Dishwasher shows F3E2; heater does not seem to operate, dishes come out cold and wet, or cycle times are extended.

Safety: Disconnect power at the breaker. Heating circuits carry line voltage.

• Visual inspection: Remove the lower kick plate and inspect the heater terminals and wiring under the tub for burns or loose connections.
• Check heating element: With power off and wires removed from the element, measure resistance across the heater terminals with a multimeter. Typical values are 10–40Ω. Replace the element if open or shorted to ground.
• Inspect high-limit thermostat: Locate the high-limit thermostat (often mounted to the tub or heater housing). Check for continuity; replace if open.
• Wiring check: Trace heater wires back to the main control board. Repair or replace any burnt or broken wires and ensure connectors are tight.
• Control board: If heater and wiring test good but F3E2 persists and the heater never energizes, the main control board heater relay is likely defective and the board should be replaced.

Warning: Do not bypass safety thermostats; they prevent overheating and fire hazards.