KitchenAid Dishwasher Blink Pattern 8-4: dishwasher overfills

What 8 Pause 4 Pause - pause, repeat means

KitchenAid built-in dishwashers with the F#E# control, including the KDTE204KPS and KDTM404KPS, show eight blinks, a pause, four blinks and a longer pause for F8E4. The dishwasher overfills. The drain sequence begins and machine operation is prevented. You see the Clean light repeat this pattern, and the dishwasher refuses to start another cycle until the issue is dealt with. Water may be visible in the tub.

Common causes of 8 Pause 4 Pause - pause, repeat

Water is entering the tub or base beyond the normal level.
The float or level detection is signaling excess water.
The fill valve is letting in more water than the control requests.

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Count eight blinks, pause, four blinks. 2. Shut the water supply valve to the dishwasher. 3. Keep the door closed and let the drain sequence run. 4. Check the area under the dishwasher for leaks without removing panels. 5. Restore water, run a short cycle, and call us if the pattern comes back.

! Why to stop there

Overfilling can spill onto your floor.
Level detection and the fill valve are tested together.
Written pricing before work, and a 30-day guarantee after.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Dishwasher codes

H2OKitchenAid Dishwasher Display H2O: water not detected during fill Sanitize Light FlashingKitchenAid Dishwasher Sanitize Light Flashing: sanitization temperature not met Sanitized light blinking (legacy)KitchenAid Legacy Dishwasher Sanitized Light Blinking: load is not sanitized Start/Resume light blinking (legacy and current)KitchenAid Dishwasher Start/Resume Light Blinking: cycle paused, press within 4 seconds F7E2KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F7E2: wash motor error F8E1KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F8E1: not detecting water, same as H2O F8E2KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F8E2: fill valve electrical error F8E4KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F8E4: water in the base, drain sequence runs

8 Pause 4 Pause - pause, repeat8 Pause 4 Pause - pause, repeat questions

What does 8-4 mean in blinks?

These blinks stand in for F8E4 on LED models. The dishwasher has taken on too much water, started its drain sequence and blocked operation until the issue is dealt with.

Why does it start draining by itself?

Draining is a built-in response to excess water. It protects your floor by moving the extra water out before anything else happens. Moving water out first keeps the floor and cabinet dry.

Can I just reset it?

A reset may clear the lights, but if water overfills again the cause remains. Call us; we find the source, quote first in writing, and warrant the repair for 30 days.