Kenmore Dishwasher Error Codes by Component and Function

Locate Kenmore dishwasher faults by code family, from F1E1 control failures to FAE3 drying-fan trouble. The page organizes display alerts around the interface, sensors, wash motor, door latch, fill system, heater, drain pump, diverter, dispenser, and venting so San Diego homeowners can identify the affected function before repair.

Kenmore Dishwasher Error Codes for San Diego Homes

Kenmore HE and Kenmore Elite HE dishwashers may show faults as a two-part code, such as 1-1, or as an F-format message, such as F1E1. Models without a digital display can flash the Clean light in the same function-and-problem pattern. These codes identify the system that stopped the cycle, but wiring, controls, sensors, pumps, and connected components still need testing before a part is replaced.

Control Board and User Interface Codes

1-1 / F1E1 indicates a stuck relay on the electronic control board. 1-2 / F1E2 points to damaged or corrupted control memory or incompatible software within the microprocessor. Turn power off for five minutes. If either code returns, the board, wiring, and connected loads require diagnosis.

2-1 / F2E1 means a user-interface button is stuck. Check whether every accessible button responds and make sure the panel is clean and dry. 2-2 / F2E2 means the user interface cannot communicate with the main electronic control. A recurring message can involve the interface, harness connections, or control board. Do not open the door console while the dishwasher is energized.

Water Temperature and Soil-Sensing Codes

3-1 / F3E1 identifies a thermistor or Optical Water Indicator sensor failure. The thermistor monitors water temperature, while the OWI sensor evaluates soil in the wash water. 3-2 / F3E2 means this sensor circuit is shorted.

Either condition can interfere with temperature regulation, cycle timing, or soil-based adjustments. Wiring and the combined thermistor/OWI sensor should be checked using the specifications for the exact model.

Circulation Pump Communication Codes

4-1 / F4E1 and 4-2 / F4E2 indicate a communication problem between the electronic control and circulation pump motor. The dishwasher may fill but fail to spray correctly, stop during washing, or leave dishes dirty.

Diagnosis should include the pump harness, motor assembly, and control board rather than assuming that a blocked spray arm caused the message.

Door Detection Codes

5-1 / F5E1 appears when the door is not closed within the required time after Start/Resume is pressed or when the door switch or latch assembly fails. 5-2 / F5E2 means the control did not detect the door opening between cycles.

Open and close the door normally, remove items that obstruct the racks, and retry once. If the code remains, the latch, switch, or wiring may need repair. Never bypass the door safety circuit.

Fill, Float, and Flow-Meter Codes

6-1 / F6E1 means the dishwasher does not detect water entering the tub. Check that the shutoff valve is open, the supply line is not kinked, and nothing is holding the overfill float up.

6-2 / F6E2 points more specifically to a water inlet valve failure or its electrical circuit. 6-4 / F6E4 means the float switch is open, which can occur when the float is stuck or the inlet valve is not shutting off correctly. 6-7 / F6E7 identifies a disconnected or damaged flow meter.

Persistent fill codes can involve the valve, float system, flow meter, harness, household water supply, or electronic control.

Heating Codes

7-1 / F7E1 means the heating element is not working. Dishes may remain wet, greasy soil may not release properly, or the cycle may stop when the expected temperature is not reached.

7-2 / F7E2 means the heating element will not shut off. Disconnect power if this code returns, especially if the tub feels unusually hot or there is a burning odor.

Drain Pump Codes

8-1 / F8E1 indicates slow drainage. Check the accessible filter area, drain hose, air gap, sink drain, and garbage-disposal connection for restrictions.

8-2 / F8E2 indicates an electrical problem in the drain-pump circuit. If water remains in the tub after accessible blockages are cleared, avoid starting additional cycles.

Diverter, Dispenser, Vent, and Drying Codes

9-1 / F9E1 means the control cannot detect the position of the diverter disc that directs water between spray zones. 9-2 / F9E2 means the diverter motor is being held on, commonly because of a control-relay fault.

10-1 / FAE1 identifies detergent-dispenser failure. 10-2 / FAE2 indicates an electrical problem with the vent wax motor. 10-3 / FAE3 means the drying fan has failed.

These faults can leave detergent in the cup, trap moisture, or prevent dishes from drying even when the wash portion finishes.

Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code Service in San Diego

A code that clears once may have followed a temporary interruption, but a returning code shows that the dishwasher still cannot complete a monitored function.

Reset Appliance Repair provides Kenmore dishwasher diagnostics in San Diego for control, sensor, fill, circulation, heating, drainage, diverter, dispenser, and drying-system faults.

