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.
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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.
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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.
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To clean the filters, start by removing the lower rack.
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The filter is located below the long spray arms under the rack.
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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.
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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.
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Straighten hose and run test cycle.
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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 -
New dishwasher or gabage disposal.
Is this a new dishwasher installation or has a new garbage disposal been installed?
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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.
OR
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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.
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Important Tip.
If the OE error does NOT DISPLAY ANYMORE, you need to clean the unit completely.
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Clean the filter (if applicable), remove and clean the spray arms.
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Run empty cycle with a cup of vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner. For detailed instructions please refer to our Dishwasher Maintenance article.
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Sanmi is a Home Appliance expert and author of this help library article. Please leave him feedback below about the page.