Whirlpool and KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them
What F9E1, F8E4, F8E5, H2O and other Whirlpool and KitchenAid dishwasher codes mean, with the safe checks you can try first.
Whirlpool and KitchenAid dishwashers report faults as an F number followed by an E number, such as F9E1. The F number is the fault area and the E number is the specific problem. Both brands publish the same codes and the same advice, so this page covers both.
On models with a digital display the code appears on its own, and a button press wakes an idle screen. Models with lights show it by flashing the clean light: count the first quick set of flashes for the F number, wait through the short pause, then count the second set for the E number, and a longer pause ends the sequence. Exact codes vary by model, and your model number is usually on a label on the door edge or the tub frame.
Never open the dishwasher cabinet, remove panels or touch wiring, and do not reconnect switches inside the unit.
If you see water pooling or a code points to a leak, shut off the water supply to the dishwasher first.
Control and display codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1E1 | Control module fault. | Power cycle the dishwasher: unplug it for 30 seconds, or switch its breaker off for 30 seconds. | If it returns, book a technician. |
| F1E2 | Main control communication error. | Power cycle the dishwasher: unplug it for 30 seconds, or switch its breaker off for 30 seconds. | If it returns, book a technician. |
| F2E1 | Stuck key or console error. | Power cycle the dishwasher: unplug it for 30 seconds, or switch its breaker off for 30 seconds. | If it returns, book a technician. |
| F2E2 | Main control communication error. | Power cycle the dishwasher: unplug it for 30 seconds, or switch its breaker off for 30 seconds. | If it returns, book a technician. |
| F6E1 | User interface error at the main control. | Power cycle the dishwasher: unplug it for 30 seconds, or switch its breaker off for 30 seconds. | If it returns, book a technician. |
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F1E1 error
F1E1 points to the control module. Cut power to the dishwasher for 30 seconds, then restore it and try a cycle. If the code returns, the control needs a technician.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F1E2 error
F1E2 is a communication error involving the main control. A 30 second power cycle can clear it. If it comes back, the control needs service.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F2E1 error
F2E1 means the control thinks a key or the console is faulty. Cut power for 30 seconds and try again. If it returns, the console needs a technician.
Model note: The manufacturer page prints this cause as Stuck Key oe Console Error.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F2E2 error
F2E2 is another main control communication error. A 30 second power cycle may clear it. If not, book a technician.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F6E1 error
F6E1 is a user interface error tied to the main control. Cycle the power for 30 seconds. If the code remains, call for service.
Code keeps coming back? Book a dishwasher repair and tell us the code and your model number.
Heating and sensor codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| F3E2 | Thermistor or OWI sensor fault. | Power cycle the dishwasher: unplug it for 30 seconds, or switch its breaker off for 30 seconds. | If it returns, book a technician. |
| F4E2 | Heating system fault. | Power cycle the dishwasher: unplug it for 30 seconds, or switch its breaker off for 30 seconds. | If it returns, book a technician. |
| F4E3 | Heating error. | Power cycle the dishwasher: unplug it for 30 seconds, or switch its breaker off for 30 seconds. | If it returns, book a technician. |
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F3E2 error
F3E2 refers to the thermistor or OWI sensor. Power cycle the dishwasher for 30 seconds. If it returns, a technician needs to test the sensor.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F4E2 error
F4E2 relates to the heating system. Cut power for 30 seconds and restart. If it comes back, a technician should check the heating circuit.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F4E3 error
F4E3 is a heating error. Turn the power off for 30 seconds, then on again. If the error returns, book service.
Drain and motor codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| F9E1 | Long drain: water is not leaving the dishwasher. | Clean the filter, check the drain hose for kinks, clear the disposer, check any air gap, then power cycle. | If water still sits in the tub. |
| F9E2 | Drain motor error. | Check disposer and drain for clogs, straighten a kinked hose, then power cycle. | If it returns, book a technician. |
| F7E2 | Wash motor error. | Power cycle the dishwasher: unplug it for 30 seconds, or switch its breaker off for 30 seconds. | If it returns, book a technician. |
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F9E1 error
F9E1 means the dishwasher is not draining in the expected time. Rinse the filter thoroughly under running water and check the drain hose for kinks or clogs. If it is connected to a disposer, make sure the disposer is clear and, on a new install, the knockout plug is out. Cut power for 30 seconds and try again.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F9E2 error
F9E2 refers to the drain motor. Make sure the garbage disposer and drain are not clogged and the drain hose is not kinked. On a new install, the disposer knockout plug must be removed. Power cycle, and book service if the error returns.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F7E2 error
F7E2 is a wash motor error. Cut power for 30 seconds and run a cycle. If it returns, the motor needs a technician.
