Dishwasher shows E3 and stops mid-cycle; dishes are cold and detergent may not fully dissolve.

Safety first: Turn off power at the breaker and allow the machine to cool before accessing internal components.

• Confirm symptom: Run a short program and open the door immediately after stopping. If the water and interior are cold and E3 appears, suspect the heater circuit.
• Check wiring: Remove the lower kick plate and side panels (if accessible) to inspect the wiring harness to the Sharp flow-through heater assembly. Look for burnt connectors or loose plugs and reseat them firmly.
• Inspect heater for leaks: Check around the heater housing for signs of water leakage or corrosion, which can cause heater failure.
• Electrical testing (advanced): With power disconnected, use a multimeter to measure resistance across the heater terminals. An open circuit (infinite resistance) indicates a failed heater. Also check the NTC sensor if accessible.
• When to call a technician: If the heater or control board relay is faulty, replacement usually requires removing the dishwasher and partially disassembling the base. Contact a Sharp service center if you are not experienced with electrical repairs.