Related Kenmore Appliance Error Code Guides

Use these Kenmore resources to connect dishwasher warnings with the broader brand library and other appliances that rely on water intake, drainage, sensing, and electronic controls.

Kenmore Appliance Error Codes: Start with the main Kenmore appliance error code guide for an overview of diagnostic messages across Kenmore kitchen, laundry, cooking, and refrigeration appliances.

Front Load Washer: Review Kenmore front load washer error codes for related warnings involving water supply, drainage, level sensing, door locking, motor operation, and electronic communication.

Top Load Washer: Explore Kenmore top load washer error codes for alerts connected with filling, long draining, pressure sensing, lid locking, overflow protection, and control operation.

These connected guides help homeowners move from Kenmore dishwasher diagnostics to related water-using appliance resources and the wider brand support library.

Reset Appliance Repair – San Diego, CA

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Kenmore Dishwasher Codes for Control, Wash, Drain, and Drying Faults

The table matches Kenmore dishwasher two-part and F-format codes with faults involving the electronic controls, user interface, sensors, circulation pump, door latch, water-fill system, heater, drain pump, diverter, detergent dispenser, vent, and drying fan. Use the code meaning and recommended response to identify the affected function and determine which initial checks are appropriate.

Error Code Meaning Safe first steps Technician required Related help
1-1 / F1E1 Stuck relay on the electronic control board Shut off power for 5 minutes. If the code returns, inspect control-board wiring for damage before service diagnosis. Yes
1-2 / F1E2 Damaged or corrupted memory on control board Shut off power for 5 minutes. If the code returns, service should replace the electronic control board. Yes
2-1 / F2E1 Stuck button on the user interface control Check whether any key is physically stuck. If not resolved after power-off test, service should replace the UI control or control board. Yes
2-2 / F2E2 User interface control cannot communicate with electronic control board Shut off power. Basic step is to inspect accessible wiring/connectors between UI and main control. Yes
3-1 / F3E1 Thermistor / OWI sensor failure Disconnect power. Basic step is to inspect accessible harness damage; sensor or harness may require replacement. Yes
3-2 / F3E2 Shorted thermistor / OWI sensor Disconnect power and inspect accessible sensor wiring only. Yes
4-1 / F4E1 Communication error between electronic control board and circulation pump motor Disconnect power. Check for loose or damaged accessible wiring before scheduling service. Yes
4-2 / F4E2 Communication error between electronic control board and circulation pump motor Disconnect power. Check for loose or damaged accessible wiring before scheduling service. Yes
5-1 / F5E1 Door switch failure Close the door within 4 seconds of Start/Resume. If the code continues, disconnect power and stop use until service checks latch/switch wiring. Yes
5-2 / F5E2 Control detects door not opening Cancel cycle, open and close door once, then retry. If code persists, service should inspect/replace the door latch assembly. Yes
6-1 / F6E1 Won't fill Check for an item holding the overfill float up and confirm water supply is on. If supply is okay and code returns, service is needed for valve/control diagnosis. Yes
6-2 / F6E2 Water inlet valve failure Disconnect power. Safe first step is limited to checking whether the harness is visibly loose or damaged. Yes
6-4 / F6E4 Float switch is open Check whether the overfill float is stuck or obstructed. If not resolved, stop use and book service. Yes
6-7 / F6E7 Disconnected or damaged flow meter Shut off power. No further user repair beyond checking for obvious loose wiring. Yes
7-1 / F7E1 Heating element does not work Shut off power and stop using heated cycles. If the element is not obviously damaged, service diagnosis is required. Yes
7-2 / F7E2 Heating element will not shut off Shut off power for 5 minutes. If code returns, stop use until service replaces the control board. Yes
8-1 / F8E1 Slow drain Shut off power and water. Check the drain path for an obvious blockage only; if clear, service should diagnose the drain pump. Yes
8-2 / F8E2 Drain pump electrical problem Shut off power and water. Safe first step is to inspect accessible wiring only. Yes
9-1 / F9E1 Electronic control board cannot detect diverter disc position Disconnect power and stop use until service checks diverter wiring/motor. Yes
9-2 / F9E2 Diverter motor is stuck on Disconnect power immediately. Service is required for control-board repair. Yes
10-1 / FAE1 Detergent dispenser failure Disconnect power. Safe first step is limited to checking accessible dispenser wiring for obvious looseness. Yes
10-2 / FAE2 Vent wax motor electrical problem Shut off power and stop use until service checks the vent-wax motor circuit. Yes
10-3 / FAE3 Drying fan failure Disconnect power. Service is required if wiring is not obviously loose. Yes

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