Kenmore dishwasher error codes

The Kenmore brand of home appliances belongs to Sears Holdings Corporation. The products are manufactured by several companies including Whirlpool, GE, LG, and Electrolux.

If there is something wrong with your Kenmore dishwasher, you may be tempted to book a professional to take care of the issue for you. Still, why not try troubleshooting the appliance on your own? Just check the dishwasher for an error code and perform the actions suggested in the tables below.

Error CodeConditionCheck/Repair
Clean light blinks 7 timesHeater circuit failure. Control didn't detect the expected rise in water temperature when the heating element was energized to heat water during the cycle.Check the heating element and related components (wiring and control board) in that circuit 
Console light blinks rapidlyThe control detects a stuck button on the control panel.A failed control panel or a bad electronic control board can cause this code. Check the buttons on the control panel using a volt/ohm meter. In most cases, the control panel needs to be replaced.
Start/Resume light blinks slowlyIf the dishwasher door is opened or power is interrupted during the cycle, the dishwasher won't start again until the door is detected as closed and the Start/Resume button is pressed.Check the door latch and switch assembly. A failure in the Start/Resume button also can cause this problem.
Clean light stays onThe dishwasher won't start a new cycle unless it detects that the door opened after the previous cycle.Turn off power to the dishwasher by shutting off the breaker and restarting. If that does not work, the door switch assembly is stuck and must be replaced. 
Control lock LED is on but not accepting key pressesAccidentally turned on or control detected keypad problem.Press the Heated Dry key for 5 seconds to turn off control lock feature. If that doesn't work, replace keypad.
Sanitized LED blinks at end of cycleControl could not confirm Sanitation achieved.Check voltage to the dishwasher and the temperature of incoming water. Check the diverter motor, the heater and the OWI/thermistor

Error CodeConditionCheck/Repair
1-1The electronic control board detects a stuck relay on its circuit board.Shut off power to the dishwasher for 5 minutes. If the code resumes when you restore power, have a service technician check the wiring and components. If the wiring and components are in working order, replace the electronic control board.
1-2Damaged or corrupted memory on control board. Incompatible software components inside microprocessor.Shut off power to the dishwasher for 5 minutes. If the code resumes when you restore power, replace the electronic control board.
2-1The electronic control board detected a stuck key on the control panel.See if any keys work. If no keys work or the control panel is damaged, replace the electronic control panel. If the control panel works, the problem might be with the electronic control board.
2-2The electronic control board detects no communication from the control panel.
3-1Either there's a break in the wiring or the thermistor/OWI component failed. (The thermistor is the water temperature sensor, the OWI is the Optical Water Indicator that detects the amount of debris in the water.)Shut off power to the dishwasher and then check the wiring for the thermistor/OWI circuit. If the circuit wiring is undamaged, replace the thermistor/OWI component.
3-2The thermistor/OWI circuit is electrically shorted, (The thermistor is the water temperature sensor, the OWI is the Optical Water Indicator that detects the amount of debris in the water.)
3-3OWI fails (the OWI is the Optical Water Indicator that detects the amount of debris in the water)Shut off power to the dishwasher and clean the OWI. If the code resumes when you restore power, replace the OWI
4-1No communication between the electornic control board and the wash pump motorShut off power to the dishwasher and then check the wiring from the control board to the wash pump motor. If the wiring is undamaged, replace the wash pump. If the problem persists, replace the electronic control board.
4-2Communication error between the electronic control board and the wash pump motor
5-1Door won't latch shutPress the Start button and immediately close the door. If the code continues, shut off power to the dishwasher and check the door latch mechanism and the wiring attached to the door switch. If the latch mechanism and the wiring are intact, replace the door switch.
5-2Door won't openCheck the wiring in the door switch. If the wiring is undamaged, replace the door switch.
6-1The electronic control board doesn't detect water entering the dishwasher tub.Shut off power and then water to the dishwasher. Check the water supply for proper flow and pressure. Check the wiring to the water inlet valve. If the wiring and the water supply are in working order, replace the water inlet valve.
6-2Water inlet valve has an electrical problem.Shut off power and then water to the dishwasher. Check the water supply for proper flow and pressure. Check the wiring to the water inlet valve. If the wiring and the water supply are in working order, replace the water inlet valve. If the problem continues, replace the electronic control board.
6-3Suds or air are in the water pumpCheck the water fill level and check for suds in the fill water at the bottom of the tub. if the fill level is too low, replace the water inlet valve. If there's excessive sudsing, check the detergent dispenser and replace if it's damaged
6-4The float switch is openCheck the overfill float switch to see if it's stuck or if an item is stuck under it. Check if the inlet water fill valve is properly shutting off the water supply when the dishwasher is off.
6-6Incoming water is too coldUse an accurate thermometer to check the water temperature. If it's lower than 110 degrees F, check your water heater. If the water temperature is normal (110 to 120 degrees F), replace the thermistor/OWI or the electronic control board.
6-7Disconnected or damaged flow meterShut off power to the dishwasher. Check the wiring to the flow meter. If the wiring is intact, replace the flow meter.
6-8Problem with water softener regeneration valveShut off power to the dishwasher. Check the wiring to the water softener regeneration valve. If the wiring is intact, replace the water softener regeneration valve.
7-1Heating element doesn't workShut off power to the dishwasher. Inspect the heating element and replace it if it's visibly damaged. If not, check the wiring to the heating element. If the wiring is intact, replace the heating element.
7-2Heating element won't shut offShut off power to the dishwasher for 5 minutes. If the code resumes when you restore power, replace the electronic control board.
8-1Slow drainShut off power to the dishwasher and then shut off water. Check the drain path for an obstruction. If the drain path is clear, check the wiring on the drain pump. If the wiring is intact, replace the drain pump.
8-2Drain pump electrical problemShut off power to the dishwasher and then shut off water. Check the wiring on the drain pump. If the wiring is intact, replace the drain pump.
9-1Electronic control board can't detect the position of the diverterThe diverter directs the water through the lower spray arm or the upper spray arm. Turn off power to the dishwasher and then check the wiring going to the diverter motor. If the wiring is intact, replace the diverter.
9-2Diverter is stuck onRemove the lower dishrack and the lower spray arm. Disassemble the sump. Check the diverter disk and replace if visibly damaged.
10-1Dispenser electrical problemShut off power to the dishwasher. Remove the outer door panel and check the wiring in the detergent dispenser circuit. If the wiring is intact, replace the detergent dispenser.
10-2Vent wax motor electrical problemShut off power to the dishwasher. Check the wiring in the vent wax motor circuit. If the wiring is intact, replace the vent wax motor.
10-3Drying fan problemShut off power to the dishwasher. Check the wiring in the drying fan circuit. If the wiring is intact, replace the drying fan.