How To Run Diagnostics On KitchenAid Dishwasher

Suppose you have a KitchenAid dishwasher and are curious about how to run diagnostics. Or how to reset the control panel? We've researched these questions and have discovered well-researched information to share with you!

To start the diagnostic cycle, open the dishwasher and press Dry Heat, Hi-Temp Wash, and Sani Rinse in order three times consecutively.

Then, the appliance will blink the number code to provide the diagnostics.

Are you ready to learn how to run a successful diagnostic cycle on your KitchenAid dishwasher? Or how long will a KitchenAid dishwasher last? These are good questions. Please continue reading; we have helpful answers to share with you!

Interior of an open space modern kitchen, How To Run Diagnostics On KitchenAid Dishwasher

How Do I Run Diagnostics On My KitchenAid Dishwasher?

The diagnostic cycle is great for determining what is causing your KitchenAid dishwasher to malfunction. Before you get started with the diagnostic cycle, make sure the dishwasher is empty.

Also, have a piece of paper handy to write down the numbers communicated by the diagnostics code because the dishwashers' lights will blink quickly, and you don't want to interpret the wrong code.

A dishwasher left open in the kitchen

Easy Steps For Running Diagnostics

  1. Open the dishwasher door.
  2. Press Dry Heat, Hi-Temp Wash, and Sani Rinse in this order three times consecutively.
  3. Look for all the lights illuminating, then close the dishwasher's door.
  4. The diagnostics cycle will start when the door is closed completely.
  5. Look at the light near the handle, and it will blink to indicate the first number of the code.
  6. Then pause briefly, then it will flash to display the following number.

Once you have written the code number down, visit the manufacturers' website or Google the code to determine what the diagnostics mean for your appliance.

For example, the appliance's lights will blink three times and then pause six more times. This means the diagnostic code is 3-6, and you can use the number to look up what the code means and go from there to remedy the issue.

If you have lost or misplaced your manual, visit the KitchenAid website, and enter your make and model numbers to access the manual digitally.

Depending on the code, you could fix the issue or contact a professional to perform the repair.

The steps for completing a diagnostic cycle could differ slightly depending on which model you own, but most KitchenAid dishwasher models will follow the sequence above.

How Do You Find The Error Code On A KitchenAid Dishwasher?

Dishwasher left open in the kitchen filled with lots of dishes and utensils

This is a great question! The error codes will be displayed after you press the correct buttons to run the diagnostics cycle; the code will be communicated via blinking lights.

How Do You Reset A KitchenAid Dishwasher's Control Panel?

Generally, resetting the control panel is recommended when the appliance cannot display an error code or run a test cycle after unplugging and reconnecting the machine.

  1. Close the appliance door fully.
  2. Press the temp scrub and the energy saver dry buttons individually five times, for a total of ten.
  3. Allow the dishwasher to sit undisturbed for ten minutes to recalibrate.
  4. While the appliance is resetting the control panel, hearing whirling sounds and lights activated on the control panel is normal.
  5. After ten minutes, press the cancel or drain button to complete the reset, starting the two-minute drain cycle.
  6. Allow the drain cycle to run for two minutes before opening the appliance or pressing any of the buttons on the control panel.

If troubleshooting didn't fix the issue, contact the KitchenAid customer service for make and model-specific directions.

Are you wondering how old your KitchenAid dishwasher is or how to find out? Click here to read How Old Is My KitchenAid Dishwasher?

How Do You Reset A KitchenAid Dishwasher?

Open dishwasher with clean dishes in the white kitchen

Excellent question! To reset your KitchenAid dishwasher unplug the dishwasher from the power source when it is not actively working. Never unplug any dishwasher while it is running!

Then, allow the dishwasher to sit undisturbed for five to ten minutes. Plug the appliance back in and check the control panel to ensure the machine has reset itself.

Cleaning the KitchenAid dishwashers' filter is easy and quick. Please note depending on which model you own. There could be an upper and lower assembly filter or just one.

  1. Locate the filter on the tub of the appliance under the bottom dish rack.
  2. Remove the bottom rack and turn the upper assembly a quarter turn counterclockwise, and lift to remove. Grasp the lower filter and lift it gently upward to remove the filter.
  3. Clean any hardened debris with a scrubber or toothpicks and rinse with warm water.
  4. Align the lower filter with the tabs in the dishwasher tub.
  5. Insert the upper filter into the round opening of the lower filter.
  6. Turn the filter clockwise until it clicks into place.

Generally, the KitchenAid dishwashers will last about ten years if the appliance is regularly maintained and used correctly.

However, some homeowners have reported their KitchenAid dishwashers last up to 12 years, and some for fewer than the standard ten years.

Several variables will contribute to how long your dishwasher is fully functional. Such as how often the appliance is used and whether your home has hard or soft water; these factors will affect the appliance's lifespan.

Is your KitchenAid dishwasher door having issues with staying closed, and you wonder how to fix this issue? Click here to read KitchenAid Dishwasher Door Not Closing – What To Do?

How To Load A Dishwasher For Cleaner Dishes

There are several simple ways to maximize your KitchenAid dishwasher's cleaning capacity, reduce how many loads you run monthly and help lower your home's energy and water bills.

  • Set your water heater to 120-125 degrees f for the ideal temperature.
  • Don't overfill the dishwasher.
  • Keep plastic in the top rack.
  • Separate stainless steel and silver flatware to prevent a chemical reaction that can damage the utensils' finishes.
  • Secure the glassware between the tines.
  • Pack baking sheets, trays, and plastic cutting boards along the sides without blocking the jets or spray arms.
  • Avoid allowing your dishes to sit in the dishwasher for days to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, germs, and mold.

An opened dishwasher with lots of plates and other kitchen utensils

Safety Considerations For Using A Dishwasher

The American Cleaning Institute suggests using the following as a guide for running a dishwasher correctly and safely:

  • Always place knives and other sharp items pointed down in the utensil basket.
  • Place glassware gently into the dishwasher, and don't crowd the glasses.
  • Avoid overloading the dishwasher--it will prevent the dishes from getting clean, and they could break.
  • Wait until the dishwasher has cooled before removing the dishes.
  • Always close the door after loading or unloading to prevent accidental falls.
  • If you have small children, consider adding a child safety lock.
  • Do not allow children or pets to play inside the dishwasher.
  • Store the dishwashing solutions away from children and pets.
  • Always follow the dishwasher owner's manual maintenance instructions.
  • Don't fill the dispenser cups until ready to run the appliance.
  • Do not mix dishwasher solutions with other cleaning products.
  • Not every dish can go in the dishwasher; read your dishes' labels.
  • Do not remove the labels from the dishwasher detergent bottles.

To Finish It Up

Interior of an open space modern kitchen

We at Kitchen Seer would like to thank you for reading our article!

Today we discussed how to run diagnostics on your KitchenAid dishwasher, reset it, and the control panel. Also, it covered a few pointers regarding safety precautions and how to pack your dishwasher for better space utilization.

Please check out some of our other posts before you go to help further your dishwasher knowledge:

How To Remove An Old KitchenAid Dishwasher

KitchenAid Dishwasher Door Not Closing – What To Do?

How To Unlock Or Lock The Wheels On KitchenAid Refrigerator

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