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KitchenAid Dishwasher Clean Light Blinking: Turn Flashes Into a Code
KitchenAid dishwashers without a full display still report faults. They spell the code out with the Clean light, and once you know the counting rule it takes about a minute to read.
What a Blinking Clean Light Means on a KitchenAid
On many KitchenAid dishwashers, a blinking Clean light is an error code sent in two parts. KitchenAid says the first burst of quick flashes is the F (function) number. A 1- to 2-second break follows, and the next burst is the E (error) number. A longer gap of about 5 seconds follows before the pattern repeats. KitchenAid’s own example reads seven blinks, a break, then a single blink as F7 E1. Codes differ by model, so confirm yours in the manual. Sources: KitchenAid Clean light flashing (opens in a new tab) and KitchenAid error code reading (opens in a new tab).
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How the Blinking Usually Shows Up
Most people spot it this way.
Codes KitchenAid Lists Most Often
KitchenAid’s reading article names these, with the owner check for each.
How to Read the Light and Clear It
Do these in order, writing the code down before you reset anything.
Count both bursts
Watch two full rounds. Count the first quick group (F), wait through the short pause, count the second group (E). Write it down as F_E_.
Do the check for that code
For F9 E1, clean the filter and look for a kinked drain hose. For H20, make sure the water valve under the sink is open and the supply hose isn’t pinched.
Cut power for 30 seconds
KitchenAid’s reset: unplug the dishwasher for 30 seconds, or switch off its breaker for 30 seconds if it is hard-wired, then restore power.
When to Call a Technician
Schedule a repair if:
- The pattern returns after a reset
- You count F7 E2 or F6 E1
- Water still sits in the tub
- You can’t make out the count
More KitchenAid Dishwasher Help
KitchenAid dishwasher repairMore help, including other KitchenAid codes:
Dishwasher repairKitchenAid dishwasher F9E1 error codeKitchenAid dishwasher F9E2 error codeKitchenAid dishwasher F8E4 error codeKitchenAid Undercounter Cleaning Light guideKitchenAid range F2 E1 error codeAll KitchenAid appliance repairKitchenAid error code readingWritten estimate first
Counted the Flashes and Still Stuck?
Tell us the F and E numbers when you book. Our technician tests the pump, motor, valve or control the code points to and gives you a written estimate before starting.
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- 90-day warranty, 6 months for members
- Open daily, 8 AM–8 PM
KitchenAid Clean Light Questions
Dishwashers without a full display use the Clean light to report faults. Count the opening run of blinks for F, then the run after the short break for E.
That is KitchenAid’s own example of reading the light: F7 E1. Check the meaning of your code in the manual for your model, since codes vary.
Sometimes. KitchenAid says to cut power for 30 seconds. If the fault is still there, the light will start blinking the same pattern again.
KitchenAid lists it as a diverter valve error on some models. The owner step is the same 30-second power reset; if it persists, the valve needs a technician.
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