Asko Dishwasher F3 Error: Drain timeout fault
Asko dishwasher F3 error is a common issue reported by Asko appliance owners. What Does Error Code F3 Mean on an Asko Dishwasher? Error code F3 on Asko dishwashers — found on the D5000, D5100, and DBI series — means the machine could not drain the tub within the allowed drain cycle time. Water is […]
Sometimes
DIY Fixable
From $130
Typical Repair Cost
30-60 min
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. Running wash cycles on top of standing water produces poor cleaning results and risks overflow. Resolve the drain fault before using the dishwasher.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Powering off for 30 seconds clears F3 from the display, but the code will return at the next drain phase if the blockage or pump fault is not fixed first.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Water is overflowing from the machine onto the floor, The drain pump hums but produces no flow at all after clearing the filters.
Symptoms You May Notice
Standing water visible in the bottom of the tub after the cycle
Several centimetres of dirty wash water remain in the sump area when you open the door, confirming the drain pump has not cleared the tub.
Cycle halts during the drain phase and F3 is displayed
The machine stops at a drain step — between wash and rinse, or at the end of the program — and shows the F3 fault on the control panel display.
Drain pump runs continuously but water level does not drop
You can hear the drain pump motor humming steadily, but the water level in the tub does not visibly decrease, suggesting a blocked outlet path.
Unpleasant odour from standing water inside the machine
Stagnant water left in the tub after a failed drain rapidly develops bacterial odour, a secondary indicator that a drain fault has occurred.
Possible Causes
Clogged filter assembly
Food particles, grease, and debris have accumulated in the coarse and fine filters to the point where the pump cannot draw water through them quickly enough.
DIY PossibleBlocked or kinked drain hose
The corrugated drain hose is kinked behind the machine, or a blockage at the sink drain connection, garbage disposal, or air gap is preventing free drainage.
DIY PossibleDrain pump impeller jammed or motor failed
A foreign object (glass shard, fruit pit, label) is lodged in the pump impeller, or the pump motor windings have burned out and cannot move water.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Clean the filter assembly
Remove the lower basket. Rotate the cylindrical coarse filter counter-clockwise and lift it out, then lift out the flat fine mesh filter underneath. Rinse both pieces under warm running water and use a soft brush to remove accumulated grease and food particles. Check the recess beneath for debris and clear it with a cloth. Reinstall both filters and run a Quick Wash cycle.
Asko recommends cleaning the filter after every 10–15 wash cycles to prevent F3 faults.
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2
Check the drain hose routing
Slide the dishwasher forward and inspect the drain hose at the rear. Ensure it is not kinked or compressed against the cabinet wall. Verify the hose rises to at least 40 cm above floor level (high-loop) before descending to the drain connection. On garbage-disposal connections, confirm the knock-out plug inside the disposal inlet was removed.
If the hose is corrugated and old, it may have internal debris build-up — detach it and flush it with water from a tap.
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3
Clear the pump inlet of obstructions
With power off, reach into the filter recess and feel around the pump inlet cover for hard foreign objects. Remove any glass fragments, seeds, or label material. Restore power and run a drain cycle to confirm the pump clears the water.
Wear rubber gloves when feeling around the pump inlet — glass fragments can cause cuts.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- The drain pump impeller is visibly cracked or seized when accessed from inside the sump
- Pump motor shows no continuity or draws excessive current on an electrical test
- Drain fault persists after pump replacement, indicating a control board relay fault
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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