KitchenAid Dishwashers
19 fault codes documented
Blinking LEDs (Start/Resume, Cycle Status) — Cycle paused or interrupted
If the dishwasher door is opened during a cycle for any reason, or if the cycle is manually paused, the Start/Resume button LED, Cycle Status Indicator LED(s), and countdown bars will blink to indicate the cycle needs attention to resume.
Clean LED not on and cycle ends — Dishwasher did not fill with water
If there was no water present in the machine at any time during a heated wash cycle, the cycle will terminate prematurely, and the Clean LED will not illuminate to indicate successful completion. This points to a problem with the dishwasher filling with water.
Clean/Complete LED blinks 4 times with pause — Error detected, controls locked
If the Clean/Complete LED blinks four times in a row with a pause between sets of flashes, it indicates a detected error. When this error occurs, the dishwasher controls will lock, preventing a new cycle from starting.
Control Lock light flashes 3 times — Buttons pressed while controls are locked
If the Control Lock feature is active and any button is pressed on the dishwasher, the Control Lock light will flash 3 times. This indicates that the controls are currently disabled to prevent unintended use.
Damage to dishware — Chipping or damage to dishes
Dishes, glasses, or other dishware may become chipped or damaged during a cycle if they are not loaded correctly into the dishwasher. Improper spacing can cause items to strike each other.
Detergent remains in dispenser or tablet on tub bottom — Dispenser blocked or cycle incomplete
Detergent remaining in the dispenser or a tablet found at the bottom of the tub indicates that the detergent was not properly released or dissolved during the wash cycle.
Food soils remain on dishes — Dishes are not clean
Dishes are not coming out clean, with food particles still visible on them after a cycle. This can be due to various factors including improper loading, water temperature, or detergent use.
Lights flash — Invalid option selected for current cycle
If you select an option that is not compatible with the chosen wash cycle, the dishwasher's lights will flash to indicate an invalid selection.
Odors — Unpleasant smell in dishwasher
Unpleasant odors can develop in the dishwasher, especially if it is not used daily or if water is not draining properly. Accumulated food particles can also contribute to smells.
Lights other than Start/Resume blinking — Unit will not run, service required
If indicator lights other than the Start/Resume light are blinking and the dishwasher is not operating, this indicates an internal issue that cannot be resolved by the user.
Sanitized light blinking — Load is NOT sanitized
A blinking Sanitized light indicates that the dishes in the load were not properly sanitized. This can happen if the cycle was interrupted in the final rinse or if the water heater temperature is set too low for effective sanitization.
Series of beeps and Start/Resume LED flashes — Door not closed within 3 seconds after pressing Start/Resume
When you press START/RESUME and do not close the dishwasher door firmly within 3 seconds, a series of beeps will sound, and the Start/Resume button LED will flash, indicating the cycle will not start.
Start/Resume LED flashes & audible tone — Cycle will not start, door not closed in time
After pressing START/RESUME, if the dishwasher door is not firmly closed within 3 seconds, the Start/Resume button LED will flash, an audible tone will sound, and the cycle will not begin. This also applies if the door is opened during a Delay option and not re-closed and START/RESUME pressed.
Start/Resume light blinking — Cycle paused or not started
The Start/Resume light blinks when the dishwasher cycle is paused or interrupted, for example, if the door was opened. It indicates the dishwasher needs attention to resume or start the cycle.
Suds in dishwasher — Dishwasher not operating properly or not filling
If the dishwasher sensing system detects foam or suds, it may not operate properly or may not fill with water. This issue is commonly caused by using the wrong type of detergent or an excessive amount.
Thumping sound — Items interfering with wash arms
A thumping sound during a cycle indicates that dishes or other items are extending beyond the dishwasher racks and hitting the wash arms. This prevents proper washing and can damage dishes.
Water remains in the tub or will not drain — Cycle incomplete or drain obstruction
Water standing in the dishwasher tub or not draining can be due to an incomplete cycle, an obstruction in the drain system, or an electrical issue.
White residue on dishwasher interior or glassware — Hard water deposits
Mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate on the dishwasher interior or glassware, making cleaning difficult and potentially damaging the dishwasher over time. A water softener is strongly recommended if your water hardness is 15 grains or more.
Dishwasher will not fill with water — Water supply issue or overfill protection activated
The dishwasher will not fill with water if the water supply is off, the overfill protection float is obstructed, or if excessive suds are detected inside the tub.