KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Codes: Troubleshooting Guide

Your KitchenAid dishwasher uses error codes to let you know when something’s gone wrong. Think of it as the appliance’s way of pointing you—or a professional technician—in the right direction—saving you from frustrating guesswork.

In this article, we’ll list the most common KitchenAid dishwasher error codes, break down what each one means, and give you practical steps to fix the problem and get your dishwasher running properly again.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Codes

Below, we’ve listed some common error codes you may encounter on KitchenAid dishwashers with a cycle time display, along with steps to resolve them.

F1E1: Control – ACU Failure

This error code means the main control board isn’t working right. Potential resolutions include:

Reset the dishwasher by unplugging it or flipping the circuit breaker for 5 minutes before restoring power. This will clear any temporary glitches.
Check wiring connections to the control board.
If it still doesn’t work, the control board may need replacing by a professional.

F1E2: Control – MCU Failure

This error code means the memory on the control board is damaged or corrupted. Potential solutions include:

Reset the dishwasher.
If it still doesn’t work, the control board may need replacing by a professional.

F2E1: User Interface – Stuck Key

This error code means a button is stuck on the user interface control. To resolve this:

Press each button to see if one is stuck or unresponsive.
Clean around the buttons to remove any dirt or grime obstructing them.
If the panel doesn’t respond, the user interface control or control board may need replacing.

F3E1: Thermistor/OWI

This error code means there is a problem with the temperature sensor (thermistor) or OWI sensor. How to resolve:

Check the wiring connections to the thermistor/OWI.
If the wiring is fine, replace the thermistor/OWI.

F3E2: OWI – Failed Calibration

This error code means the OWI sensor, also known as the turbidity sensor, which detects soil levels and water clarity, didn’t calibrate properly. Potential resolutions include:

Clean the OWI sensor (it might be dirty).
Reset the dishwasher.
If the error persists, the sensor may need replacing.

F4E2: Heater – Open or Unplugged

This error code means the heating element isn’t working, so the water won’t heat. The following may resolve it:

Check if the heating element is broken or disconnected.
Test the element with a multimeter.
Replace the heating element if it’s faulty.

F5E1: Door Switch – Door Stuck Open

This error code means either the door is open or the door switch is faulty. To resolve it:

Make sure the door is fully closed and latched.
Remove any items obstructing the door.
Inspect the door switch and latch for damage.
Replace the door latch assembly if the switch doesn’t detect the door properly.

F5E2: Door Switch – Door Stuck Closed

This error code means the door hasn’t been opened between cycles, or the door switch is faulty. To resolve:

Open and close the door, and then begin a new cycle.
Reset the dishwasher.
Replace the door latch assembly if the error persists.

F6E1: User Interface – No Response

This error means the user interface control is not responding. You can resolve it by:

Reset the dishwasher.
Check the wiring between the user interface control and the control board.
Replace the user interface control.

F8E4: Overfill / Float Switch Open

This error code means the dishwasher is overfilled, there are excessive suds, or the float switch is triggered. The machine will start a drain cycle and won’t operate until it’s finished. To resolve this error:

Unplug, remove the kickplate, disconnect the float switch, and empty the water from the drip tray.
Check the water inlet connection and the drain hose connection for leaks. Tighten if necessary.
Ensure you’re using the right detergent to avoid excessive suds.
If you spot water leaking from another area, turn off the water supply, and have your appliance serviced by a professional.

F8E5: Inlet Water – Fill Valve Stuck On

This error code means the fill valve is stuck open, causing overfilling. The machine will start a drain cycle and won’t operate until it’s finished. Possible solutions include:

Turn off the water supply.
Inspect the fill valve for debris or damage.
Replace the valve if it won’t close.

F9E1: Dishwasher Not Draining

This error code means the dishwasher is not draining properly. Try the following to resolve it:

If the drain hose is connected to a garbage disposal, ensure the knockout plug has been removed.
Check for clogs in the drain hose or pump.
Schedule a service if the drainage issue persists.

FAE5: Water Under Dishwasher

This error code means there is water under the dishwasher. Resolve this error by:

Unplug the dishwasher, remove the kickplate, disconnect the float switch, and drain any water from the drip tray.
Check the water inlet and drain hose connections for leaks—tighten them if needed.
Use the correct detergent to prevent excessive suds.
If you notice water leaking from another area, turn off the water supply and contact a professional for service.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Blinking Lights

If your dishwasher doesn’t have a cycle time display, error codes will be shown through the clean light blinking in different sequence patterns. Here are the blinking patterns for the error codes above:

F1E1: Control – ACU Failure: 1 flash, pause, 1 flash (1-1)
F1E2: Control – MCU Failure: 1 flash, pause, 2 flashes (1-2)
F2E1: User Interface – Stuck Key: 2 flashes, pause, 1 flash (2-1)
F3E1: Thermistor/OWI: 3 flashes, pause, 1 flash (3-1)
F3E2: OWI Sensor – Failed Calibration: 3 flashes, pause, 2 flashes (3-2)
F4E2: Heater – Open or Unplugged: 4 flashes, pause, 2 flashes (4-2)
F5E1: Door Switch – Door Stuck Open: 5 flashes, pause, 1 flash (5-1)
F5E2: Door Switch – Door Stuck Closed: 5 flashes, pause, 2 flashes (5-2)
F6E1: Inlet Water – Fill Valve Electrical Problem: 6 flashes, pause, 1 flash (6-1)
F8E4: Overfill – Float Switch Open: 8 flashes, pause, 4 flashes (8-4)
F8E5: Inlet Water – Fill Valve Stuck On: 8 flashes, pause, 5 flashes (8-5)
F9E1: Dishwasher Not Draining: 9 flashes, pause, 1 flash (9-1)