Kenmore’s flashing lights are not a threat. As the guide below will soon explain, they are merely error codes that warn you when things go wrong.
Why Is My Kenmore Dishwasher Flashing Different Error Codes?
A Kenmore dishwasher’s error codes are not a mystery. They usually have straightforward interpretations, including:
1). Error
Some dishwashers are not particularly sophisticated. They will flash an LED to alert you of a malfunction. But they can’t tell you what went wrong. You must undertake an extensive troubleshooting process to identify the problem.
2). Temperature Warning
Flashing lights can act as a temperature warning. For instance, if the water is not hot enough, the error codes will appear because you have a problem with the power supply or heating elements.
3). Glitches
If the lights flash, but you can’t detect any problems, you have a glitch. Some blinking lights manifest because of a stuck button on the panel. If you’ve also eliminated that issue, but the lights are still flashing, you have an electronic glitch. Perform a reset. Resets typically eliminate glitches.
Watch this video to perform a hard reset!
4). Open Door
Is the door open? An open door will make a mess by allowing the dishwasher to pour water all over the kitchen floor. Therefore, some Kenmore dishwashers use flashing lights and error codes to warn you when the door is open.
Others won’t even start. The lights may flash even though the door is closed because the seal is compromised.
5). Water Level Too Low
The dishwasher cannot do its work when the water levels are too low. The light will blink to alert you that water is not entering the appliance or it keeps leaking out. Leaks are not that difficult to identify because the water will pool below the dishwasher.
The device may stop working if the water invades the dishwasher’s sensitive components. Common problems in such situations include broken valves and misaligned drain pipes.
6). Normal Operations
Some dishwasher functions produce blinking lights when you activate them. One example is the ‘Quick Rinse’ LED. In this case, flashing LEDs are a good thing. The manual will warn you about these flashing lights to prevent unnecessary panic.
Flashing LEDs should only concern you if the manual fails to mention them. Most manuals will interpret the flashing lights and error codes for you.
7). Overfill Protection
Dishwashers use a system with a float that keeps the water from overflowing. The dishwasher’s lights may blink because the appliance is overflowing or the float is stuck.
8). Surge/Outage
A surge or power outage can cause an error in a Kenmore dishwasher, leading to flashing LEDs. In some situations, all the LEDs will flash. The appliance won’t respond until you reset the control panel using the method stated in the manual.
9). Clogging
You see blinking lights when food, utensils, and various forms of debris block the drain. The flashing LEDs will persist until you clear the obstructions.
10). Control Lock
Kenmore dishwashers have a mechanism that allows users to lock the controls. This prevents small children from tampering with the appliance by pressing the buttons. The controls will remain unresponsive until you lift the lock. During this period, the dishwasher’s lights may flash to show that the control lock is active.
Kenmore Dishwasher Error Codes And Troubleshooting Tips
The key to troubleshooting a Kenmore dishwasher is to learn the meaning behind the various error codes, including:
1). Error Code e24 Meaning
- You have a clogged drain filter.
- You have a blocked drain hose.
- The drain pump is clogged.
- The pump is defective.
- The knockout plug in the new garbage disposal is still present.
- Loose pump cover.
- The siphon connection is not sealed correctly.
How To Fix It?
- Replace a damaged drain pump.
- Look for kinks in the drain pipe and fix them.
- Replace a damaged drain pipe.
- Remove obstructions from the drain filter and pump.
- Remove the knockout plug of a new garbage disposal.
- Make sure the pump cover is secure.
- Reset the dishwasher if you’ve eliminated the clogging but the blinking lights have persisted.
2). Error Code e25 Meaning
- You have a loose drain pump cover.
- The drain pump is blocked.
- Check the drain pump for obstructions.
- Check the air gap between the garbage disposal and the dishwasher for clogging.
- Check the drain pump for defects.
- The drain hose is blocked.
- The drain hose has a kink.
How To Fix It?
- Find the filter and remove it to access the pump cover. Make sure it isn’t loose. If it is, fix the issue.
- Remove the pump cover and look for debris in the pump. Remove it carefully. Make sure you wear gloves. Otherwise, sharp obstructions will cut you.
- Use a gloved finger to poke around the garbage disposal’s outlet hole. Remove any blockages you find. Make sure the air gap is free of obstructions.
- If the dishwasher has a removable filter, remove the filter and clean it.
- Remove the kinks from the drain hose. Replace a drain hose you cannot fix.
- Use vinegar and baking soda to clean the drain hose.
- Perform a reset.
Don’t take any of the steps above without first shutting the Kenmore dishwasher off.
3). Error Code e1 Meaning
- The door is not closed.
- You have a water leak.
- The thermistor is defective.
- Faulty sump motor.
- Faulty float switch.
- Leaking sump assembly.
How To Fix It?
