Are you having trouble with your Kitchenaid dishwasher and unsure what's causing the issue?
One way to diagnose the problem is by putting your dishwasher in diagnostic mode. It allows you to run various tests and identify the root cause of the problem.
In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to put your Kitchenaid dishwasher in diagnostic mode.
Before we start, it's important to note that the process may vary depending on the model of your dishwasher.
So, we've compiled the most common steps and methods to help you diagnose the problem.
By following these steps, you can avoid costly repairs and potentially fix the issue on your own. Let's start!
Quick Guide to Putting the Kitchenaid Dishwasher in Diagnostic Mode
Are you a lazy reader? Here's a quick guide just for you!
Dishwasher Model | Diagnostic Mode Setup |
---|---|
W10130990C, W10142800B, and 8572216 | Standby > Heated Dry & Normal Cycle > Heated Dry & Normal Cycle |
W10195615A | 1,2,3 keys 3x (1-sec interval) |
KUDD03DT | High Temp Wash 6x > Start |
KUDR245EWH5 | High-Temp Wash & Energy Saver Dry (10-sec interval) |
KIDS01EK | Rinse-Only & SANI Rinse > Rinse-Only & SANI Rinse > Error Code |
8537797 | High-Temp Scrub > Air Dry > High-Temp Scrub > Air Dry |
Please note that your KitchenAid Dishwasher should be on Standby mode before proceeding with the steps above.
Be sure to check: How to Install a Kitchenaid Dishwasher [Quick Step-By-Step Guide]
How to Put a Kitchenaid Dishwasher in Diagnostic Mode
To put your Kitchenaid dishwasher in diagnostic mode, you'll need to follow a series of steps that involve pressing specific buttons on your dishwasher's control panel.

Here are the steps based on the specific model you own:
Option 1: Kitchenaid Dishwasher Models W10130990C, W10142800B, and 8572216
If you own a Kitchenaid dishwasher model W10130990C, W10142800B, or 8572216, you can easily put it in diagnostic mode by following these simple steps.
- First, plug in your dishwasher but do not power it on to activate the standby mode.
- Next, press the Heated Dry button and the Normal Cycle button. Do this consecutively, without any pauses in between.
- Press Heated Dry and Normal Cycle once again. This will put your Kitchenaid dishwasher in diagnostic mode.
Doing this shouldn't take you over six seconds, so you must be quick once you've set the dishwasher on standby mode.
Option 2: Kitchenaid Dishwasher Model W10195615A
If you have a Kitchenaid dishwasher model W10195615A, follow the steps below.
- First, make sure your dishwasher is on standby. Press the 1, 2, and 3 keys on the control panel in quick succession.
- Press them again in one-second intervals.
- Press the 1, 2, and 3 keys again to enter diagnostic mode.
Note that the test won't run if you don't close the door of your dishwasher. So, be sure to do that before starting the test.
Option 3: Kitchenaid Dishwasher Model KUDD03DT
Your Kitchenaid dishwasher KUDD03DT, can enter into diagnostic mode with these steps.
- Again, make sure your dishwasher is in standby mode. Press the “High Temp Wash” key 6 times.
- To initiate the service mode, press the start button.
You'll know if there is an error code if the LED flash. So, take note of the error before pressing any key to clear the code from the display.
Option 4: Kitchenaid Dishwasher Model KUDR245EWH5
You can use the following steps to put the Kitchenaid KUDR245EWH5 dishwasher in diagnostic mode.
- To start, turn on your dishwasher and ensure it isn't running on any cycles.
- Press the High-Temp Wash and Energy Saver Dry buttons on the control panel.
- Press the same buttons again at the interval of 10 seconds.
- The dishwasher will enter diagnostic mode, and the control panel will display the error codes.
If that doesn't work, try pushing the High-Temp Wash button 3 times in under 10 seconds instead.
Option 5: Kitchenaid Dishwasher Model KIDS01EK
Here are the steps to set your Kitchenaid KIDS01EK Dishwasher in diagnostic mode.
- Make sure your dishwasher is on standby mode.
- Next, press the Rinse-Only and SANI Rinse keys simultaneously.
- Quickly press the same keys once again.
- Wait for the error code to appear on the display.
Option 6: Kitchenaid Dishwasher Model 8537797
Follow these steps to set your Kitchenaid 8537797 dishwasher in diagnostic mode.
- The first step is to make sure your dishwasher is in standby mode. Next, press the High-Temp Scrub button on the control panel.
- After you press the High-Temp Scrub button, press the Air Dry switch on the control panel.
- Press the High-Temp Scrub and Air Dry buttons again, in that order.
Common KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Codes
If your KitchenAid dishwasher is not working properly, it may display an error code on the control panel. Thus, we've compiled these error codes to help you:
KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Codes Chart
Error Code | Interpretation | How to Fix |
---|---|---|
Flashing Cycle Buttons | Door is unlatched | Close and reset the dishwasher |
Red Light on Control Lock | Hold the Control lock button for 3 seconds | Hold Control lock button for 3 seconds |
Clean Light Flashes | The water supply has been disconnected The overfill protection float is stuck Too much suds |
Make sure to connect water supply Supply the correct detergent and reset Try pressing the float down |
Blinking Lights | The Delay Start has been set Power has been disrupted The door isn't latched |
Cancel the Delay Start Ensure the dishwasher is connected to a power supply Shute the door |
Sanitize Light Flashes | Incorrect sanitization temperature | Make sure to set the temperature to 490°C or 1200°F |
Rinse-Only Light Flashes | Keys are stuck | Release the stuck keys by gently pressing on them and resetting the dishwasher |
CODE 1-1 (F1E1) | Relay is stuck | Try resetting the dishwasher Replace the ECB |
CODE 1– 2 (F1E2) | Corrupted ECB memory | Reset the dishwasher |
CODE 2-2 (F2E2) | The dishwasher needs to be reset | Reset the dishwasher |
CODE H2O | Water supply error | Connect the water supply tube and ensure there are no kinks |
F2E1/2-1, F3E1/3-1, & F383/3-3 | Control panel is faulty or stuck | See if the control buttons are stuck and gently release them If not, call a professional |
F4E3 | The dishwasher needs to be reset | Reset the dishwasher |
F6E3 | Wrong detergent or too much suds | Start a new cycle by canceling any existing ones |
F6E4 | Dishwasher is unlevelled | Level out the dishwasher by raising or lowering the adjustable legs |
F10E5 (FAE5) | An existing cycle is set | Start a new cycle by cancelling any existing ones |
F6E1 | Dishwasher doesn't start | Supply the appropriate detergent in the right amount |
F8E4 | Dishwasher is installed incorrectly | Check the manual to see correct the issue |
F8E5 | Drain sequence is running | Swith the water supply or turn off the power |
These are only a few of the error codes that we know of. Please refer to Kitchenaid's error code guide for further instructions.
Continue reading: Kitchenaid Dishwasher Beeping But Not Starting – What’s Wrong?
How Do I Reset My KitchenAid Dishwasher?

