KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Codes: What Do They Mean?

KitchenAid dishwashers have internal sensors that help diagnose problems that develop in your dishwasher. When they sense something wrong with a component, an error code will be displayed on the screen.  In this guide, we cover all of the error codes and give you instructions on how to remove them.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 1-1

This code means that your dishwasher’s electronic control board has detected a sticking relay on the circuit board. The easiest way to remove this error code is to turn your dishwasher off for a few minutes and then turn it back on. Resetting the dishwasher should unstick the relay and allow you to start using your dishwasher again.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 1-2

This code means that the electronic control board’s onboard memory has become faulty. To remove this error code, reset your dishwasher by turning it off and on. If that doesn’t work, the control board may need to be replaced.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 2-1

This code means that the control board has detected that one or more of the buttons on your control panel are stuck. To remove the code, first check all of the buttons to ensure that none of them are stuck. If no buttons are stuck, you’ll need to have a technician test the control board and the control panel to determine if they have an electrical fault. If either of those components is faulty, they’ll need to be replaced.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 2-2

This code means that the connection between the control panel and the control board has become faulty or has been lost completely. To remove this error code, you’ll need to get a technician to test the control board and the control panel to determine if they have an electrical fault. If either of those components is faulty, they’ll need to be replaced.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 3-1

This code means the thermistor in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem. To remove the error code, use a multimeter to check if the thermistor is working correctly. If it’s faulty, replace it. If you don’t own a multimeter, have a technician to come and test it.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 3-2

This code also means the thermistor in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem. To remove the error code, use a multimeter to check if the thermistor is working correctly. If it’s faulty, replace it. If you don’t own a multimeter, have a technician come and test it.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 3-3

This code means the optical water indicator (OWI) in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem. To remove the error code, inspect the OWI for signs of damage and clean it thoroughly. If it’s damaged, it will need to be replaced.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 4-4 

This code means the circulation pump in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem. To remove the error code, turn your dishwasher off and check all of the wiring connected to the pump for damage. If the wiring looks fine, you might need to replace the circulation pump.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 5-1 

This code means  the door latch in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem. To remove the error code, check the door latch to make sure nothing is obstructing it and that it’s connected properly. If it’s damaged or if the wiring is faulty, replace the door latch.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 5-2

This code means that the door in your KitchenAid dishwasher cannot open correctly. To remove the error code, check the door latch to ensure it’s not obstructed and then check if the wiring to the switch is faulty. If the door latch is faulty it will need to be replaced.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 6-1

This code means that water is unable to enter the dishwasher basin. To fix the underlying problem, check the water supply hoses and valves to make sure they’re working properly. If the water supply is set up properly, then you may need to have a technician test the control board to ensure it isn’t faulty.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 6-2

This code means the water inlet valve in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem. To remove the error code, make sure the water inlet valve opens and closes properly. If it’s defective, it will need to be replaced. If the valve is fine, have a technician test the control board to make sure it’s working correctly.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 6-3

This code means the water pump in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem and that your dishwasher can’t fill up with enough water. To remove the error code, check that the water inlet valve and the water supply hoses are working correctly. If they aren’t, repair or replace them. 

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 6-4

This code means the float switch in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem. To remove the error code, inspect the float switch to ensure it isn’t damaged. If it is, you’ll need to replace it. You should also check that the water inlet valve is working properly because if your dishwasher fills with too much water, the float switch will activate. (Note that if the float switch error code (6-4) activates, it may override inlet valve error code (6-2) activation, which is why the inlet valve should be inspected as part of this step.)

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 6-6

This code means that the water in your dishwasher isn’t heating to the required temperature. To remove the error code, first check that the water is hot by turning your dishwasher on  and then pausing it once the wash cycle starts. At that time, check if the water is hot. If the water is cold, then you or a technician will need to test if the heating element and thermistor are working. If one or both are faulty, one or both will need to be replaced.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 7-1 

This code means the heating element in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem. To remove the error code, you or a technician will need to test whether the heating element is working. If it isn’t, replace it.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 7-2

This code means that the heating element in your KitchenAid dishwasher is not switching off when it should. To remove the error code, you’ll need to reset your dishwasher by turning it off and on. If that doesn’t work, have a technician test the control board to ensure it’s working correctly. If it isn’t, replace it.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 8-1

This code means that your dishwasher is not draining. To remove the error code, first remove the water in the dishwasher basin and then inspect the filter and drain for any signs of blockages. If you can unblock the drain, do so and then check if the error code has been removed.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 8-2

This code means you have an electrical fault within the drain pump. To remove the error code, turn the power off, turn the water supply off, and then inspect the drain pump for any signs of damage. Use a multimeter to test the pump for continuity. If the pump is faulty, replace it.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 9-1

This code means the diverter in your KitchenAid dishwasher has an electrical problem. To remove the error code, check the diverter for signs of damage. Use a multimeter to check the diverter wiring to ensure it’s working correctly. If the diverter or its wiring is damaged, replace it.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 9-2 

This code means that the diverter in your KitchenAid dishwasher is stuck. To remove the error code, open the sump and inspect the diverter for any signs of damage. If damaged, replace it.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 9-3 

This code means that the diverter disk in your KitchenAid dishwasher is damaged or missing. To remove the error code, locate the diverter and check if the diverter disk is damaged or missing. If so, replace it.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 9-4

This code means the bottom spray arm in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem. To remove the error code, make sure the spray arm isn’t obstructed and that it can spin 360 degrees freely. If it’s obstructed, remove the obstruction. If the spray arm is damaged, replace it.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 10-1

This code means the dispenser in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem. To remove the error code, you or a technician will need to test the dispenser wiring to make sure it’s properly connected and working correctly. If the wiring is connected but the dispenser still doesn’t work, replace it. 

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 10-2

This code means the vent motor in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem. To remove the error code, you or a technician will need to test the vent motor to make sure it’s working correctly. If it isn’t, replace it.

KitchenAid dishwasher error code: 10-3

This code means the drying fan in your KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem. To remove the error code, you or a technician will need to test the drying fan to make sure it’s working correctly. If it isn’t, replace it. 

Other KitchenAid dishwasher error codes

• If the clean light on your dishwasher flashes six times, this means your KitchenAid dishwasher has a “general problem”. The fastest way to remove this code is to reset your dishwasher. If that doesn’t work, have a technician inspect your dishwasher to find out what’s wrong with it. 
• If the clean light flashes continuously, this indicates the dishwasher doesn’t have hot water in it and the wash cycle won’t start. To remove this code, you or a technician will need to check the thermistor and heating element. (See steps 3-1, 3-2, 7-1, or 7-2.)