KitchenAid Dishwasher F6 E1 Error: No Water Fill Detected
What Does KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Code F6 E1 Mean? The F6 E1 error code on a KitchenAid dishwasher with an alphanumeric display indicates that the control board commanded the water inlet valve to open but no fill was detected within the allowed window. KitchenAid dishwashers monitor the tub water level via a float switch or […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. A dishwasher that cannot fill cannot clean or rinse. Running cycles without water risks damaging the pump and heating element. Do not use the dishwasher until the fill fault is resolved.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Holding Cancel for three seconds or performing a breaker reset clears the F6 E1 code. If the underlying supply or valve issue is fixed, the dishwasher fills normally on the next cycle. A failed valve solenoid returns F6 E1 on every attempt.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Supply valve is confirmed open but no water enters on any cycle, F6 E1 appears within seconds of every start attempt.
Symptoms You May Notice
Dishwasher starts and immediately stops with no water sound
The cycle initiates, the control board commands a fill, but no rushing water sound follows — the tub stays dry and F6 E1 appears within 90 seconds.
F6 E1 appears on the display with the cycle paused
On KDTM and KDTE display models, the alphanumeric readout shows F6 E1 and the cycle timer freezes.
Water supply line feels warm but no water enters the dishwasher
Touching the braided supply hose under the sink reveals it is warm (supply is present) but the tub remains empty after the fill command.
Possible Causes
Water supply valve closed or restricted
The shutoff valve under the sink is partially or fully closed, preventing flow to the inlet valve regardless of the solenoid state.
DIY PossibleClogged inlet valve screen
Sediment in the mesh screen inside the water inlet valve has nearly blocked flow, reducing the fill rate below the detectable threshold.
DIY PossibleFailed water inlet valve solenoid
The solenoid coil that mechanically opens the valve has burned out and cannot open the valve even when the control sends the fill command.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Verify the water supply valve is fully open
Open the cabinet under the sink and locate the hot-water supply shutoff valve connecting to the dishwasher supply line. Turn it fully counterclockwise (open). If it was already open, close it, wait ten seconds, and reopen it fully to clear any debris in the valve seat.
On braided supply lines, kinks near the valve connection are common and can restrict flow enough to trigger F6 E1. Straighten any bends in the supply line while the valve is open.
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2
Reset and attempt a new cycle
After confirming the supply valve is fully open, reset the dishwasher by holding Cancel for three seconds or switching the circuit breaker off and on. Start a Normal cycle and listen for water entering the tub within the first 30 seconds.
If you hear a brief valve click but no water flow, the solenoid is receiving its signal but the valve is not opening — this points to a failed inlet valve or a blocked screen that requires a service call.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Inlet valve solenoid reads open (infinite resistance) on a multimeter
- Supply line screen at valve inlet is blocked with mineral deposits
- Water pressure at the supply line has been confirmed adequate
Need Professional Help?
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