- Inspect the hoses and connections for tears and leaks. You can either replace damaged hoses or secure loose connections.
- Make sure the drain hose has an inappropriate loop. Otherwise, siphoning is a possibility.
- Replace a defective drain pump.
- Use the recommended detergent in the correct amounts.
- Find the thermistor by removing the lint filter screen, toe kick panel, and lint duct bucket. If the thermistor is bad, get a replacement.
- Check the door seal for leaks. Fix or replace the door seal.
- Fix or replace the door switch.
4). Error Code e6 Meaning
- You have a temperature problem. The water coming into the dishwasher is too cold.
- The inlet valve is open, but water is not entering the dishwasher.
- The water level is too low.
How To Fix It?
- Replace a damaged pump.
- Replace a defective water sensor.
- Replace a defective flood switch.
- Inspect the mechanism that brings the water in and out of the dishwasher.
Use the warranty to get cheap repairs. If you don’t have one, consult a professional. Find out whether the defective components can be fixed. Don’t waste money on a replacement when you can fix the pump, sensors, switches, and valves. You can also experiment with the diagnostic cycle Just Answer has detailed.
5). Error Code e15 Meaning
- You have too much water in the dishwasher.
- The control board has a glitch.
- The Kenmore appliance has water in the lower base. You have a leak, which is why the dishwasher has activated flood mode.
How To Fix It?
- Stop using the wrong detergent or too much detergent.
- Inspect the spray arms. The dishwasher may detect flooding when the spray arms are simply pouring water in the wrong places. Fix or replace the arms.
- Inspect the hoses. You can either fix the leaks or replace the hoses.
- Remove the water in the bottom trough.
- Inspect the sump basin for leaks and fix them. Make sure the basin’s screws are tight.
- Replace a worn-out sump seal.
6). Error Code e09 Meaning
- You have a leak.
- The impeller is defective.
- You have a siphoning problem.
- The heating element is defective. It can burn out because of clogging, scaling, and water leaks.
- The control board has failed.
How To Fix It?
- Reset the control panel. This involves turning the dishwasher off and unplugging the device. If the machine has water, drain it by tilting the appliance.
- Check the hoses for tears and replace them where necessary.
- Replace a defective impeller.
- Use an air gap valve to prevent siphoning problems in the drain hose.
- Replace a defective heating element.
- Replace a bad control board.
7). Error Code f2e2 Meaning
- Communication error between the control board and user interface.
- The circulation pump is defective.
- The hose between the pump and the sump is loose, causing leaks.
How To Fix It?
- Replace the control board.
- Perform a reset.
- Identify and tighten loose connections between the user interface and the control board.
- Replace frayed wiring.
- Tighten a loose hose.
8). Error Code f7e1 Meaning
- The heating elements are defective.
How To Fix It?
- Fix the heating element.
- Replace irreparable heating elements
- Tighten loose wiring connections to the heating element.
9). Error Code f6e4 Meaning
- The Kenmore dishwasher is uneven.
- The overfill switch is stuck.
- The inlet fill valve is defective.
How To Fix It?
- Make sure the Kenmore dishwasher is sitting on a level surface.
- Inspect the float and remove objects preventing it from moving freely.
- Replace a defective overfill switch.
- Fix or replace the inlet water fill valve
10). Error Code H24 Meaning
Kenmore dishwashers don’t have an H24 error code. Check the display again and ensure you haven’t misread the error code. If ‘H24’ is all you can see, check for clogging. Error codes with the number 24 typically point to clogging.
How To Fix It?
Perform a reset by unplugging the dishwasher, waiting several minutes, and reconnecting it. If the error code persists, look for signs of clogging. That means inspecting the hoses for tears, looking for blocked filters, and troubleshooting the pump.
Consult the manufacturer where possible. If the manual doesn’t mention an H24 error code, the manufacturer will provide clarification. Some appliances display strange error codes because of a glitch.
Some glitches respond to resets. Others require the consumer to replace the control board. You can fix a control board, but it will give you more peace of mind to replace it.
11). Error Code AE Meaning
- You have a leak.
- The dishwasher is sitting on an uneven surface.
- Defective control board.
- Faulty float sensor.
- Too much detergent.
How To Fix It?
- Perform a reset.
- Drain the water out of the dishwasher in case of leaks.
- Use less detergent.
- Use the recommended detergent.
- Unclog the filters and pipes.
- Fix and replace leaking hoses and pipes.
- Test the float sensor with a multimeter and replace it if the component is damaged.
- Replace a defective control board.
12). Error Code PF Meaning
- Loss of power.
- You have loose or frayed connections.
- Defective control board.
How To Fix It?
- Use the cancel button to eliminate the error code.
- Replace the control board.
- Perform a reset.
- Secure loose electrical connections.
