KitchenAid Appliance Repair & Error Code Lookup
Find your KitchenAid error code below, see what it means, and know whether it's safe to clear yourself or time to call a certified technician.
KitchenAid Dishwasher — Error Codes
| Code | What it means | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| F6 E2 / 6-2 |
Inlet Water Valve Failure
Control panel failed to detect water entering the tub after opening the inlet valve. Check home water valve under sink or replace valve.
|
Medium |
| F7 E1 / 7-1 |
Heating Element Fault
Water failed to reach required temperature or board detected open heating circuit. Dishes will not dry properly and water stays cool.
|
Medium |
| F8 E4 / 8-4 |
Overfill / Float Switch Tripped
Too much water in the tub or float switch stuck closed. Drain pump runs automatically to prevent kitchen flooding.
|
High |
| F9 E1 / 9-1 |
Diverter Valve Motor Fault
Diverter motor failed to shift water stream between top and bottom spray arms. Water stops alternating correctly.
|
Medium |
| F1 E1 / 1-1 |
Main Control Board Error
Microprocessor or memory failure on main control circuit board. Requires hard reset or board replacement.
|
High |
On KitchenAid dishwashers with ProWash™ technology, "F9 E1" or diverter codes often stem from a worn rubber grommet on the diverter shaft, allowing water to leak directly onto the diverter motor contacts beneath the tub.
Signs your KitchenAid dishwasher needs a professional
- Blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker every time the drying cycle starts
- Water remaining pooled in the bottom tub after cycle completion
- Clean light blinking rapidly in pattern (5 or 7 blinks) on older control models
- Grinding noise from wash pump motor during spray cycles
KitchenAid Refrigerator & Freezer — Error Codes
| Code | What it means | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| PO / Power Outage |
Power Outage Alert
Sustained power disruption caused cabinet temperature to rise above safe thresholds. Press Confirm to clear display.
|
Low |
| Er CF |
Communication Fault
Loss of electronic communication between main control board and front door display board or dispenser assembly.
|
High |
| E2 / E5 |
Thermistor Temperature Sensor Fault
Fresh food (E2) or freezer (E5) thermistor shorted or open circuit. Unit defaults to maximum cooling or shuts down defrost.
|
Medium |
| E9 |
Icemaker Temperature / Harvest Fault
Built-in ice maker failed to reach drop temperature or eject grid stuck during ice harvest cycle.
|
Medium |
| Showroom / Cooling Off |
Demo Mode Activated
Lights and controls function normally, but cooling compressor and evaporators are powered off.
|
Low |
KitchenAid built-in architecture (like 42" and 48" Preservell™ models) uses upper compressor housings. If the top condenser coils collect dust, heat builds rapidly, causing false thermistor readings and warm fresh food temperatures.
Signs your KitchenAid refrigerator needs a professional
- Freezer warm while freezer walls show thick white frost accumulation
- Clicking sound from the top or rear cabinet every few minutes followed by silent pause
- Water pooling under bottom crisper drawers or leaking onto kitchen floor
- Constant door chime sounding even when doors are fully closed
KitchenAid Oven & Range — Error Codes
| Code | What it means | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| F1 E1 / F1 E2 |
Control Board / Microprocessor Failure
Main oven control board (EEPROM) circuit error. Control board cannot process temperature commands reliably.
|
High |
| F2 E0 |
Keypad Membrane Shorted
One or more touch control buttons on touch panel are stuck closed or damaged by excess moisture/steam.
|
High |
| F3 E0 / F3 E1 |
Oven Temperature Sensor (RTD) Open/Shorted
Oven thermistor probe failed or wire harness disconnected. Board shuts down heating elements for safety.
|
Medium |
| F5 E0 / F5 E1 |
Door Latch Switch Fault
Motorized door lock assembly failed to switch position during self-clean setup or cool-down phase.
|
Medium |
| F6 E0 |
Return Communication Loss
Communication loss between user interface touch panel and power relay control board.
|
High |
Running high-temperature self-cleaning cycles on KitchenAid wall ovens can overheat the top thermal fuse (TOD) or control board. If your oven completely dies during or right after a self-clean cycle, the thermal cutoff fuse has blown.
