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OE Error Code - Dishwasher

  • Troubleshooting
OE Error Code - Dishwasher

When the unit is not draining or an OE error code is displaying on your unit. it indicates that the unit has detected a drain issue, most often resulting from food clogs or an installation issue. Luckily, both of these issues can sometimes be resolved with just a few troubleshooting steps!

If you have error codes such as AE, E1 or others, please visit our detailed Error Codes - Dishwasher article to resolve the error.

  1. Check for food debris.

    If you notice any food debris in the tub of your dishwasher, remove larger food debris and items that may not wash out.

    Perform maintenance activities which includes cleaning the spray arms, cleaning the filters, and running a maintenance cycle. For more information, please visit our Maintenance - Dishwasher article.

    After performing the dishwasher maintenance, attempt to run a HEAVY DUTY or NORMAL cycle with no dishes or detergent. This will flush out the unit and test the drain function.

    OE Error Code
  2. Clean the filter.

    To keep the dishwasher performing at its best, its important to clean the filter. For your convenience, watch the video below or follow the step-by-step instructions.

    • To clean the filters, start by removing the lower rack.

    • The filter is located below the long spray arms under the rack.

    Filter Cleaning
    1. View How to Clean the Filter
    2. How many spray arms do you have?

      NOTE: The look and position of your filters and removal instructions may vary slightly from the instructions below. Refer to your owner's manual for model specific instructions. Visit our Documents and Manuals to download a copy.

      • For best wash performance, clean the filter after each load.

      • Before starting a cycle, make sure that the filter is assembled correctly. If the filter is not assembled properly, poor cleaning performance may be experienced.

      • For areas with hard water, it is recommended to clean the filter at least once a month to prevent poor wash performance.

      Do you prefer reading the step-by-step-instruction?

      View Step by Step Instructions

      Note: Some models do not have a 3-stage filter in the bottom of the tub. Instead, some models have a self-cleaning filter system that continuously cleans the water as it circulates. The self-cleaning filter grinds food into small particles before going down the drain. In this case, cleaning the filters is not necessary.

      NOTE: The look and position of your filters and removal instructions may vary slightly from the instructions below. Refer to your owner's manual for model specific instructions. Visit our Documents and Manuals to download a copy.

      A.

      Remove the lower rack.

      Lower Rack Removal

      B.

      Turn the mesh filter counterclockwise.

      Filter Removal

      C.

      Take out the mesh filter, upper STS filter, and the outer filter.

      Bottom Filter Removal

      D.

      Clean the filters using non-abrasive materials and warm water.

      Separate the two cylinder shaped filters, gently clean them with a brush under warm water.

      Filter Cleaning

      E.

      Replace the filters in reverse order.

      Filter Replacement
      • For best wash performance, clean the filter after each load. If food debris remains in the filter, it may cause an odor.

      • In areas with hard water, clean the filter at least once a month with a soft brush.

      • Clean the filters using non-abrasive materials and warm running water.

      Do you prefer reading the step-by-step-instruction?

      View Step by Step Instructions

      Note: Be cautious of sharp edges when handling the stainless steel filter.
      Remove food residue caught in filters to prevent the build up of odor-causing bacteria and possible drainage problems.

      NOTE: The look and position of your filters and removal instructions may vary slightly from the instructions below. Refer to your owner's manual for model specific instructions. Visit our Documents and Manuals to download a copy.

      A.

      Remove the lower rack.

      Remove the lower rack and position the bottom spray arm so a wider vee is open to the front.

      B.

      Turn the mesh filter counter-clockwise.

      Turn the inner filter counter-clockwise and take out the assembled inner filter and stainles steel filter.

      Filter Removal

      C.

      Clean the filters.

      Clean the filters with a soft brush under running water. Reassemble the filters before reinstalling them.

      Filter Cleaning

      D.

      Replace the filters in reverse order.

      To replace the assembled filters, position the spray arm so the wider vee is toward the front. Fit the filters back into the filter holder and secure them by turning the inner filter clockwise until it clicks into place.

      Filter Replacement
  3. Check the drain hose.

    The dishwasher will not drain properly if the drain hose is kinked. Inspect and adjust the drain hose to avoid kinks.

    • Look under the sink for a ridged or corrugated hose. It will be either white, opaque, or gray. Check if anything has gotten pushed against it or on top of it, causing the hose to become pinched or kinked.

    • Straighten hose and run test cycle.

    kinked drain hose
  4. Check the air gap.

    OE is triggered when the dishwasher is not draining properly. Check the drain air gap or in-sink disposal for debris and clogs.

    View How to Clean the Air Gap
    clean out debris

    Note: Be cautious of sharp edges when handling the stainless steel filter.
    Remove food residue caught in filters to prevent the build up of odor-causing bacteria and possible drainage problems.

    A.

    Turn unit OFF.

    Press the POWER button to turn off the washing machine.

    turn off washer

    B.

    Remove cover and cap.

    Remove the air gap cover and the plastic cap underneath it.

    remove cover and cap

    C.

    Clean the gap.

    Looking down into the air gap, clean out any debris with a toothpick or brush.

    Use a turkey basker to pour hot water into the air gap to clean it.

    turkey baster
    clean out debris

    D.

    Replace cover and cap.

    Replace the plastic cap and the air gap cover.

    return cap and cover
  5. New dishwasher or gabage disposal.

    Is this a new dishwasher installation or has a new garbage disposal been installed?

    Garbage Disposal
    1. New Dishwasher New Garbage Disposal
    2. If the OE error code displayed on the first cycle, this indicates an installation issue with the drain hose. It may be either kinked, too high, or too long. This should be corrected by the installer.

      • The drain hose should not exceed 12 feet in length. Do not add any type of extension.

      • The height of the drain hose end must be at least 12" (305 mm) and within 40" (106mm) from the base of the appliance to avoid water being siphoned from the tub.

    3. If the garbage disposal is new or it is the first time a dishwasher has been connected, the opening for the dishwasher's drain hose may still be plugged. The plug must be removed by either an installer or plumber.

      Garbage Disposal

      How to connect the garbage disposal with no air gap.

      A.

      Remove Knockout.

      Remove the knockout plug with a hammer and screwdriver.

      Remove knockout plug

      A.

      Attach garbage disposal.

      Attach the drain hose to disposal with the hose clamp provided. Move into position and tighten the hose clamp.

      attach drain hose
  6. Force the Drain.

    To perform a drain only, check the control panel for the CANCEL & DRAIN option. This is activated by pressing and holding 2 buttons simultaneously e.g DELICATE + DUAL CONTROL. The 2 buttons may vary depending on your model.

    If your model does not have a CANCEL & DRAIN option, start a cycle, let it run for 45 seconds, then power the unit off. The first 45 seconds of any cycle is drain only.

    Control Panel
    OR

    Control & Drain
  7. Request a Repair.

    If you tried all the options above and the OE error code displays again, the unit will require a repair service. Please visit our Request a Repair page.

  8. Important Tip.

    If the OE error does NOT DISPLAY ANYMORE, you need to clean the unit completely.

    • Clean the filter (if applicable), remove and clean the spray arms.

    • Run empty cycle with a cup of vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner. For detailed instructions please refer to our Dishwasher Maintenance article.

Author - Sanmi Ajanaku

Sanmi is a Home Appliance expert and author of this help library article. Please leave him feedback below about the page.

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