OE
What code OE means on a Kenmore dishwashers, what causes it, and which part to check first.
● SEVERITY: LOW
Kenmore OE means: Not draining. The documented cause is: Check the sink drain or garbage disposal for a clog and clear any clogs you find. If the sink or garbage disposal drains okay, pull off the dishwasher drain hose from the sink or garbage disposal connection…
What OE means
Not draining
The display shows OE and the machine stops until the fault is cleared.
What the technical documentation says
Causes documented in the technical source published by applianceaid.com
| DOCUMENTED CAUSE OR CHECK |
|---|
| Check the sink drain or garbage disposal for a clog and clear any clogs you find |
| If the sink or garbage disposal drains okay, pull off the dishwasher drain hose from the sink or garbage disposal connection and check the end of the drain hose for a grease clog |
| Clear grease clogs from the drain hose |
| If the dishwasher uses an air gap, check the air gap for clogs and clear any clogs |
| Unplug the dishwasher and check the entire drain hose between the drain pump and the sink drain connection for clogs and clear any drain hose clogs |
| If you find no clogs in the drain path, check the dishwasher sump and drain pump for clogs and remove any clogs |
Replacement parts
Tools you'll need
Before you open anything
Unplug the machine and close the water tap before removing any panel. The heating element and the wash water can stay hot long after the cycle ends.
What to check, in order
From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.
Find a specialist
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Frequently asked questions
What does OE mean on a Kenmore?
Not draining The documented cause is: Check the sink drain or garbage disposal for a clog and clear any clogs you find. If the sink or garbage disposal drains okay, pull off the dishwasher drain hose from the sink or garbage disposal connection and check the end of the drain hose for a grease clog. Clear grease clogs from the drain hose. If the dishwasher uses an air gap, check the air gap for clogs and clear any clogs. Unplug the dishwasher and check the entire drain hose between the drain pump and the sink drain connection for clogs and clear any drain hose clogs. If you find no clogs in the drain path, check the dishwasher sump and drain pump for clogs and remove any clogs
Can I fix OE myself?
It depends on the part involved: Check the sink drain or garbage disposal for a clog and clear any clogs you find. If the sink or garbage disposal drains okay, pull off the dishwasher drain hose from the sink or garbage disposal connection and check the end of the drain hose for a grease clog. Clear grease clogs from the drain hose. If the dishwasher uses an air gap, check the air gap for clogs and clear any clogs. Unplug the dishwasher and check the entire drain hose between the drain pump and the sink drain connection for clogs and clear any drain hose clogs. If you find no clogs in the drain path, check the dishwasher sump and drain pump for clogs and remove any clogs Clearing a filter or straightening a hose is within reach of anyone; anything behind a panel means mains electricity and water together — that is a job for a technician.
Does Kenmore use other codes on this appliance?
Yes: we document 13 other codes for Kenmore on this dishwashers. They are listed at the bottom of this page, each with its own meaning.
Does the same code mean the same thing on other brands?
Often not. The same two characters can point to completely different faults depending on the manufacturer — always check the page for your own brand.