Signs your KitchenAid oven or range needs a professional
- Oven door locked shut and display showing F5 error after self-clean
- Gas burners clicking continuously even after flame is lit
- Bake or broil element visibly blistered, broken, or sparking inside oven
- Oven undercooking or burning food due to wild temperature swings
KitchenAid Washing Machine — Error Codes
| Code | What it means | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| F21 / F2 E1 |
Long Drain Fault
Washer drain cycle timed out before water emptied completely. Clogged drain pump filter, kinked drain hose, or failed pump.
|
High |
| F28 / F6 E1 |
Serial Communication Error
Central Control Unit (CCU) lost signal from Motor Control Unit (MCU). Washer stops mid-cycle and will not spin.
|
High |
| F20 / F8 E1 |
No Water Detected / Inlet Fault
Water flow taking too long to fill tub. Check water supply shutoff valves and inlet valve mesh screens.
|
Medium |
| F22 / F5 E2 |
Door Lock Mechanism Fault
Door latch assembly unable to lock properly prior to high-speed spin cycle.
|
Medium |
| rL / F34 |
Remove Load / Items Left in Drum
Items detected in wash tub during clean washer cycle or recalibration routine.
|
Low |
When "F21" or "F2 E1" appears on front-load washers, clear the clean-out trap at the drain pump base before purchasing new parts. Small coins, socks, and debris frequently block the impeller cavity.
Signs your KitchenAid washing machine needs a professional
- Loud roaring or grinding noise during high-speed spin (spin bearing failure)
- Washer bouncing excessively or walking across floor during spin cycle
- Water remaining in drum with door stuck in locked state
- Leaking water around front door bellows boot gasket
KitchenAid Dryer — Error Codes
| Code | What it means | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| AF / F2 E1 |
Low Airflow Fault
Restricted airflow through exhaust vent duct line or clogged lint screen. Potential fire hazard if not cleared.
|
High |
| F22 / F23 |
Thermistor Variable Open/Shorted
Exhaust temperature thermistor reading out of range. Board disables heating circuit to prevent clothing damage.
|
Medium |
| F01 |
Primary Electronic Control Board Fault
Main micro-controller software or hardware error on main board. Dryer will not respond to controls.
|
High |
| PF |
Power Failure Signal
Power interruption occurred while dryer cycle was running. Press Start/Pause to resume cycle.
|
Low |
If your KitchenAid electric dryer displays "AF" or takes multiple cycles to dry clothes, thoroughly inspect the exterior wall cap exhaust outlet. A clogged house vent duct will repeatedly blow the dryer's thermal fuse.
Signs your KitchenAid dryer needs a professional
- Dryer drum rotating but producing zero heat (blown heating element or thermal cut-off)
- Squeaking, thumping, or screeching noise while drum turns
- Dryer shutting off completely after 5–10 minutes of operation
- Control panel lit up but drum will not start turning when Start is pressed
KitchenAid Repair FAQ
How do I reset error codes on my KitchenAid appliance?
You can perform a hard power reset by shutting off the breaker for 10 minutes at your home service panel (or unplugging the appliance). Turn power back on to clear soft errors. If an underlying component is broken, the error code will return.
Why is my KitchenAid dishwasher clean light blinking?
A blinking clean light pattern (or F7 E1 error) indicates a heating circuit fault. The controller disables heating functions until reset or until a technician diagnoses the heating element, hi-limit thermostat, or control relay.
What should I do if my KitchenAid oven is locked after self-cleaning?
Allow the oven to cool down completely for at least 2 to 3 hours. If the door remains locked and shows F5 or F1 error, the high-limit thermal safety fuse or motorized door latch assembly needs technician repair.
Are OEM KitchenAid replacement parts used for repairs?
Yes, all KitchenAid repairs are completed using original Whirlpool/KitchenAid OEM replacement parts to preserve quality performance, factory specifications, and appliance lifespan.
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