KitchenAid Dishwasher 1-1 Error: Control Board Memory Fail
What Does KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Code 1-1 Mean? The 1-1 blink code on a KitchenAid dishwasher — one blink, a pause, then one more blink from the Clean light — indicates a control board memory failure. The main PCB contains an EEPROM chip that stores operating firmware, calibration data, and user settings. When that chip […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. A dishwasher with a memory fault cannot regulate water fill, temperature, or drain timing correctly. Avoid running a full load until the fault is confirmed cleared or the board is replaced.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. A breaker reset clears the 1-1 code temporarily. If the underlying EEPROM has failed, the code returns within one or two cycles. A clean test cycle that completes without faulting suggests the error was transient.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: 1-1 returns after every breaker reset, Dishwasher will not advance past the fill stage on any cycle.
Symptoms You May Notice
Dishwasher stops mid-cycle and will not restart
The wash program halts partway through, the door unlocks, and pressing Start has no effect until the power is cut and restored.
Clean light blinks one time, pauses, then blinks one more time
After the failed cycle, the Clean indicator produces a repeating 1-blink, pause, 1-blink pattern until the unit is reset.
Cycle settings revert to defaults after every run
Any custom wash options set before the cycle are forgotten — the dishwasher starts the next run as if freshly powered.
Possible Causes
Corrupted EEPROM on the main control board
The non-volatile memory that stores operating firmware and user settings has degraded, often from age or a power surge.
Requires ProfessionalPower surge damage to the control board
A voltage spike from the household supply burned part of the control board circuitry, corrupting stored data.
Requires ProfessionalLoose wire harness connector at the control board
Vibration or a previous service call left a harness plug seated incompletely, causing intermittent data errors.
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Hard reset at the circuit breaker
Turn off the dishwasher breaker for five full minutes, then restore power. This fully drains the board capacitors and clears transient faults.
A simple door-close or Cancel press is not a full reset — only a breaker-level power cut will clear a control board memory fault.
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2
Run a short test cycle
After the reset, select the shortest available cycle (Quick Wash or Rinse Only) and watch whether the dishwasher completes it without stopping.
If the short cycle finishes normally, the fault was a one-time glitch. If 1-1 reappears, the control board needs professional evaluation.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Code reappears within one wash cycle of any reset
- Multiple control-related codes appear together
- Board shows visible burn marks or swollen capacitors
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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