Viking Built-In Dishwasher Code Drain Pump Error (3-3): pump not performing

What Drain Pump Error means

Drain Pump Error is flash pattern 3-3 on Viking Professional FDB451 and Designer DDB325 built-in dishwashers: three flashes of the Pots/Pans light, then three of the Normal Wash light. The control found that the drain pump did not do its job during the cycle. Water may remain in the tub afterward, and the dishwasher stops the cycle and waits for you to reset it.

Common causes of Drain Pump Error

Drain pump not running or not moving water
Obstruction in the pump area or filter
Wiring or control not powering the pump

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Hold START for four seconds to reset the dishwasher and retry. 2. Pull the lower rack, then clean out the filter and remove anything lodged in the sump, such as glass or labels. 3. Listen for a low hum at drain time. 4. If you hear no hum, or 3-3 comes back, switch off the breaker and call us.

! Why to stop there

The pump sits under the tub, behind the lower panel
A hum with no flow and silence mean different repairs
We give you a written price first and stand behind the work for 30 days

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Dishwasher codes

Inlet Valve ErrorViking Built-In Dishwasher Code Inlet Valve Error (4-4): fill valve reported User Interface Communication ErrorViking Built-In Dishwasher Code User Interface Communication Error (3-1): panel not talking to main control Internal ErrorViking Built-In Dishwasher Code Internal Error (5-5): control reported its own problem Wash Heater ErrorViking Built-In Dishwasher Code Wash Heater Error (4-2): wash heater problem Light China FlashingViking Designer Dishwasher Code Light China Flashing: problem at the water inlet Low Level ErrorViking Built-In Dishwasher Code Low Level Error (2-3): water level sensor reading low Moisture SensorViking Built-In Dishwasher Message "Pan Flood": moisture sensor detects water in the base pan Moisture Sensor DisconnectViking Built-In Dishwasher Code Pan Flood Sensor Disconnect (1-1): flood sensor not connected

Drain Pump ErrorDrain Pump Error questions

How is this different from the 1-5 Drain Error?

Pattern 1-5 reports that water did not drain. Pattern 3-3 points specifically at the pump, so we look at the pump and its power as well as the line.

Can a small piece of glass cause it?

Yes. A hard object in the sump can jam the pump or stop it turning. Clean the filter and check the sump area gently without using your hand near any sharp piece.

What happens if I keep running it?

Dishes will not drain properly, and the water left behind smells. We recommend stopping until the pump is checked, especially if the tub is holding water.