Dishwasher does not heat; cycle runs cold and E3 is displayed, often with poor washing results.

Safety first: Isolate the dishwasher from mains power and allow the tank to cool before accessing internal components.

• Verify power supply: Confirm that the correct voltage and phase are present at the machine’s terminal block. Low or missing phase can prevent heating.
• Check tank heating element: Access the underside or side of the wash tank to locate the immersion heater. Disconnect the wires and measure resistance with a multimeter. An open circuit indicates a failed element that must be replaced.
• Inspect high-limit thermostat: Many Meiko models have a manual-reset safety thermostat on the tank. Look for a small red reset button; press it firmly. If it trips repeatedly, investigate scaling or low water level issues.
• Test temperature sensor (NTC): Locate the NTC probe in the tank wall. Measure its resistance at room temperature and compare with Meiko specifications. Replace if out of range or if wiring is damaged.
• Check heater contactor/relay: In the control compartment, inspect the heater contactor or solid-state relay for burned contacts or overheating. Replace if the coil is open or contacts are welded.
• Run a test cycle: After repairs, run a cycle and monitor temperature rise. If E3 persists, the main control PCB may be faulty and should be evaluated by a professional.