KitchenAid dishwashers are known for being powerful, quiet, and packed with helpful features. But let’s be honest—sometimes, even the best appliances act up. Maybe it won’t start, it’s leaving dishes dirty, or the control panel is just flashing at you. Frustrating? Sure. But most of the time, it’s something you can fix yourself.
This guide walks you through the most common KitchenAid dishwasher problems and how to troubleshoot them step by step—no tools or tech skills required.
1. Dishwasher Won’t Start
If your KitchenAid dishwasher won’t start, here are the first things to check:
- Door not fully closed: The dishwasher won’t run unless the door is latched. Open it and close it firmly.
- Control Lock is on: If a small padlock or “Control Lock” light is on, press and hold the “Heat Dry” or “Control Lock” button for 3 seconds to unlock.
- Delay Start is active: This feature delays the cycle. Press “Cancel” or “Start” and hold it for 3 seconds to reset.
- Power issue: Check your home’s breaker box. If the breaker tripped, flip it back on and try again.
If none of that works, the problem could be with the door latch or the control board.
2. Dishwasher Not Draining
If water is sitting in the bottom after a cycle, here’s what you should check:
- Drain filter: Remove and clean the filter at the bottom of the tub. Food buildup here is a common cause.
- Drain hose: Look under the sink. Make sure the hose isn’t kinked or clogged.
- Garbage disposal: If your dishwasher drains through the disposal, run it for a few seconds. A clog there can block drainage.
- Air gap: If your sink has a small silver dome, clean out the air gap—it can get clogged with food debris.
If the pump runs but water isn’t draining, it might be time to call support or a local repair shop.
3. Dishes Not Getting Clean
Still finding food on your dishes after the cycle ends? Try this:
- Spray arms are blocked: Spin them by hand. If they’re not moving freely, rinse them under the sink and poke out clogs with a toothpick.
- Filter is dirty: Clean the filter regularly—especially if you don’t pre-rinse your dishes.
- Loading problems: Avoid stacking dishes too close. Let water and detergent circulate.
- Use fresh detergent: Clumpy or expired detergent doesn’t clean well. Try switching to a pod or high-quality powder.
Also, make sure the water is hot enough. Run the tap until it gets hot before starting the dishwasher.
4. Dishwasher Isn’t Drying
If your dishes come out wet, especially plastics, try this:
- Use rinse aid: KitchenAid recommends it for best drying results. Fill the dispenser and keep it topped off.
- Select heated dry: Not all cycles include heat drying. Choose one that does, or press the “Heated Dry” option if available.
- Open the door after the cycle: Let steam out so everything dries quicker.
- Avoid plastic overload: Plastic doesn’t retain heat like glass or metal, so it always dries slower.
If nothing works, the heating element might be faulty and may need replacing.
5. Control Panel Not Responding
Are the buttons not working or not lighting up? Here’s what to try:
- Control Lock: Hold “Heat Dry” or “Control Lock” for 3–5 seconds to unlock the panel.
- Reset the dishwasher: Flip the breaker off for 5 minutes, then back on. This can reset the control board.
- Dry the panel: Moisture or steam can sometimes cause buttons to glitch. Wipe it down with a dry cloth.
If some buttons work and others don’t, the touchpad might be worn out.
6. Dishwasher Leaking
Notice water under or around the dishwasher? Don’t ignore it—try these checks:
- Door gasket: Look for tears or food stuck along the rubber seal. Wipe it clean and check for gaps.
- Too much detergent: Using regular dish soap or too much detergent can cause foam and leaks.
- Misaligned spray arms: If the arms are hitting dishes or not spinning properly, water can spray in the wrong direction.
- Cracked hose or tub: Look under the unit or inside the tub for signs of wear or cracks.
Clean up leaks quickly to avoid damage to your floor or cabinets.
7. Dishwasher Making Strange Noises
KitchenAid dishwashers are generally quiet. If yours is making strange noises, here’s what might be happening:
- Rattling: Something like a fork or spoon may be loose and shaking inside.
- Buzzing or humming: This is normal during draining or drying. If it’s loud, check for something stuck in the pump.
- Grinding: Not normal. Could mean something got into the chopper blade or drain pump.
Turn off the dishwasher, open the door, and look around carefully if you hear unusual sounds.
8. Beeping or Flashing Lights
If your dishwasher is flashing or beeping, it’s usually trying to tell you something:
- End of cycle: Some models beep when done. Press any button to stop it.
- Door open: If the door was opened mid-cycle, the dishwasher may beep until it’s closed properly.
- Error codes: If lights are flashing in a pattern, check your user manual for specific error meanings.
Try turning off the power, waiting 5 minutes, then turning it back on to reset any errors.
9. Water Left in Tub After Cycle
This one’s frustrating but usually easy to fix:
- Clogged filter or drain path: Remove the filter and clear any gunk or food.
- Blocked hose: Look under the sink and make sure the drain hose isn’t twisted or clogged.
- Check for clogs in garbage disposal: If connected to one, run the disposal to clear it.
If the pump isn’t working or you hear a strange noise, it might need a replacement.
10. Common Error Codes
Here are a few error codes you might see on a KitchenAid dishwasher:
- F2E2: Control panel issue. Try resetting the unit.
- F9E1: Slow drain. Check for clogs in the filter and hose.
- F8E4: Water detected in the drip tray. There may be a leak underneath.
- F7E1: Heating problem. Run hot water at the sink and restart the cycle.
Look in your user manual for other model-specific codes and solutions.
Final Thoughts
KitchenAid dishwashers are strong performers—but even strong machines need a little TLC. Most common problems, like draining issues, poor cleaning, or unresponsive buttons, are caused by clogs, control settings, or dirt buildup.
By keeping the filter clean, loading it properly, and using the right detergent, you’ll avoid most issues. And when things go wrong? Now you know how to fix them.
Still stuck? KitchenAid support and repair centers are ready to help. But chances are, with the steps above, you’ll be back to clean dishes in no time.