KitchenAid Dishwasher F8 E4 Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Water in the drip tray: the float switch under the tub has detected a leak or overflow.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- Also shown as
- F8E4
- Seen on
- KitchenAid dishwashers, sharing the code with Whirlpool and Maytag. On models without a display, the Clean light flashes 8 times, pauses, then flashes 4 times.
KitchenAid files F8 E4 under leaks, and that’s the right way to think about it: water has reached the drip tray under the tub and tripped the float switch. What you do first depends on who installed the dishwasher. If a professional did, KitchenAid says to shut off the water, silence the alarm and leave the power on so the drain can run.
Try this first
- Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.
- Press Cancel once to silence the alarm.
- If it was professionally installed, leave the power on and the door closed so the drain sequence can run, then call service.
- If you installed it yourself, check the water supply fitting and the float switch connection.
What causes F8 E4
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply fitting not sealed | Drips under the front left of the dishwasher | The rubber washer and the 3/4-inch elbow fitting |
| Float switch disconnected | F8 E4 after installation with a dry tray | The float switch connector |
| Oversudsing | Foam in the tub after using dish soap | Automatic dishwasher detergent only |
| Internal leak (seal, pump or hose) | F8 E4 keeps returning with dry fittings | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Stop the water
Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher and press Cancel once to silence the alarm.
Safety: On a professionally installed dishwasher, keep the power on and the door closed so it can drain, then contact service.
-
Check the supply fitting
Make sure the rubber washer is seated, then hand-tighten the 3/4-inch fitting of the 90-degree elbow to the valve. Check it with pliers; it may need another 1/4 to 1/2 turn. The fill hose should exit at the rear left.
Safety: Hand-tighten first to avoid cross-threading.
-
Check the float switch
Push the float switch connector into its housing until the locking tab shows. Keep the power cord away from the motor and the bottom of the tub.
-
Empty the drip tray
Press the snap on each side toward the center and pull the tray toward you. Empty it and slide it back.
Safety: The float switch wire stays attached. Don't pull the tray too far or too hard.
-
Clear the code and test
Press Cancel once to silence the alarm and again to clear the code. Turn the water back on and watch for drips during a short cycle.
When to call a technician
If F8 E4 returns once the fitting is tight, the float switch is connected and there are no suds, the leak is inside the dishwasher. Turn the water off and contact KitchenAid service or a technician.
Questions people ask
Should I unplug my KitchenAid dishwasher when F8 E4 appears?
Not if it was professionally installed. KitchenAid says to turn off the water, press Cancel and leave the power on with the door closed so the drain sequence can run.
How do I clear F8 E4?
Fix the source of the water, then press Cancel once to silence the alarm and a second time to clear the code.
Is F8 E4 a sensor fault?
Usually not. It means the float switch found real water in the drip tray. Look for the leak first.