What C1 / C2 / C3 (362 and 363 prefix) Means
Kenmore dishwashers whose model numbers begin 362 or 363 use a C-code set that belongs to no Whirlpool or LG chart. C1 means the drain took longer than two minutes, C2 longer than seven, and C3 means the machine did not drain at all.
Common Causes of C1 / C2 / C3 (362 and 363 prefix)
- A blocked or slow sink drain the dishwasher shares
- A clogged dishwasher drain hose
- A drain pump obstructed or failed
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
Clear the kitchen sink drain first — the published route starts there rather than inside the dishwasher, and a slow sink produces all three of these codes on a healthy machine.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- Cut power at the breaker and shut off the water before any panel is removed, because standing water and mains wiring share that space.
- Parts for the 362 and 363 platform do not interchange with Whirlpool-built Kenmore dishwashers, so the prefix goes on every order.
- A pump replaced while the sink drain is the real restriction empties no faster than the old one.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.