Maytag Dishwasher F8E4 Error Code: Troubleshooting Guide

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Register Appliance
February 3, 2025
Dishwasher Repair

If your Maytag dishwasher is displaying the F8E4 error code, you’re likely also noticing leaks, drainage issues, or excessive suds. This error code is triggered by the dishwasher float, which detects if there is excess water in the bottom of the dishwasher. While this might sound alarming, don’t panic! You can try a few simple DIY fixes before calling in a professional. Let’s get started!

This guide applies to all the common models of Maytag dishwashers, including the following:

DWU9200AAX 

MDB6000AWB 

MDB6000AWW 

MDB7100AWB 

MDB7100AWW 

MDB7600AWB 

MDB7600AWS 

MDB7600AWW 

MDB8600AWB 

MDB8600AWS 

MDB8600AWW 

MDB9100AWB 

MDB9150AWB 

MDB9150AWS 

MDB9150AWW 

WU884 

WU885 

WU900 

WU901 

WU902 

WU904 

Reset your dishwasher

Before you try more complicated solutions, we recommend seeing if a reset fixes your problem. Sometimes, error codes can pop up due to a random glitch, and resetting the dishwasher can clear them. The process to do this is simple:

  • Disconnect your dishwasher from its power source. 
  • Leave your dishwasher disconnected for at least five minutes. 
  • Reconnect your dishwasher to the power. 
  • If the error code has cleared, run a short test cycle to see if the error code comes back. If it does, try one of the other solutions in this guide. 

Check the installation

If your dishwasher is newly installed and starts to display the F8E4 error code, the culprit is probably a mistake made during the installation process. Check back over your Maytag manual and make sure you followed all the recommended steps for the installation process, ensuring you fix any issues. The most common installation mistake is an issue with the water supply, so make sure you check these particularly carefully:

  • Inspect every water supply connection point, looking for any leaks or loose connections. 
  • Make sure the rubber washer is properly placed and fitted. 
  • Use your hands to tighten the coupling as much as possible, then use pliers to tighten it another quarter to half an inch. 
  • Once you’ve confirmed the installation was correct, try running your Maytag dishwasher to see if the error code persists. If it does, proceed to one of the other solutions in our guide. 

Check the float switch

Another common issue that can occur during installation is an improperly connected float switch. If the switch is not attached where it should be, it will trigger the F8E4 error code as it will incorrectly sense that excess water is in your appliance. 

  • Make sure your dishwasher is unplugged to avoid the risk of electric shock. 
  • Consult your manual for specifics on connecting the float switch in your specific model. 
  • Make sure all connections are firm. Check that the float switch connector is fully aligned with the connector housing and pushed together firmly enough that the locking tab can be seen over the top of the connector. 
  • Once you’ve ensured a firm connection, run a test cycle to see if the error code persists. 

Check the drainage

If your dishwasher can’t drain properly, it may overfill, leading to the float switch triggering the F8E4 error code. This is most commonly caused by issues with the drainage hose, which can usually be fixed relatively easily:

  • Turn off your dishwasher.
  • Using a furniture dolly, move your Maytag dishwasher away from the wall to gain access to the drainage hose. 
  • Check to see if the hose appears kinked or bent—this will prevent the dirty water from draining. Straighten the hose if necessary. 
  • If there are no issues, there may be an internal clog. 
  • With towels on hand for spills, disconnect both ends of the drainage hose. 
  • Run water through the drainage hose to check for blockages. If the water isn’t flowing freely, use a length of wire to clear out any clogs. 
  • Once the hose is clear, reattach it to the dishwasher. Then, run a test cycle to see if the error code has cleared up. 

Empty the drip pan

Excess water in the drip pan and float assembly can also trigger this error code, so if the above fixes don’t work, try emptying it. To do so:

  • Disconnect your dishwasher from its power source
  • Locate the drip pan assembly at the bottom of your dishwasher. Consult your Maytag manual if you’re having issues finding it. 
  • There is a snap located on either side of the plastic drip pan tray. Press these inwards at the same time. 
  • Gently pull the tray out towards you. Do this carefully, as the wiring harness for the float will still be connected. 
  • Disconnect the float, then empty any liquid in the drip pan.
  • Reconnect the float wiring, then put the drip pan back in place. 
  • Restore power to your dishwasher, and then test to see if the error code has cleared. 

Ensure correct detergent use

If nothing in this guide has fixed the issue, check the bottom of your Maytag dishwasher for excessive suds. Suds can throw off the float mechanism, causing it to incorrectly detect the water level. They can also lead to leaks and overfilling. If you do see excessive suds:

  • Immediately stop your dishwasher and cancel the wash cycle. 
  • Clean up any suds or water that have already overflowed from your dishwasher. 
  • If the suds don’t dissipate after about half an hour, remove the dishes, then add a quarter cup of vegetable oil to the bottom of the dishwasher where the suds are located. 
  • Put your Maytag dishwasher onto a quick dish cycle, then check to see if the suds are gone. If some remain, add more oil and try again until they’ve cleared. 

Excessive suds usually happen because someone uses regular dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent, but cheap dishwasher detergent brands may also have this issue. Make sure you purchase high-quality dishwasher detergent to get the best results from your Maytag dishwasher.

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