Water supply, fill and leak codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| H2O (H20) | Dishwasher is not detecting water. | Turn the water supply on and check the supply hose for kinks, then press Start. | If it still will not fill. |
| F8E2 | Fill valve electrical error. | Power cycle the dishwasher: unplug it for 30 seconds, or switch its breaker off for 30 seconds. | If it returns, book a technician. |
| F8E4 | Water detected in the drip tray. | Look for visible leaks at the water connections. Press Cancel once to silence the alarm and keep the door closed. | Yes: book a technician, do not open the cabinet. |
| F8E5 | Fill valve stuck open. | Turn off the water to the dishwasher if possible, press Cancel once, shut the door. Keep the power on. | Yes: book a technician. |
| F6E3 | Excessive suds detected. | Scoop out suds, then run an empty cycle, no dishes and no detergent. | If suds are not the cause or it returns. |
| F6E4 | Water float switch error, often linked to the dishwasher not being level. | Check the dishwasher is level, then power cycle. | If it is level and the code returns. |
| FAE4 (F10E4) | Diverter valve error. | Power cycle the dishwasher: unplug it for 30 seconds, or switch its breaker off for 30 seconds. | If it returns, book a technician. |
| FAE5 (F10E5) | Diverter leak. | Look for water under or around the dishwasher and make sure visible connections are tight. Press Cancel twice and try a new cycle. | If the error returns. |
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher H2O (H20) error
H2O means the dishwasher is not detecting water. Check that the water supply valve to the dishwasher is open and the supply hose is not kinked. Once the supply is right, press Start and it will try to fill and carry on the cycle.
Model note: The detail page prints this code with the letter O (H2O), while the overview page prints it as H20 with a zero. It is the same fault.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F8E2 error
F8E2 is an electrical error in the fill valve. Power cycle the dishwasher for 30 seconds. If the code comes back, the fill valve needs a technician.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F8E4 error
F8E4 means water was detected in the drip tray. On a professionally installed unit, the drain sequence starts and the machine will not run. Shut off the water supply, press Cancel once to silence the alarm, and keep the door closed. The manufacturer says not to turn off the power at this point.
Model note: The detail page also covers newly installed units, including re-seating connections and a float switch connector. That is inside-the-cabinet work and is left to a technician.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F8E5 error
F8E5 means the fill valve is stuck open, so water can keep entering. If you can, shut off the water supply to the dishwasher. Press Cancel once to silence the alarm, then shut the door. Keep the power on and the door closed so it can drain, and only cut the power if you cannot turn the water off.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F6E3 error
F6E3 means the sensors found foam in the tub, so the dishwasher may not fill or run normally. Common causes are the wrong detergent such as hand dish soap, too much detergent, or a rinse aid cap left off. Scoop out as many suds as you can, then run an empty cycle as the manufacturer describes.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher F6E4 error
F6E4 relates to the water float switch. The manufacturer notes that a dishwasher that is not level can trigger the overfill switch and cause this code. Check that it sits level, then cut power for 30 seconds. If the error returns, book a technician.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher FAE4 (F10E4) error
FAE4, also shown as F10E4, is a diverter valve error. Cycle the power for 30 seconds. If it comes back, the diverter needs a technician.
Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher FAE5 (F10E5) error
FAE5, also shown as F10E5, points to a diverter leak. Check for water on the floor around the dishwasher and make sure the visible water connections are secure. Press Cancel twice and try a new cycle. If the error returns, book service.
How to reset your Whirlpool & KitchenAid dishwasher
Many of these codes list a power cycle as the first step. Cut power to the dishwasher for 30 seconds, then restore it and start a cycle. Do not use this for F8E5, where the manufacturer wants the power left on.
- Unplug the dishwasher for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- If it is hard-wired, switch its breaker off at the panel for 30 seconds, then back on.
- Start a cycle. If the same code returns, book service.
Frequently asked questions
What does F9E1 mean on my Whirlpool dishwasher?
F9E1 means a long drain: the dishwasher is not emptying in the expected time. Clean the filter, check the drain hose for kinks and make sure any disposer is clear. If water still sits in the tub, book a technician.
What does F8E5 mean on my KitchenAid dishwasher?
F8E5 means the fill valve is stuck open. Turn off the water supply if you can, press Cancel once and close the door. Keep the power on so it can drain, and call for service.
What does F8E4 mean on my Whirlpool dishwasher?
F8E4 means water has been detected in the drip tray. The machine drains and stops. Shut off the water, press Cancel once to silence the alarm, keep the door closed and book a technician.
What does H2O mean on my KitchenAid dishwasher?
H2O means the dishwasher is not detecting water. Make sure the water supply is turned on and the supply hose is not kinked, then press Start. Some pages print it as H20 with a zero.
What does F6E3 mean on my Whirlpool dishwasher?
F6E3 means too many suds were detected. Scoop out the foam, then run an empty cycle. Use only dishwasher detergent in future.
Related
- Dishwasher Repair
- Whirlpool appliance repair
- KitchenAid appliance repair
- All appliance error code guides
Codes and their meanings vary by model and model year, so keep your model number handy. If a code keeps returning after the safe checks above, book a repair and a technician will test your dishwasher in your home.
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