How to Fix Water not draining — E3 error on Asko DBI564IS

Water not draining — E3 error

This step-by-step repair guide walks you through fixing water not draining — e3 error on your Asko DBI564IS. With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in 1–2 hours and avoid a costly service call.

Part of our Top 20 Dishwasher Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all dishwasher repair guides for related models and issues.

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Common Symptoms & Causes

If your Asko DBI564IS is struggling to drain, you’ll likely notice one or more of the following warning signs.

  • The dishwasher display shows the E3 error code during or after a wash cycle
  • Standing water remains at the bottom of the dishwasher tub after the cycle ends
  • The dishwasher stops mid-cycle and fails to continue or drain
  • You hear the drain pump humming but no water is being expelled

These issues are most commonly caused by a blocked or clogged drain filter, a kinked drain hose, a failed drain pump, or debris obstructing the pump impeller — all of which prevent water from exiting the machine properly.

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Safety First

  • Unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
  • Shut off the water supply valve before disconnecting any water lines or hoses.
  • Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
  • Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
  • Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

  • Phillips #2 screwdriver
  • Torx T20 screwdriver
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Multimeter
  • Flashlight

Replacement Parts

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

Disconnect the dishwasher from power to eliminate shock risk, then pull out the lower rack to access the Asko 3-piece filter assembly (coarse filter, fine filter, and microfilter). Remove all three filter components — a clogged filter is the most common cause of E3 errors because restricted flow triggers the pump fault before water can drain. Rinse each piece under running water until clear, and inspect the sump area beneath the filters for broken glass or debris that could damage the pump impeller.

Step 2

Locate the drain hose exiting the rear of the unit and trace its full length, checking for kinks that would block flow regardless of pump function. If the drain hose connects to a garbage disposal, confirm the factory knockout plug inside the disposal inlet has been removed — a missed knockout plug is a frequent install error that completely blocks drainage. A properly routed hose should have a high loop or air gap to prevent backflow, which can also trigger drain faults.

Step 3

Tilt the unit backward to access the drain pump at the lower rear of the sump, then disconnect the pump harness and test resistance across the pump terminals with a multimeter set to Rx1 — a healthy pump reads approximately 300Ω, while an open reading (OL) confirms a failed motor that must be replaced. Also spin the impeller by hand through the pump housing; it should turn freely, because a seized impeller means debris is lodged inside and will burn out the pump if power is restored. Pro tip: wear gloves when reaching into the sump, as broken glass frequently accumulates there.

Step 4

Before replacing the pump, pull the drain hose off the pump outlet by loosening the hose clamp with a 5/16″ nut driver, then disconnect the wiring harness. Rotate the pump body a quarter-turn counter-clockwise to unlock it from the sump bayonet mount and lift it free — this twist-lock design means no screws are needed, but resistance is normal if rubber seals have seated tightly. Install the new Asko drain pump by seating it and rotating clockwise until it locks, then reattach the hose and harness, ensuring the clamp is snug to prevent leaks under pump pressure.

Step 5

Reinstall all three filter components in reverse order — microfilter first, then fine, then coarse — and confirm the coarse filter locks flat, as a misaligned filter will allow debris to reach the pump and cause repeat failures. Slide the lower rack back in, carefully return the unit to upright, and reconnect power. Pro tip: place a towel under the front of the unit before running a test cycle in case any hose connection was not fully seated.

Step 6

Run the dishwasher’s dedicated Drain program to force the control board to activate the drain pump immediately without running a full wash cycle. The E3 error will clear automatically once the control board detects that the pump has successfully emptied the tub — if E3 returns within the first minute, recheck the hose connection at the pump outlet and verify the harness connector clicked fully into place.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

Find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for your Asko DBI564IS on Amazon:

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after completing all steps above, the problem may involve the sealed refrigerant system, a failed main control board, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. Contact a licensed appliance technician — attempting sealed-system repairs without EPA 608 certification is illegal and unsafe.

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How Much Does This Repair Cost?

DIY parts for fixing the E3 drainage error on an Asko DBI564IS typically cost between $10–$75, depending on whether you need a new drain pump, filter, or hose. A professional service call for the same repair generally runs $150–$300 including labor. Tackling this yourself can save you $100 or more.

“` ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What does the E3 error code mean on my Asko DBI564IS? The E3 error indicates that your dishwasher is unable to drain water within the expected time. This is typically caused by a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump. ### Can I fix the E3 error myself without calling a technician? Yes, many E3 errors are resolved by cleaning the filter and checking the drain hose for kinks or blockages. If the pump is faulty, a professional repair may be needed. ### How do I reset the E3 error after fixing the drainage issue? Once the blockage is cleared, turn the dishwasher off, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on. The error should clear automatically when the unit successfully completes a drain cycle.