Kenmore dishwashers are known for their durability and advanced features, but like any appliance, they can run into occasional problems. When something goes wrong, the dishwasher displays an error code to alert you to the issue. These error codes provide valuable information about the nature of the problem and often help you troubleshoot and resolve it. This guide serves as a one-stop solution to get details on all possible error codes for Kenmore dishwashers, along with the causes, troubleshooting steps, and recommended repairs.

Kenmore Dishwasher Error Codes

Error Code Meaning Cause Possible Fix
1-1 or F1E1 Stuck relay on the electronic control board Faulty control board or damaged wiring Reset the dishwasher by turning off the power for 5 minutes, check wiring for damage, and replace control board if necessary.
1-2 or F1E2 Damaged or corrupted memory on control board Incompatible software or memory failure Replace the control board to restore functionality.
2-1 or F2E1 Stuck button on the user interface control Button is stuck or malfunctioning Inspect and clean the buttons. Replace user interface control if required.
2-2 or F2E2 Interface can’t communicate with the electronic control board Wiring or connection issues between the user interface and the control board Check for damaged wiring or loose connections, replace faulty parts.
3-1 or F3E1 Thermistor/OWI sensor failure Faulty thermistor or OWI sensor Inspect and replace the defective sensor.
3-2 or F3E2 Shorted thermistor/OWI sensor Electrical short in the thermistor or OWI sensor Test the sensor with a multimeter and replace if necessary.
3-3 or F3E3 OWI failed to calibrate Dirty water backflow or malfunctioning check valve Check for debris and clean the valve, replace the OWI sensor.
4-1 or F4E1 Communication error between control board and circulation pump motor Faulty wiring or motor issue Inspect wiring and motor, replace damaged components.
4-2 or F4E2 Communication error between control board and circulation pump motor Electrical fault or disconnection Check connections between motor and control board.
5-1 or F5E1 Door switch failure Defective door switch Inspect and replace the faulty door switch.
5-2 or F5E2 Control detects door not opening Door latch failure or sensor issue Check the latch mechanism and replace if needed.
6-1 or F6E1 Dishwasher won’t fill Water supply issue or valve failure Ensure water supply is on and replace the inlet valve if necessary.
6-2 or F6E2 Water inlet valve failure Defective inlet valve Inspect and replace the water inlet valve.
6-3 or F6E3 Suds or air are in the water pump Excessive detergent or air trapped in the system Run the dishwasher with no detergent to clear out the suds.
6-4 or F6E4 Float switch is open Faulty or stuck float switch Check for obstructions and replace the float switch if needed.
6-6 or F6E6 Incoming water is too cold Low water temperature Ensure hot water supply is on, or adjust water heater settings.
6-7 or F6E7 Disconnected or damaged flow meter Flow meter wiring is damaged or disconnected Reconnect or replace the flow meter wiring.
6-8 or F6E8 Water softener regeneration valve issue Failure in water softener regeneration valve Inspect and replace the regeneration valve.
7-1 or F7E1 Heating element malfunction Heating element failure Test and replace the heating element if defective.
7-2 or F7E2 Heating element won’t shut off Control board issue Inspect the control board and replace if necessary.
8-1 or F8E1 Slow drain Clogged drain hose or pump Check the drain hose and pump for blockages, clean or replace as needed.
8-2 or F8E2 Drain pump electrical problem Faulty wiring or pump Inspect wiring and pump, replace any damaged components.
9-1 or F9E1 Diverter disc position not detected Faulty diverter motor or sensor Inspect the diverter motor and sensor, replace if necessary.
9-2 or F9E2 Diverter motor stuck Jammed or faulty diverter motor Check for any debris or obstruction, replace the motor if needed.
10-1 or FAE1 Detergent dispenser failure Faulty dispenser motor or wiring Check dispenser motor and wiring, replace if necessary.
10-2 or FAE2 Dispenser electrical issue Wiring or dispenser malfunction Inspect the wiring, replace the dispenser if necessary.
10-3 or FAE3 Detergent cup won’t open Mechanical malfunction or obstruction Check for obstructions, clean and replace dispenser if needed.

Understanding Kenmore Dishwasher Error Codes

Error codes are designed to help diagnose issues in your Kenmore dishwasher. When your dishwasher encounters a malfunction, it generates an error code to help pinpoint the issue. These codes may flash on the control panel or appear as a sequence of lights. Understanding how to read and interpret these codes is essential to quickly resolving the problem. Error codes can range from simple issues like a stuck button to more complex problems like a faulty control board.

