KitchenAid Dishwasher Blink Pattern 1-1: fill valve not operating correctly

What 1 Pause 1 Pause - pause, repeat means

On KitchenAid built-in dishwashers with the F#E# control, such as the KDTM404KPS and KDFE104HPS, one blink, a pause, one more blink and a longer pause that repeats is the LED form of F1E1. The dishwasher fails to operate its fill valve correctly. The drain sequence begins and the machine will not run another cycle. You see the Clean light repeating this short pattern.

Common causes of 1 Pause 1 Pause - pause, repeat

The control module is not driving the fill valve correctly.
The fill valve itself is not responding to the control.
A control issue that repeats after the power has been cycled.

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Count the blinks to confirm the pattern is 1-1. 2. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. 3. If the water cannot be turned off, do not cut power; keep the door closed and press Cancel once. 4. Once the drain finishes, restore water and power. 5. If the blinking returns, stop and call us.

! Why to stop there

Water entering without control puts your floor and cabinets at risk.
The fill valve and the control both need to be tested.
A written estimate precedes the repair, which carries a 30-day guarantee.

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

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 F8E5KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F8E5: the fill valve is stuck open F9E1KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F9E1: long drain, check filter and hose

1 Pause 1 Pause - pause, repeat1 Pause 1 Pause - pause, repeat questions

What does the 1-1 blink mean?

It is the blink version of F1E1. The dishwasher is not operating the fill valve correctly, so it starts draining and refuses to continue. The lights are showing you that sequence.

Why should I not unplug it if the water will not shut off?

The drain sequence needs power to pump water out. Keep the door closed, press Cancel once, and let it drain. Only cut power if water cannot be shut off any other way.

Who repairs it?

We test the fill valve and the control, give a written price before work, and warrant our repair for 30 days. We test the valve before suggesting any replacement.