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Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code 4-3

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧🔧 Advanced DIY Also shown as: F4E3

Wash pump communication / motor fault

The most common cause of the 4-3 error on a Kenmore dishwasher is failed circulation pump motor (~45% of cases); start with: power cycle.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$180 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $220–$400 Save $220+ by doing it yourself
Kenmore Dishwasher error code 4-3 on the display panel
How the 4-3 code appears on a Kenmore dishwasher display

What Does Error Code 4-3 Mean on a Kenmore Dishwasher?

Wash pump communication / motor fault.

Code 4-3 (F4E3) fires when the control board cannot verify operation of the wash circulation pump — either it detects no communication or feedback from the motor, or the motor fails to spin up when commanded. The board distinguishes this from drain-pump faults (5-1) and general communication errors (1-1) by targeting the circulation motor circuit specifically. A seized rotor, open harness, dead motor winding, or a failed board driver all prevent the expected feedback, so the code latches and spray stops.

Models affected: Whirlpool-platform Kenmore 665 Series dishwashers, and comparable Whirlpool-built models using the same control electronics
What owners report: Owners commonly report this appearing mid-cycle alongside dishes that come out dry or dirty because nothing is spraying. A stray shard of glass or hard debris jamming the impeller is a frequent false-alarm trigger, and some owners find a single power cycle at the breaker clears a one-off glitch before any parts are needed.

What Causes Error Code 4-3?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Failed circulation pump motor 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Loose harness at pump or board 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Seized pump from debris/glass 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Control board driver failure 10% of cases

How to Fix Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code 4-3

🔧🔧🔧 Advanced DIY Est. time: 1–3 hours
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Power cycle

    Breaker off 5 minutes — a one-off communication glitch may clear.

  2. 2

    Check the pump harness

    Tip out the dishwasher access and reseat the connector at the circulation pump and at the board.

    ⚠️ Breaker off before reaching under the tub.
  3. 3

    Replace the circulation pump

    If the motor hums or is silent with good wiring, replace the pump assembly.

    🔩 Kenmore dishwasher circulation pump ($90–$180)

How to Reset Error Code 4-3

Power cycle at the breaker for 5 minutes and rerun a cycle.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Kenmore dishwasher reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

Pump replacement requires pulling the unit out from under the counter — most owners hand this to a tech.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $220–$400

Related Error Codes

5-1
Door switch fault — door not detected as latched
⚠ Medium Severity
F1E1
Control board memory error — stuck relay or corrupted firmware
⚠ High Severity

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Kenmore Dishwasher:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Kenmore Dishwasher repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Kenmore Dishwasher Error Codes

F2E2 User interface cannot communicate with control board F8E4 Float switch tripped — overfill detected F6E4 Float switch open — water level too low 6-1 No water detected entering the tub 7-1 Heating element failure — water not reaching temperature

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Kenmore Dishwasher when error 4-3 appears? +
It is not advisable. The dishwasher may still power on, but running it while 4-3 is active can worsen the motor fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes 4-3 on a Kenmore Dishwasher? +
Across reported Kenmore dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is failed circulation pump motor (45% of cases), loose harness at pump or board (30%), then seized pump from debris/glass (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
4-3 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored 4-3 fault; if it returns, the motor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — power cycle, then check the pump harness — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is an advanced repair involving deeper disassembly or electrical testing.
How much does it cost to fix Kenmore Dishwasher error 4-3? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$180 in parts, versus $220–$400 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $220. Expect the work to take 1–3 hours.
Which Kenmore Dishwasher models show error 4-3? +
4-3 is documented on Whirlpool-platform Kenmore 665 Series dishwashers, and comparable Whirlpool-built models using the same control electronics. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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