There are a wide variety of KitchenAid dishwasher models out there with different fault codes and meanings. If the codes below don’t seem to apply to your dishwasher model you can try taking a look at the Whirlpool dishwasher error codes page, as Whirlpool owns KitchenAid, and therefore design features are often shared between the two.
Error Codes for KitchenAid HE Dishwashers:
Fault Code 1-1
Cause: A sticking relay on the circuit board has been detected by the ECB (electronic control board).
Action: You can often remedy this problem by shutting down the power to the dishwasher for a few minutes then powering it up again to ‘unstick’ the relay. If the problem persists then replacement parts maybe required (most likely the ECB).
Fault Code 1-2
Cause: Another electronic problem, this one signals that the ECB’s onboard memory is bad.
Action: As with code 1-1, turning off the dishwasher completely then cycling the power can sometimes clear this error. If the problem persists then a replacement ECB is the next step.
Fault Code 2-1
Cause: The ECB is detecting a stuck button the the control panel.
Action: Check the buttons for any damage and if any of them stuck/jammed down. If the control panel looks fine then this is probably an electronic failure of either the control panel itself or the ECB.
Fault Code 2-2
Cause: Connection between the ECB and control panel has been lost.
Action: As with error code 2-1 the problem can lie with either the ECB or the control panel. Inpect both for damage along with the wiring.
Fault Code 3-1
Cause: Thermistor/Optical water indicator (OWI) failure.
Action: Check the thermistor/OWI for damage, it might need replacing. It’s possible that the part is actually OK and it’s the wiring to blame so inspect for faults.
Fault Code 3-2
Cause: Thermistor/Optical water indicator (OWI) circuit short.
Action: Similar to code 3-1, check the Thermistor/OWI and it’s wiring for faults/damage.
Fault Code 3-3
Cause: Optical water indicator (OWI) failure
Action: Inspect the OWI for faults/damage. It may not be operating if it’s dirty/obscured so give it a clean as well. If the problem persists then a replacement OWI maybe required.
Fault Code 4-4
Cause: Circulation pump motor error.
Action: Disconnect power to the dishwasher and check for any wiring faults or damage around the circulation pump. If the wiring seems fine then a replacement circulation pump motor maybe required.
Fault Code 5-1
Cause: Door not latching securely.
Action: Check the door latch for any obstructions and ensure the dishwasher door is closing and sealing properly. If all seems ok then check the door switches wiring.
Fault Code 5-2
Cause: Door not opening properly.
Action: This is the opposite problem to fault code 5-1, but with the same likely culprit. Check the door switch is not obstructed or jammed and firmly close the dishwasher door. If the problem persists inspect the switches wiring.
Fault Code 6-1
Cause: No water entering the dishwasher basin.
Action: Check if water is entering the dishwasher or not. If it is then the ECB is at fault and giving a false reading. If it isn’t then ensure there are no problems with the dishwashers water supply, and inspect the water inlet valve for any damage/issues.
Go to: Why is My Dishwasher Not Filling With Water?
Fault Code 6-2
Cause: Electrical fault with water inlet valve.
Action: As with code 6-1, ensure there are no issues with the water supply and inlet valve. As this is an electrical issue, it may be the ECB at fault.
Go to: Why is My Dishwasher Not Filling With Water?
Fault Code 6-3
Cause: Water pump error
Action: This fault suggests the water supply is not air tight, and you may notice the dishwasher is not filling sufficiently. Check the water inlet valve to make sure it’s sealed properly and replace if damaged.
Go to: Why is My Dishwasher Not Filling With Water?
Fault Code 6-4
Cause: Float switch stuck open/not closing
Action: Inspect the float switch and make sure it can move freely with no jams or obstructions. Check the water inlet valve for any damage as it maybe overfilling the dishwasher and triggering the float switch and in turn this error code.
Fault Code 6-6
Cause: Water not being heated.
Action: Check your dishwasher during a cycle and ensure the water is hot. If the water is cold possible culprits are the thermistor, water heater or ECB.
Go to: Why is My Dishwasher Not Heating the Water?
Fault Code 7-1
Cause: Heating element failure.
Action: The main symptom of this will be no hot water during a cycle. Check the heating element and it’s wiring for any problems. If they check out then it’s likely that the ECB is at fault.
Go to: Why is My Dishwasher Not Heating the Water?
Fault Code 7-2
Cause: Heating element will not switch off.
Action: The opposite issue to fault code 7-1. Probably an issue with the ECB but you can often fix this issue by turning off the dishwasher’s power supply for a few minutes then cycling the power to clear the error.
Fault Code 8-1
Cause: Dishwasher not draining.
Action: There’s probably water in the basin of the dishwasher, so remove this then inspect the filter and drain for any blockages. If the problem persists then disconnect the water supply and check there are no other drainage obstructions.
Go to: Why is My Dishwasher Not Draining?
Fault Code 8-2
Cause: Electrical fauly detected with the drain pump.
Action: Disconnect your dishwasher from both the power and water supply then inspect the drain pump and it’s wiring. If the problem persists then a replacement drain pump may be required.
Fault Code 9-1
Cause: Electric issue with the diverter.
Action: The diverter is a part that directs water through the dishwashers spray arms. Check the diverter and its wiring for any faults or damage.
Fault Code 9-2
Cause: Diverter stuck in on position.
Action: Open up the sump and check the diverter disk for any damage. You can access the sump by removing the bottom dish rack and spray arm.
Fault Code 9-3
Cause: Diverter disk damaged or missing.
Action: Follow the same steps as fault code 9-3. Replace the diverter disk if it’s damaged or indeed missing.
Fault Code 9-4
Cause: Fault with bottom spray arm.
Action: Make sure there aren’t any obstructions and that the spray arm can spin around freely. If it seems ok then check the wiring to the motor’s spray arm for any faults. If the problem persists you may need a replacement spray arm motor.
Fault Code 10-1
Cause: Dispenser Fault.
Action: This is most likely another electrical fault, so disconnect the dishwashers power supply then remove the outer door panel. Now check the detergent dispenser’s wiring for any faults. If it seems ok, replace the detergent dispenser.
Fault Code 10-2
Cause: Vent wax motor fault
Action: After disconnecting your dishwasher from the power supply, inspect the wiring in the ventwax motor circuit for any faults. If no problems are detected then the vax wax motor may need replacing.
Fault Code 10-3
Cause: Drying fan problem (probably and electrical fault)
Action: With the power disconnected check the wiring to the drying fan for any faults, and replace the drying fan if required.
Go to: Why is My Dishwasher Not Drying the Dishes?
Alternative Error Codes for KitchenAid Dishwashers:
CLEAN light flashes six times
Cause: This a is generic warning telling you that the dishwasher has detected a general problem (useful right?!). Action: This error can occasionally pop up even when your dishwasher appears to be fine. You can clear the error from appearing by disconnecting the power for a few minutes then reconnecting it. If the error code persists there may well be an undiagnosed problem somewhere.
CLEAN light flashes continuously
Cause: A heating fault has been detected, no hot water.
Go to: Why is My Dishwasher Not Heating the Water?