List of Kenmore Dishwasher Error Codes

1-1 or F1E1: Stuck Relay on the Electronic Control Board

  • Description: A stuck relay on the control board prevents proper functioning.
  • Cause: Relay malfunction.
  • Troubleshooting: Turn off the power to the dishwasher for five minutes, then restart. If the problem persists, check the wiring for damage. Measure resistance through components and replace defective parts or the electronic control board if needed.
  • Parts to Check: Electronic control board, wiring harness.

1-2 or F1E2: Damaged or Corrupted Memory on Control Board

  • Description: Memory corruption within the microprocessor.
  • Cause: Control board failure.
  • Troubleshooting: Reset the control board by disconnecting power for five minutes. If the error returns, the control board may need to be replaced.

Control and Communication Errors

2-1 or F2E1: Stuck Button on the User Interface Control

  • Description: A button on the control panel is stuck in the pressed position.
  • Cause: Physical obstruction or damaged control panel.
  • Troubleshooting: Inspect the control panel for any stuck or jammed buttons. Clean the panel, and if the issue persists, replace the user interface control.

2-2 or F2E2: User Interface Control Can’t Communicate with Electronic Control Board

  • Description: The user interface control cannot establish communication with the main control board.
  • Cause: Wiring issues or a failed control board.
  • Troubleshooting: Check for loose or damaged wiring between the control boards. If wiring is intact, replace the defective control board.

Temperature and Sensor-Related Errors

3-1 or F3E1: Thermistor/OWI Sensor Failure

  • Description: The thermistor (temperature sensor) or the OWI (Optical Water Indicator) sensor has malfunctioned.
  • Cause: Faulty sensor or electrical issues.
  • Troubleshooting: Check the thermistor and OWI sensor for physical damage. Replace the sensor if it fails testing.

3-2 or F3E2: Shorted Thermistor/OWI Sensor

  • Description: The thermistor or OWI sensor is shorted out.
  • Cause: Electrical short.
  • Troubleshooting: Test the thermistor and OWI sensor. If a short circuit is detected, replace the sensor.

3-3 or F3E3: OWI Failed to Calibrate or Drain Hose Check Valve Failed

  • Description: The OWI sensor failed to calibrate, or dirty water is backflowing into the dishwasher due to a faulty drain hose check valve.
  • Cause: Calibration failure or check valve malfunction.
  • Troubleshooting: Clean the OWI sensor, and check the drain hose for blockages or backflow. Replace the drain hose or valve as needed.

Circulation Pump and Motor Errors

4-1 or F4E1: Communication Error Between the Electronic Control Board and Circulation Pump Motor

  • Description: The control board is unable to communicate with the circulation pump motor.
  • Cause: Wiring issues or motor failure.
  • Troubleshooting: Inspect the circulation pump motor and associated wiring for damage. Repair or replace the motor if necessary.

4-2 or F4E2: Circulation Pump Motor Malfunction

  • Description: The circulation pump motor is not functioning properly.
  • Cause: Motor failure or obstruction.
  • Troubleshooting: Check the motor for electrical faults or physical blockages. Replace the motor if it is not working.

Door and Switch Errors

5-1 or F5E1: Door Switch Failure

  • Description: The door switch is not functioning properly.
  • Cause: Misaligned or faulty door switch.
  • Troubleshooting: Check the door latch and switch for damage. Replace the door switch if it fails testing.

5-2 or F5E2: Control Detects Door Not Opening

  • Description: The control board detects that the dishwasher door is not opening during cycles.
  • Cause: Door latch issue or faulty door switch.
  • Troubleshooting: Inspect the door latch and switch mechanism. Realign or replace the door switch as necessary.

Water Inlet and Filling Errors

6-1 or F6E1: Dishwasher Won’t Fill

  • Description: The dishwasher is not filling with water.
  • Cause: Faulty water inlet valve or supply issues.
  • Troubleshooting: Verify that the water supply is turned on and that the water inlet valve is functioning. Replace the inlet valve if necessary.

6-2 or F6E2: Water Inlet Valve Failure

  • Description: The water inlet valve is malfunctioning.
  • Cause: Electrical or mechanical failure of the inlet valve.
  • Troubleshooting: Test the inlet valve for continuity and replace it if it fails.

