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Error code · Dishwasher

KitchenAid Dishwasher Blink Pattern 1-2: motor controller failure

On KitchenAid built-in dishwashers with the F#E# control, such as the KDTM404KPS and KDTE204KPS, one blink, a pause, two blinks and a longer pause is the LED form of F1E2. It is described as a motor…

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Code
1 Pause 2 Pause - pause, repeat
Appliance
Dishwasher
Brand
KitchenAid
Warranty
30-day workmanship

What 1 Pause 2 Pause - pause, repeat means

On KitchenAid built-in dishwashers with the F#E# control, such as the KDTM404KPS and KDTE204KPS, one blink, a pause, two blinks and a longer pause is the LED form of F1E2. It is described as a motor controller failure, and the cycle ends. You see the Clean light repeat this short pattern, and the dishwasher stops until it is serviced. Nothing else on the panel responds.

Common causes of 1 Pause 2 Pause - pause, repeat

  • The motor controller is failing.
  • The main control is not communicating correctly with the motor circuit.
  • A control electronics problem that remains after a power cycle.
✓ One safe check you can try

1. Count one blink, a pause, then two blinks to confirm. 2. Cut the breaker for around thirty seconds before switching it back on. 3. Latch the door firmly and run a short cycle. 4. Watch whether the pattern comes back. 5. If it does, stop using the dishwasher and call us.

! Why to stop there
  • The motor controller can only be judged with a meter.
  • A wrong guess may buy the wrong part.
  • You get the price on paper first, and our repair carries 30 days of warranty.
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

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 F9E2KitchenAid Dishwasher Code F9E2: drain motor error and clogs FAE4 or F10E4KitchenAid Dishwasher Code FAE4 or F10E4: diverter valve error FAE5 or F10E5KitchenAid Dishwasher Code FAE5 or F10E5: diverter leak, water under the dishwasher
1 Pause 2 Pause - pause, repeat1 Pause 2 Pause - pause, repeat questions
Does one blink followed by two blinks signal a serious issue?

It is the blink form of F1E2. The motor controller is reported as failing, so the dishwasher ends its cycle and flashes the Clean light in this pattern.

Can a power cycle help?

It is worth trying once for 30 seconds. If the 1-2 pattern returns, the problem is not a one-time glitch and a technician should test it.

What do you check on the visit?

The motor controller, the main control and their connections. We explain the result, give a price in writing, and back the repair with 30 days.

Book a visit

Still seeing 1 Pause 2 Pause - pause, repeat?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

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