KitchenAid Legacy Dishwasher Sanitized Light Blinking: load is not sanitized

What Sanitized light blinking (legacy) means

On older KitchenAid dishwashers such as the KUDE60HXSS and KDTE104DSS, a blinking Sanitized light means the load is not sanitized. The cycle was interrupted in the final rinse, or the water heater temperature is set too low. Setting the water heater to 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) is the stated remedy. It is a status signal, not a broken part.

Common causes of Sanitized light blinking (legacy)

The cycle was interrupted during the final rinse.
The water heater is set too low.
The door was opened or power dropped late in the cycle.

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Check your water heater setting and bring it to 120 degrees F (49 degrees C). 2. Run the kitchen faucet until hot water arrives. 3. Start the cycle again. 4. Do not open the door during the final rinse. 5. If the light still blinks with correct temperature, call us.

! Why to stop there

Water temperature is a setting, not a repair.
Only a blink that persists with hot water suggests a heating issue.
Then we diagnose it and give you a written price, with 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

Sanitize Light FlashingKitchenAid Dishwasher Sanitize Light Flashing: sanitization temperature not met 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

Sanitized light blinking (legacy)Sanitized light blinking (legacy) questions

Why is the Sanitized light blinking?

The load did not meet the sanitize requirement. Either the final rinse was interrupted or the water supplied was not hot enough. It is the dishwasher telling you plainly.

What should my water heater be set to?

120 degrees F (49 degrees C). A lower setting can keep the dishwasher from reaching sanitizing temperature. Adjust it and rerun the cycle. Be careful with hot water settings around children.

Does the blinking ever call for a technician?

If the light blinks every time despite correct heat and no interruptions. We test the dishwasher heating, state the price in writing and warrant the work for 30 days.