FAQ
TL;DR: Whirlpool ADG 8900 FD F8 E1 has 1 primary fix—OWI sensor replacement. "There is nothing other than an OWI sensor to replace." Diagnose drain and reset; if both check out, swap the OWI. [Elektroda, bubu64, post #17053840]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Whirlpool ADG 8900 FD owners fix F8 E1/F3 E4 fast and avoid unnecessary part swaps.
Quick Facts
- F8 E1 here flags a drain fault; if it drains and cleaning fails, replace the OWI sensor. [Elektroda, zibi1971, post #17056440]
- After a service reset, F3 E4 can appear, yet F8 E1 returns on program start. [Elektroda, kamillo14089, post #17060348]
- Typical 3-step path: clean OWI/filters, run a reset, then replace OWI if drain is clear. [Elektroda, zhudomel, post #17060743]
- Extra checks: reed switches in the water jacket and under the salt tank can misread levels. [Elektroda, machnicki.krzysztof, post #17055693]
- Avoid hose kinks when repositioning; a kinked hose can trigger F8 E1 despite a good pump. [Elektroda, rychomuch, post #17052181]
What does Whirlpool ADG 8900 FD error F8 E1 mean?
F8 E1 indicates a drain-related fault on this platform. If water evacuates and filters are clean, suspect the OWI sensor. As one expert noted, “This is a water drain error… cleaning the sensor does not help; replace it.” Replace the OWI once draining is verified. [Elektroda, zibi1971, post #17056440]
How do I reset the Whirlpool ADG 8900 FD after F8 E1?
Use the service reset referenced in the linked forum guide. Follow that procedure to clear stored faults, then retry a program. This reinitializes the control and sensor checks before deeper diagnosis. [Elektroda, zhudomel, post #17058832]
I cleaned the OWI sensor and it didn’t help—what next?
If F8 E1 persists and the drain path is clear, replace the OWI sensor. As a seasoned member put it, “There is nothing other than an OWI sensor to replace.” This resolves the fault when drainage has been proven good. [Elektroda, bubu64, post #17053840]
Can a kinked or blocked hose cause F8 E1 even if the pump runs?
Yes. A kinked or pinched hose can restrict flow and trigger F8 E1. Inspect the drain and supply hoses after moving the unit. Straighten bends and ensure free flow before replacing parts. [Elektroda, rychomuch, post #17052181]
How can I quickly test whether the drain path works?
Pour water into the sump near the filter and let the unit try to drain it. Listen for steady flow into the sewer and full evacuation. If it empties cleanly, the drain path and drain pump are likely fine. [Elektroda, kamillo14089, post #17052575]
What is the OWI sensor on this dishwasher?
The OWI (Optical Water Indicator) sits in the sump area near the filters and monitors water condition. When it fails, cleaning usually does not help. Replace the OWI to restore proper operation. [Elektroda, zibi1971, post #17056440]
Why did I get F3 E4 after reset, and F8 E1 returns on start?
That sequence was observed in this case: reset shows F3 E4, then starting brings back F8 E1. Treat F8 E1 as the active fault and continue OWI-focused checks. Two codes can appear sequentially during fault memory clearing. [Elektroda, kamillo14089, post #17060348]
Should I check reed sensors or the salt tank switch?
Yes. Verify the reed switch in the water jacket and the one under the salt tank. A stuck reed can misreport levels and stall cycles. Rule these out if you delay OWI replacement. [Elektroda, machnicki.krzysztof, post #17055693]
Could the circulation (wash) pump be the cause instead of the OWI?
Forum experience here points to the OWI when draining is confirmed. If added water drains and the pump runs, focus on the OWI first. Replace the OWI before considering the circulation pump. [Elektroda, bubu64, post #17053840]
Is the control board or wiring a likely cause for F8 E1?
No. The discussion indicates the design and electronics are not at fault for this symptom. “It’s not the design and not the electronics.” Prioritize hydraulic checks and the OWI sensor. [Elektroda, zhudomel, post #17060743]
How do I run a quick 3-step diagnosis before ordering parts?
Do this: 1. Clean filters and the OWI; check hoses for kinks. 2. Run the service reset from the linked guide. 3. If it drains and F8 E1 returns, replace the OWI sensor. This isolates the common failure fast. [Elektroda, zhudomel, post #17060743]
Where can I find the button sequence for service reset?
Use the forum guides linked by members in this thread. They outline entering service mode and performing the reset. Follow that guide to clear the fault memory. [Elektroda, rychomuch, post #17060497]
I hear the pump for a few seconds, then F8 E1—what does that indicate?
That pattern matches the reported symptom: the pump primes briefly, then the error appears. If drains are unobstructed, suspect a failed OWI. Replace the OWI after confirming hoses and filters are clear. [Elektroda, kamillo14089, post #17052156]