6-3 or F6E3: Suds or Air in the Water Pump

  • Description: Excessive suds or air has entered the water pump, preventing proper function.
  • Cause: Overuse of detergent or air trapped in the system.
  • Troubleshooting: Run a cleaning cycle with no detergent to remove suds. Ensure proper detergent use.

6-4 or F6E4: Float Switch Open

  • Description: The float switch is open, indicating the water level is too high.
  • Cause: Faulty or obstructed float switch.
  • Troubleshooting: Check the float switch for obstructions and clean or replace it as needed.

6-6 or F6E6: Incoming Water Is Too Cold

  • Description: The incoming water temperature is too low for the dishwasher to operate effectively.
  • Cause: Water heater or supply issue.
  • Troubleshooting: Ensure the water supply is connected to a hot water source. Check the water heater temperature settings.

6-7 or F6E7: Disconnected or Damaged Flow Meter

  • Description: The flow meter is disconnected or damaged.
  • Cause: Wiring issues or flow meter failure.
  • Troubleshooting: Inspect the wiring to the flow meter and replace the flow meter if it is damaged.

6-8 or F6E8: Water Softener Regeneration Valve Issue

  • Description: Problems with the water softener regeneration valve (applicable to models with water softeners).
  • Cause: Valve malfunction.
  • Troubleshooting: Check the regeneration valve and replace it if necessary.

Heating Element Errors

7-1 or F7E1: Heating Element Doesn’t Work

  • Description: The heating element is not functioning.
  • Cause: Faulty heating element or wiring issues.
  • Troubleshooting: Test the heating element for continuity. Replace the element if it is defective.

7-2 or F7E2: Heating Element Won’t Shut Off

  • Description: The heating element continues to run and does not turn off.
  • Cause: Control board malfunction or element failure.
  • Troubleshooting: Inspect the control board and replace it or the heating element if needed.

Drainage and Diverter Motor Errors

8-1 or F8E1: Slow Drain

  • Description: The dishwasher is draining water too slowly.
  • Cause: Blockage in the drain hose or pump.
  • Troubleshooting: Check for clogs in the drain hose and clean or replace the pump as needed.

8-2 or F8E2: Drain Pump Electrical Problem

  • Description: Electrical issues with the drain pump.
  • Cause: Pump malfunction or wiring failure.
  • Troubleshooting: Test the drain pump for electrical continuity. Replace the pump if defective.

9-1 or F9E1: Diverter Disc Position Undetected

  • Description: The control board cannot detect the position of the diverter disc.
  • Cause: Diverter motor or disc failure.
  • Troubleshooting: Inspect the diverter motor and disc for damage. Replace the diverter if necessary.

9-2 or F9E2: Diverter Motor Stuck On

  • Description: The diverter motor is stuck in the “on” position.
  • Cause: Motor malfunction.
  • Troubleshooting: Replace the diverter motor if it remains stuck.

Detergent Dispenser Errors (continued)

10-2 or FAE2: Dispenser Electrical Issue

  • Description: The control board detects an electrical issue with the detergent dispenser.
  • Cause: Faulty wiring or a malfunctioning dispenser.
  • Troubleshooting: Inspect the wiring to the detergent dispenser. Test for electrical continuity and repair any damaged wiring or replace the dispenser if necessary.

10-3 or FAE3: Detergent Cup Won’t Open

  • Description: The detergent cup fails to open during the wash cycle.
  • Cause: Mechanical malfunction or obstruction.
  • Troubleshooting: Check for any obstructions in the detergent cup mechanism. Clean the area around the dispenser and ensure it is not stuck. If the problem persists, the dispenser may need to be replaced.

Final Thoughts

Kenmore dishwashers come equipped with a range of sophisticated error detection features, which can help you quickly identify and troubleshoot problems. From electrical issues and motor failures to sensor malfunctions and water temperature problems, each error code points directly to the root cause of the problem, giving you a clear starting point for repairs. Whether you’re dealing with a stuck button, a malfunctioning pump, or a sensor failure, this comprehensive guide to all Kenmore dishwasher error codes is your one-stop solution for troubleshooting.

By understanding these error codes and following the recommended troubleshooting steps, you can often fix the issue yourself or determine if professional assistance is required. Keeping your dishwasher in top working condition is essential for maintaining the convenience it provides in your daily life, and resolving errors promptly helps prevent more serious issues from developing down the line.