This error is common to Kenmore and Whirlpool dishwashers. It occurs when the water in the machine is too slow to heat. This can be due to a lot of factors. However, in any event, it is advisable to try resetting the control board. The error is indicated through a clean blinking light.

The resetting includes the following steps:

• Press high temp wash and heated dry alternatively several times. Some dishwashers do not have the “heated dry” button. In this case, the “air dry” or “energy saver dry” functions can be used.
• When all the lights stop blinking and burn steadily, press the cancel button. The control board should reset.
• If it does not, the control board may be faulty and needs to be replaced.

Next thing you should do is run another cycle and see how it works. If the error appears again, try the resetting again. Also, you are going to have to do some checks. Not unlikely, the water in your water supply system is very cold. The optimal inlet water temperature is 110 F. This can be corrected in the following way: release the tap near the dishwasher and wait until the water coming out of it turns hot. Be sure that water pressure is optimal. To check the pressure, place a cup in the upper rack and launch a cycle. It should fill after about 10 minutes. If it does not, the water pressure in the system is too low, which makes it impossible for water to heat. This may require a closer look into the motor and pump, as they may need to be cleaned.

Not infrequently, the error occurs when the heater, high limit thermostat or control board fail. Disconnect your dishwasher from the mains and put it on its back. Check the heater’s and thermostat’s resistance and see if there is something wrong with them. The heater should read 5 to 30 ohms, and the limit thermostat should read <1 ohm. If none of these devices seem faulty, there must be a problem with the control board. You cannot test it, so, most likely, it needs to be replaced.