1 E1 — Fill / Water Supply Problem (legacy code) E4 E4 — Overfill / Water in Drip Tray F1E1 F1E1 — Control Module Fault F1E2 F1E2 — Incompatible or Failed Control Board F2 F2 — Water leak detected F3E1 F3E1 — Thermistor/OWI Sensor Open

All Whirlpool codes → All dishwasher codes →

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: applianceaid.com.