If your KitchenAid dishwasher is acting up or not working as it should, resetting it may be the solution. Here are a few ways to reset your KitchenAid dishwasher:
Resetting the Dishwasher Manually
- Unplug the dishwasher from the outlet if it isn't responding to commands.
- Leave the dishwasher unplugged for 5 to 10 minutes to let the computer reset itself if possible.
- Plug the dishwasher back in and try running a cycle.
Control Panel Factory Reset
- Press the Dry and High Temp buttons on your control panel 5 to 10 times quickly.
- The control panel will light up and blink repeatedly for 5 seconds.
- Let the dishwasher rest for 10 minutes before use.
Dishwasher's Cycle Power Reset
- Long press the Cancel/Drain button for a few seconds to cancel any existing cycles.
- Press the Start/Resume button to start a new cycle.
Why is My KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Working?
If your KitchenAid dishwasher is not working, there could be a few reasons why. Here are some possible causes and solutions:
Dishwasher Setting
Your dishwasher may not work due to delayed washing, standby, or sleep mode.
To resolve the issue, start with canceling the delayed wash option.
Also, check if you have disabled sleep mode by pressing either START/RESUME or CANCEL, or opening and closing the door before selecting your cycle/option.
Dishwasher Door is Open
Another common issue is the dishwasher door is open.

Check for any obstructions preventing the door from closing all the way, and make sure to latch the door properly.
Additionally, ensure there is no damage or misalignment in the latch and latch assembly.
Incoming Water Supply Issue
You may also have an issue with your incoming water supply.
To resolve the issue, turn on the water supply and check for kinks or clogs in the water supply line.
Problem with Power Supply
If there is a power supply problem, check that the dishwasher plug and the circuit breaker or fuse haven't tripped.
Also read: Your Guide to Fixing a Blown Fuse in Your KitchenAid Dishwasher—Stop the Fuse Frustration
Clog Drain Hose
Check if the drain hose has a kink or clog if the dishwasher is not draining.
Ensure there are no clogs in the garbage disposal, and remove the knockout plug from the garbage disposal connection.
You can also try cleaning the dishwasher filter and removing any food particles or debris from the dishwasher.
If none of these solutions work, contact customer support for further assistance.
Putting it All Together
Now that you have successfully put your Kitchenaid dishwasher in diagnostic mode, you can easily identify any equipment issues.
Once you have entered the diagnostic mode, pay attention to any error codes or flashing lights that may appear on the dishwasher display.
Use these codes to identify any issues with your dishwasher and take the necessary steps to resolve them.
If you are unsure about any of the error codes or need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact Kitchenaid customer support for help!