Written by
Elena Marsh Appliance Care EditorPublished October 29, 2026
VERIFIED
Error codeOE
ApplianceDishwasher
OE is the not-draining code for Kenmore dishwashers with model numbers beginning 722.146. The sensible route is to follow the water out of the machine, from the sink end back toward the pump.
Step by step
Start at the kitchen sink: a clogged sink drain or garbage disposal can be the whole problem.
If that is clear, detach the dishwasher drain hose from where it meets the sink or disposal and inspect the hose end for grease.
Where the dishwasher uses an air gap, see whether it is blocked.
Disconnect power, then follow the full length of the drain hose, pump to sink connection.
Search the sump and the drain pump for clogs.
Finally, confirm the drain pump wiring connections are tight, and push on any loose wires.
If the pump runs but moves no water, the impeller is likely damaged or broken.
Technician side
Drain pump wires reach the control board on connector YL3 (sky blue, black and white).
Across pins 1-2, 2-3 and 1-3, the pump motor should read between 4 and 5 ohms.
An open reading on the pump means a new pump; when the wires measure correctly, suspect the control board.
Water still standing after these checks? Call (415) 825-6393 or read about Kenmore dishwasher repair for the San Francisco area. Give the OE code, the model number and which part of the drain path you cleared.
Model compatibility: Kenmore reuses codes across series and model years, so OE 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
Not draining.
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.
C1 on a Kenmore 363 electronic-control dishwasher reports a drain that ran past 2 minutes. The manual works from the sink drain to the hose and then the pump.
You submit a request with your appliance model and symptom, we confirm an appointment window, and a technician performs an on-site diagnosis. You then receive a clear estimate and decide whether to proceed before any repair begins.
Yes. We provide an upfront estimate after diagnosis. No parts are ordered or installed until you approve the work, so there are no surprise charges.
Replacement parts are selected for the exact model and confirmed with you before ordering or installation.
Service areas are listed on the Locations page. Contact us with your ZIP code to confirm current coverage for your address.
Ready to get your Kenmore appliance working again?
Book a repair online or call us — clear estimates and approval before any repair work begins.
