Direct answer
On the covered Maytag dishwasher, F3 E2 means Maytag attributes this to the thermistor or OWI (optical water indicator) sensor. First, cancel the cycle and allow safe cooldown.
Definition versus diagnosis
The display names a detected condition—not an automatically failed part.
What this covers
- Maytag dishwasher covered by the cited source
- Displayed code or documented alias: F3 E2
- The exact operating state described by the manufacturer
What it does not cover
- ×Another product type or original-manufacturer platform
- ×A visually similar but different code
- ×Internal live electrical, sealed-system, gas, battery-cell or control-board repair
Match every character and the exact product
ReversiblePhotograph the complete display and product label. This record covers F3 E2 on Maytag electronic-control dishwashers. Code availability and the button sequence used to display them vary by model; confirm against the model's own manual.
Preserve the failure state
ReversibleCancel the cycle and allow safe cooldown. Record the operating stage, recent change and what still works before clearing the message.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleCycle power; arrange thermistor/sensor service if it returns. A power reset is the whole of what Maytag publishes for this code: remove power for 30 seconds, restore it, and watch whether the code returns. If it does, the reset is not the answer and repeating it will not make it one.
Verify once, then respect the service boundary
ReversibleRepeat only the shortest safe action that reaches the original stage. Maytag specifies a 30 seconds power interruption for this code, not an arbitrary one. If F3 E2 returns, stop repeated resets and use model-specific manufacturer support.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Visible sources support the visible claims. Home Product Support records the publisher, the fact used and the review date; community reports can suggest an issue but do not become a published fact on their own.
Exact questions
Common follow-ups
What does F3 E2 mean on a Maytag dishwasher?+
Maytag attributes this to the thermistor or OWI (optical water indicator) sensor.
Can I reset F3 E2 without fixing the cause?+
A reset may hide the display temporarily but does not correct the documented fault. Record the code and complete only the safe checks first.
Why is the complete model number required?+
Manufacturers reuse characters across platforms. The model number determines which official table, controls and service boundary apply.
When should I stop?+
Stop for smoke, arcing, burning odor, uncontrolled water, gas odor, battery swelling, extreme heat or any condition the manufacturer directs to professional service.
Answer for the exact device and software version shown above.