Written by
Elena Marsh Appliance Care EditorPublished October 29, 2026
VERIFIED
Error codeC3
ApplianceDishwasher
When water stays in the tub
A Kenmore 363 electronic-control dishwasher that will not drain gives C3. The manual’s checklist here is also borrowed by C4, the overfill code, whenever cancelling the cycle fails to make the machine drain. One list therefore serves two situations.
The checklist
Remove any clog from the sink drain.
With the dishwasher unplugged, go after clogs in its drain hose.
Replace the hose if it is damaged.
Examine the drain pump. A clogged or damaged pump is the last suspect, and a damaged one is replaced.
Where else to look
C4 sends you to this list first when cancelling does not drain the tub.
C2 and C1 are the milder drain-time warnings, at 7 and 2 minutes.
San Francisco Kenmore dishwasher service
If the water still sits in the tub after the sink, hose and pump checks, book a technician through (415) 825-6393. Kenmore dishwasher owners in San Francisco and the Bay Area can read up on Kenmore dishwasher repair first. Keep the code, the model number and the parts of the drain path you already checked ready.
Model compatibility: Kenmore reuses codes across series and model years, so C3 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
C3 reports that the dishwasher will not drain.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your Kenmore appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
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Replacement parts are selected for the exact model and confirmed with you before ordering or installation.
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Book a repair online or call us — clear estimates and approval before any repair work begins.
