Maytag Dishwasher F8 E4 Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Water in the drip tray: the float switch in the base has detected water under the tub.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- Also shown as
- F8E4
- Seen on
- Maytag dishwashers, and Whirlpool and KitchenAid models with the same controls. On models without a display, the Clean light flashes 8 times, pauses, then flashes 4 times.
Many sites call F8 E4 a drain pump failure, but Maytag’s code table says something else: water detected in the drip tray. A float switch in the base has found water under the tub. The usual sources are a loose water supply fitting, suds from the wrong detergent, or a float switch that came unplugged during installation.
Try this first
- Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.
- Press Cancel once to silence the alarm.
- Check the water supply fitting under the dishwasher for drips.
- If the tub is full of suds, let them settle and use only automatic dishwasher detergent.
What causes F8 E4
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Loose water supply connection | Drips at the fitting under the dishwasher | The rubber washer and the 3/4-inch fitting at the valve |
| Suds from dish soap or too much detergent | Foam in the tub or around the door | Use only automatic dishwasher detergent |
| Float switch unplugged | F8 E4 right after installation with no water | The float switch connector at the drip tray |
| Leak inside the dishwasher | F8 E4 returns with dry fittings and no suds | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
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Shut off the water and silence the alarm
Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher and press Cancel once to silence the alarm. If a professional installed it, keep the power on and the door closed: the drain sequence runs on its own. Then contact service.
-
Check the water supply connection
For a dishwasher you installed yourself: make sure the rubber washer is seated in the fitting. Hand-tighten the 3/4-inch fitting of the 90-degree elbow to the valve, then check it with pliers; it may need another 1/4 to 1/2 turn to seal.
Safety: Hand-tighten first so the fitting doesn't cross-thread.
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Check the float switch
Make sure the float switch is plugged in: align the connector with the housing and push until the locking tab shows. Keep the wire away from the motor and the bottom of the tub.
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Empty the drip tray
If there's water in the drip tray, press the snap on each side toward the center and pull the tray toward you. Empty it and slide it back.
Safety: Pull gently. The float switch wire is still connected and can be damaged.
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Clear the code
Press Cancel once to silence the alarm, then press Cancel again to clear the code. Turn the water back on and run a short cycle while you watch for drips.
When to call a technician
If F8 E4 comes back with tight fittings, a connected float switch and no suds, water is leaking inside the dishwasher. Shut off the water and contact Maytag service or a technician.
Questions people ask
Is F8 E4 a drain pump error?
Not according to Maytag. Its code table lists F8 E4 as water detected in the drip tray, which means water has reached the base under the tub.
How do I clear F8 E4 on a Maytag dishwasher?
Fix the source of the water, then press Cancel once to silence the alarm and again to clear the code.
What does 8 flashes and 4 flashes mean?
It's F8 E4 on models without a display: the Clean light flashes 8 times, pauses, then flashes 4 times, and repeats.