Whirlpool Dishwasher – Error Code 3-3

Whirlpool – Error Code 3-3

Is your Whirlpool dishwasher displaying the error code 3-3 on the screen?

What is a Whirlpool Error Code 3-3?

OWI failed to calibrate or the drain hose check valve failed, allowing dirty water to backflow into your dishwasher

Recommended solution/fix steps

Disconnect your dishwasher drain hose connection from the air gap or the garbage disposal if you have no air gap. Pour water through the drain hose to see if water backs up into your dishwasher tub. If so, replace the portion of the drain hose that connects to the drain pump because the check valve in that hose failed. If water doesn’t back up into your dishwasher through the drain hose, reconnect the hose and run the Service Diagnostics Test according to the instructions in the tech sheet. You should see low soil level indicated during the OWI test in the diagnostic mode. If you see high soil level during the OWI test, unplug your dishwasher and clean the OWI sensor. Reassemble your dishwasher and plug your dishwasher back in to restore electrical power. Run the diagnostic test cycle so the electronic control board will calibrate the OWI sensor on the next cycle. Run a normal wash cycle. If you still see the error code, replace the thermistor/OWI sensor.

Whirlpool Troubleshooting to try

• Check the power to your house
• Check your dishwasher circuit breaker
• If your dishwasher motor has overheated, it will work again when it gets back to a normal operating temperature. Try unplugging your machine, waiting fifteen minutes then trying again
• Is the dishwasher door fully closed? If the door isn’t pushing on the closed switch, the machine won’t work
• Have you accidentally started a delayed start timer? Follow the reset directions to reset your machine and cancel the timer
• Is your machine full of suds? You might have used too much detergent and the machine is unable to drain
• Is the drain hose kinked or clogged?
• Are the water taps still turned on?
• Check for a clogged filter

How to restart/reset/reboot your Whirlpool dishwasher?

Looking to reset your Whirlpool dishwasher to clear it and see if that helps get your machine started again? There often isn’t a way to reset the washing machine but what you can do instead is power cycle it: Unplug it (or turn off power at the circuit breaker), wait some time for the electrical charge to clear out of the dishwasher (usually 1 to 5 minutes at most), and then power it up again. This is the closest you can get to a reset of the dishwasher. A power cycle can, in rare instances, resolve your issue all by itself. Most of the time it won’t, though, and you’ll need to troubleshoot the issue you’re having in order to resolve it.

A common way to reset your Whirlpool dishwasher will be:

1. Unplug your washer
2. Wait 5 minutes
3. Plug in your washer
4. Did this work? If not, try to press/hold the power/start button for ten seconds or press/hold the play/pause button for ten seconds

How to clean your Whirlpool dishwasher

Is your dishwasher filter due for a cleaning? With our quick and easy-to-follow guide, you’ll get the job done in no time. Keeping your dishwasher filter clean is one key to sparkling dishes. In fact, the filter is responsible for:

• Protecting the pump from being clogged by oversized or foreign objects.
• Cleaning and clearing the dishwater.
• Keeping food particles from recirculating and resticking to your dishes.

That’s a big job. So, periodically cleaning the filter helps prevent buildup and clogs, keeping your appliance running smoothly.

You should clean your filter if you’re noticing any of the following issues:

• Soil or other food particles are visible.
• Cleaning performance has worsened (e.g., there are food remnants on your dishes after a cycle).
• Dishes are gritty or grimy to the touch after they’ve been cleaned.

To help prevent these issues, it’s best to clean your dishwasher filter regularly. But don’t worry, it’s not as time-consuming as you might think. Check out our step-by-step guide below to learn how to clean your dishwasher filter and how often you should clean it.

Where is the dishwasher filter?

The dishwasher filter is at the bottom of your dishwasher, under the bottom rack. To find it, pull out the bottom dish rack, then look for the filter—it’s usually either in one of the back corners of the dishwasher tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm.

3 steps to a clean dishwasher filter

Ready to get started? Follow these instructions to clean your dishwasher filter in three easy steps.

Step 1: Remove your filter

• To access your dishwasher filter, remove your lower dish rack to expose the bottom of your dishwasher. The filter can be found in either the back corner of the dishwasher tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm.
• Many dishwasher filters are composed of two parts: an upper and lower filter assembly. Give the upper filter a quarter turn clockwise and take it out.
• Then, gently lift and pull the lower filter forward to remove it.

Step 2: Clean your filter

• Run water over your dishwasher filter to remove most soils.
• You may need to use a soft brush and dish soap on calcium deposits and other hard-to-remove debris. Don’t use a wire brush, scouring pad or anything rough to scrub the filter as these materials could damage the filter.

Step 3: Replace your filter

• Return the lower filter to the bottom of the dishwasher tub, placing it properly under the tabs so the upper filter will line up with the round opening in the bottom of the tub.
• Fit the upper filter into the opening on the top of the lower filter.
• Turn the filter clockwise until you feel it glide into place. If your filter still turns freely, it’s not seated properly. Keep turning it clockwise until it locks.
• Do not run your dishwasher without first making sure the filter is locked. Check both the upper and lower filter assemblies. A loose filter could damage your dishwasher.
• Remember that if the upper filter still turns clockwise, it’s not securely locked. The arrow on the upper filter does not have to line up perfectly with the arrow on the lower filter. As long as the filter is locked, your dishwasher can run optimally.

If you notice that your dishwasher filter is damaged or worn, be sure to replace it immediately. You can follow the instructions above to install your new filter.

How frequently should you clean your dishwasher filter?

Cleaning your dishwasher filter on a regular basis can help your dishwasher perform at its best, load after load. Find out if your dishwasher filter is due for a cleaning based on the recommendations below.

• I prewash before loading – Up to 14 loads per week: clean once per year.
• I scrape before loading – 1–7 loads per week: clean twice per year. 8–14 loads per week: clean every three months.
• I scrape and rinse before loading – 1–7 loads per week: clean twice per year. 8–14 loads per week: clean every three months.
• I don’t scrape or rinse before loading – 1–3 loads per week: clean every two months. 4–7 loads per week: clean once per month. 8–12 loads per week: clean every two weeks. 13–14 loads per week: clean once per week.