F6E3 Serious Moderate DIY
KitchenAid Dishwasher F6E3 — Suds Detected / Slow Fill
KitchenAid Dishwasher · Error code F6E3
What F6E3 Means
The control detected excessive sudsing or an abnormally slow fill — water level not reaching target within the expected time.
Symptoms
- Lots of suds in the tub
- Long fill times
- Cycle pauses and restarts the fill
- Poor wash performance
Common Causes
1
Wrong detergent (hand dish soap)
Liquid dish soap causes massive suds — most common cause.
2
Too much detergent
Over-dosing rinse aid or detergent.
3
Slow water supply
Partially closed valve or low pressure.
4
Failed OWI / pressure sensor
Sensor misreads water level.
How to Fix It
- Stop the cycle and confirm only dishwasher detergent (not hand soap) is in the dispenser.
- Open the door and sprinkle table salt over suds to break them down; run a Rinse Only cycle.
- Repeat rinse cycles until no suds remain.
- Verify the household water supply valve is fully open and pressure is normal (~40-60 psi).
- Reduce detergent dose if using pods or powder — most loads need less than a full pod.
- If suds aren't the issue, clean the OWI sensor lens in the sump.
- Replace the OWI sensor if cleaning doesn't help.
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.
More KitchenAid Dishwasher Codes
Verified against manufacturer documentation: kitchenaid.com
Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.