KitchenAid Dishwasher Blink Pattern 6-1: main control reports a user interface problem

What 6 Pause 1 Pause - pause, repeat means

On KitchenAid built-in dishwashers using the F#E# control, for instance the KDTM404KPS and KDTE204KPS, six blinks, a pause, one blink and a longer pause is the LED version of F6E1. It points to a user interface error involving the main control. The buttons and the control no longer agree with each other, and the Clean light repeats the pattern. The panel stops responding properly.

Common causes of 6 Pause 1 Pause - pause, repeat

The main control and the user interface are not communicating properly.
A control electronics problem that a power cycle did not clear.
The keypad panel is sending an unexpected signal to the main control.

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Count six blinks, a pause and one blink to confirm. 2. Turn off power at the breaker for about 30 seconds, then restore it. 3. Close the door firmly and press Start on a short cycle. 4. Make sure nothing is pressing on the keypad. 5. If the pattern returns, stop using the dishwasher and call.

! Why to stop there

Control electronics need testing with proper equipment.
A guessed circuit board can be an expensive mistake.
Our price is written before the repair and the work is warranted for 30 days.

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

6 Pause 1 Pause - pause, repeat6 Pause 1 Pause - pause, repeat questions

How should I read six blinks and then one?

It is the blink form of F6E1, a user interface error tied to the main control. The panel and the control are not working together correctly.

Is turning the breaker off enough to clear it?

Sometimes. Turn off the breaker for half a minute, restore it and run a short cycle. If the pattern returns, the problem is real and needs a technician.

Do I need a new control?

Not always. We test first and tell you the price in writing before replacing anything. Our work includes a 30-day warranty. Sometimes the fix turns out to be the panel alone.