Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher F3 — What It Means & How to Fix It
F3 on a DishDrawer flags a temperature-sensor fault — and a very hot incoming water supply is the one cause you can check and fix yourself.
What this code means
F3 means the DishDrawer's temperature sensing isn't happy: either the sensor has failed, or the water entering the machine is hotter than it can handle. Fisher & Paykel's manual spells out the check — water coming in through the inlet hose should be less than 65°C, otherwise you may need a tempering valve on the supply. If the supply is fine, F3 points at the sensor itself and a service visit.
From the DS605/DD605 DishDrawer user guide, where F3 is listed as 'Temperature sensor failed' with the guidance that inlet water must be below 65°C and a tempering valve may be needed. US repair references describe the same code as water being detected above roughly 185°F (85°C).
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Hot supply water arriving above the machine's limit | Common | Partly — check your water temp |
| Failed temperature sensor | Common | No — technician job |
| Missing or failed tempering valve on a very hot supply | Occasional | No — plumber needed |
| Sensor wiring or element circuit fault | Less common | No — technician job |
What you can try yourself
- Unplug the DishDrawer before checking anything inside.
- Use a thermometer to check how hot the water arriving at the inlet really is — above about 65°C (149°F) is too hot for the machine.
- If the supply is too hot, lower your water heater setting or have a plumber fit a tempering valve to the dishwasher supply.
- Power-cycle the machine (unplug for a minute) and run a short cycle to see whether F3 clears.
- If F3 returns with normal water temperature, the sensor has failed — that's a service-technician job.
When to call a technician
- Your supply is at normal temperature but F3 keeps coming back.
- Hot water at the tap is clearly hotter than it should be — fix the supply before running the dishwasher again.
Typical professional repair cost: A tempering valve install by a plumber typically runs $150–$400; a sensor replacement service call usually runs $150–$250.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature is too hot for a DishDrawer?
Fisher & Paykel's manual says incoming water should be below 65°C (about 149°F). Above that, the machine can show F3 — and you may need a tempering valve on the supply.
Can I fix F3 myself?
You can check and correct the water temperature yourself — that's the one user-side cause. If the supply is fine and F3 persists, the temperature sensor needs a technician.
Is F3 dangerous?
Not by itself — but very hot supply water is a plumbing safety issue. If the tap water is dangerously hot, that's worth fixing for the whole household, not just the dishwasher.
Sources checked
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Fisher & Paykel codes
- Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher F1 F1 on a DishDrawer is the flood-switch code — the machine has detected water where it shouldn't be, and it will keep beeping until it's dealt with.
- Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher F4 F4 on a DishDrawer points to the heating side — the water isn't reaching temperature. Beyond one reset, the element or sensor needs a technician.
- Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher U1 U1 is the DishDrawer fill fault — not enough water arrived in the allowed time. Most times it's the tap, a kinked hose, or a spray arm you can fix yourself.
- Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher U2 U2 is the DishDrawer 'something's sticking up' alert — an item is taller than the drawer allows. Remove it and press the button to continue.
More: all Fisher & Paykel dishwasher codes · all Fisher & Paykel codes · search by symptom