🍽️Dishwasher

F3E3

Maytag · MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack

Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack F3E3 Error Fix: OWI Calibration Failure

The Optical Water Indicator sensor failed to calibrate, or the drain check valve has failed. Clean the OWI sensor. Check drain hose check valve.

warning2 fixes available✨ Free fix available

Quick Answer

Error F3E3 on the Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack means: OWI Calibration Failure. The top-ranked community fix is “Replace OWI Sensor and Drain Hose Check Valve” (medium difficulty, ~40 min, DIY cost: $20-$30). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · dishwasher

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

When to Call a Professional

While many dishwasher repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150-$200.

Other Maytag Models with Error F3E3

MDB4949SHZ 24" Front Control Built-In Dishwasher

dishwasher · 2 fixes

MED6630HW 7.3 cu ft Electric Dryer with Extra Power

dryer · 2 fixes

MGD6630HW 7.3 cu ft Gas Dryer with Extra Power

dryer · 2 fixes

Other Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack Error Codes

BAD ODOR

Musty or Bad Odor

2 fixes

CLOUDY GLASSES

Cloudy or Spotted Glassware

2 fixes

DETERGENT NOT DISSOLVING

Detergent Not Dissolving

2 fixes

DISHES NOT CLEAN

Dishes Not Getting Clean

2 fixes

DOOR LATCH ISSUE

Door Will Not Latch Properly

2 fixes

F1E1

Control Board Relay Stuck

2 fixes

F1E2

Control Board Internal Failure

2 fixes

F2E1

User Interface Stuck Button

2 fixes

People Also Ask About Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack Error F3E3

What does error code F3E3 mean on a Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack?

Error code F3E3 on the Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack means: OWI Calibration Failure. The Optical Water Indicator sensor failed to calibrate, or the drain check valve has failed. Clean the OWI sensor. Check drain hose check valve.

How do I fix error code F3E3 on my Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack?

The most successful fix is "Replace OWI Sensor and Drain Hose Check Valve" (medium difficulty, ~40 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $20-$30. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code F3E3 on a Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack serious?

This error is rated warning severity. It is generally not urgent and can often be resolved with a simple DIY fix.

Can I fix Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack error F3E3 myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Replace OWI Sensor and Drain Hose Check Valve") is rated medium difficulty and takes about 40 minutes. Tools needed: T20 Torx screwdriver, Adjustable pliers, Multimeter.

How much does it cost to repair Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack error F3E3?

DIY cost: $20-$30. Professional repair typically costs $150-$200. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack have?

The Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack has 8 other known error codes, including: BAD ODOR (Musty or Bad Odor), CLOUDY GLASSES (Cloudy or Spotted Glassware), DETERGENT NOT DISSOLVING (Detergent Not Dissolving), DISHES NOT CLEAN (Dishes Not Getting Clean), DOOR LATCH ISSUE (Door Will Not Latch Properly), and 3 more.

Which other Maytag models have the F3E3 error?

Error code F3E3 also appears on 3 other Maytag models: MDB4949SHZ 24" Front Control Built-In Dishwasher, MED6630HW 7.3 cu ft Electric Dryer with Extra Power, MGD6630HW 7.3 cu ft Gas Dryer with Extra Power. The fix may vary by model, so check each model's specific page for tailored repair steps.

What other error codes does the Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack have?

The Maytag MDB8959SKZ 24" Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Third Level Rack has 8 other known error codes:

BAD ODOR — Musty or Bad Odor (2 fixes)
CLOUDY GLASSES — Cloudy or Spotted Glassware (2 fixes)
DETERGENT NOT DISSOLVING — Detergent Not Dissolving (2 fixes)
DISHES NOT CLEAN — Dishes Not Getting Clean (2 fixes)
DOOR LATCH ISSUE — Door Will Not Latch Properly (2 fixes)
F1E1 — Control Board Relay Stuck (2 fixes)
F1E2 — Control Board Internal Failure (2 fixes)
F2E1 — User Interface Stuck Button (2 fixes)

Which other Maytag models have the F3E3 error?

Error code F3E3 also appears on 3 other Maytag models:

MDB4949SHZ 24" Front Control Built-In Dishwasher (dishwasher) · 2 fixes
MED6630HW 7.3 cu ft Electric Dryer with Extra Power (dryer) · 2 fixes
MGD6630HW 7.3 cu ft Gas Dryer with Extra Power (dryer) · 2 fixes

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