Mon-Fri 9am-5pm local timeA referral service: we connect you with independent repair companies near you
Appliance Guidebook
(888) 280-5160
  1. Home
  2. KitchenAid
  3. Dishwasher
  4. Error codes

KitchenAid dishwasher error codes: what each one means

This table covers KitchenAid dishwashers that show F#E# codes, H2O, or blink the Clean or front status LED in two number groups. Match the displayed code or blink pattern, try the safe first check, and stop if water is leaking or the code returns after a reset.

Call to be connected(888) 280-5160

A person answers Mon-Fri 9am-5pm local time. Outside those hours, leave a message and a company near you calls back.

Answered by an independent appliance repair company that serves your area. Not a call center.

Reading the code

On display models, KitchenAid dishwashers usually show F#E# or H2O. On LED models, count the Clean or front status light flashes before the short pause for the F number, then count the flashes after the pause for the E number. To clear a code, press Cancel if the manual calls for it, or disconnect power for at least 30 seconds to one minute, then restore power. Control Lock and Kosher Consumer Friendly Mode are settings, not fault codes.

Have the model number ready

The company will ask for it first. It's on a sticker or metal plate, usually in one of these spots:

Where the model tag usually is on a dishwasher12
  1. Open the door: on the left or right edge of the tub or door
  2. Some models: on the top edge of the door

KitchenAid dishwasher error codes

Exact meanings vary by model; current display models often show F#E# while LED models blink the F number, pause, then the E number.

19 codes

CodeWhat it meansCheck firstUsually
F8E4Water has been detected in the drip tray under the dishwasher; LED models may blink 8, pause, 4.Press Cancel twice only if no water is present and the drip tray issue has been corrected. If you see water, turn off the water supply if possible, press Cancel once, keep the door closed, and contact a technician.Often a home check
F9E1The dishwasher is taking too long to drain; LED models may blink 9, pause, 1.Unplug the dishwasher, clean the filter, and check the visible drain hose, air gap, and disposer connection for a kink or blockage.Often a home check
H2O / H20 / F8E1The dishwasher is not detecting incoming water; LED models may blink 8, pause, 1.Unplug the dishwasher, confirm the water supply valve is open, and look for a kinked fill hose without opening panels.Often a home check
F7E2 / F7E1The control detected a wash motor failure or wash motor error; LED models may blink 7, pause, 2 or, on some models, 7, pause, 1.Unplug the dishwasher for a minute and restart it; if it fills but does not wash or the code returns, a technician should diagnose the motor system.Usually a technician
F8E5The control detected a fill valve stuck open; LED models may blink 8, pause, 5.Turn off the water supply if possible, press Cancel once to silence the alarm, then shut the door. Don't turn off power unless you can't turn the water off, and contact a technician.Usually a technician
F6E1The user interface and main control are not communicating correctly; LED models may blink 6, pause, 1.Unplug the dishwasher for a minute and restart it; if the code returns, a technician should test the user interface and main control.Usually a technician
F1E1Depending on the model, F1E1 can mean a control module fault or a fill valve control fault; LED models may blink 1, pause, 1.Check the model manual. If F1E1 points to the fill valve and water may keep running, turn off the water if possible and contact a technician; otherwise cycle power and contact a technician if it returns.Usually a technician
F6E3The dishwasher detected excessive suds in the tub.Unplug it first, scoop out visible suds with a cup, then restore power and run an empty cycle with no detergent.Often a home check
F6E4The control detected a water float switch condition, often tied to leveling or an overfill signal.Unplug the dishwasher and confirm it sits level and is not tilted forward; if the code stays after a reset, a technician should inspect the float system.Often a home check
F8E2The control detected an electrical problem with the fill valve.Unplug the dishwasher and look for visible leaks only; if the code returns after power is reset, a technician should inspect the fill valve circuit.Usually a technician
F9E2The control detected a drain motor error.Unplug the dishwasher, make sure the disposer plug is removed if it was newly installed, clear disposer or drain clogs, and straighten any visible drain hose kink.Often a home check
FAE5 / F10E5The control detected a diverter leak or water under the dishwasher; LED models may blink 10, pause, 5.Unplug the dishwasher and look for visible water around the base; if water is present or the code returns after Cancel twice, contact a technician.Usually a technician
FAE4 / F10E4The control detected a diverter valve error.Unplug the dishwasher for a minute and restart it; if the code returns, a technician should inspect the diverter valve system.Usually a technician
F2E1The control detected a stuck key or console error.Unplug the dishwasher, wipe and dry the keys, make sure nothing is pressing the console, then restore power.Often a home check
F1E2The control detected a main control communication error, listed as a motor controller failure on some models.Unplug the dishwasher for a minute and restart it; if the code returns, a technician should inspect the main control communication path.Usually a technician
F2E2The control detected a main control communication error.Unplug the dishwasher for a minute and restart it; if the code returns, a technician should inspect the controls.Usually a technician
F3E2The control detected a thermistor or optical water indicator sensor fault.Unplug the dishwasher for a minute and restart it; if the code returns, a technician should inspect the sensor system.Usually a technician
F4E3The control detected a heating error.Unplug the dishwasher for a minute and restart it; if the code returns, a technician should inspect the heating system.Usually a technician
F4E2The control detected a heating system fault.Unplug the dishwasher for a minute and restart it; if the code returns, a technician should inspect the heating system.Usually a technician

Don't see your symptom?

Describe it on the phone. The company on the other end works on these every day and will know what to ask.

Call to be connected(888) 280-5160

Common questions about appliance repair

Can I reset a KitchenAid dishwasher error code?

Disconnect power for at least 30 seconds to one minute, then restore power. If the code comes back, treat it as an active fault rather than a stored message.

Why does the code keep coming back?

A returning code means the control is still seeing a drain, fill, leak, motor, heater, sensor, or control fault. Stop using the dishwasher if you see water around it and contact a technician.

My dishwasher has no display. How do I read the code?

Count the flashes before and after the short pause. For example, 8 flashes, a pause, then 4 flashes is F8E4, and the longer pause starts the next repeat.

Are older and newer KitchenAid dishwasher codes the same?

Not always. Current models often use F#E# or the same two groups as LED blinks, but exact meanings vary by model, so check the model manual before replacing parts.

Still showing the problem after the checks?

Call and describe what you tried. You'll be connected with an independent repair company near you.

(888) 280-5160