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Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code F1E1

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧🔧 Advanced DIY Also shown as: 1-1

Control board memory error — stuck relay or corrupted firmware

The most common cause of the F1E1 error on a Kenmore dishwasher is failed/corrupted main control board (~60% of cases); start with: hard reset.

💰 DIY cost: $120–$220 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $220–$420 Save $100+ by doing it yourself
Kenmore Dishwasher error code F1E1 on the display panel
How the F1E1 code appears on a Kenmore dishwasher display

What Does Error Code F1E1 Mean on a Kenmore Dishwasher?

Control board memory error — stuck relay or corrupted firmware.

F1E1 (1-1) fires when the main control board's self-diagnostics detect a memory fault — either corrupted firmware or a relay output that fails to switch as commanded. During power-up and between cycle steps the board verifies its own memory integrity and relay states; a mismatch triggers this code. Unlike sensor-specific faults such as F2E2, F1E1 points at the board hardware itself rather than a component it monitors, which is why a stuck relay or surge damage is the usual root.

Models affected: Whirlpool-platform Kenmore dishwashers, primarily the 665 Series and similar models sharing that control architecture
What owners report: Owners commonly report this code appearing suddenly after a storm or power blip, and a breaker-off reset often clears it for a while. When 1-1 keeps returning cycle after cycle, most find the board itself is at fault, sometimes traced to moisture or corrosion around the housing.

What Causes Error Code F1E1?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Failed/corrupted main control board 60% of cases
  2. 2
    Power surge damage 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Moisture intrusion at board housing 15% of cases

How to Fix Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code F1E1

🔧🔧🔧 Advanced DIY Est. time: 1–3 hours
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Hard reset

    Turn off the breaker for 10 minutes, restore power, and run a short cycle.

  2. 2

    Inspect the board

    Remove the toe-kick panel and check the control board for burn marks or corrosion.

    ⚠️ Breaker off before removing panels — line voltage is present at the board.
  3. 3

    Replace the control board

    If 1-1 returns after a hard reset, replace the board.

    🔩 Kenmore dishwasher main control board ($120–$220)

How to Reset Error Code F1E1

Breaker off for 10 minutes; if F1E1 returns on the next cycle, the board has failed.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Kenmore dishwasher reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

Board replacement involves line-voltage connections — call a pro if you're not comfortable in the toe-kick area.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $220–$420

Related Error Codes

F2E2
User interface cannot communicate with control board
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code F1E1 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows F1E1 →

Whirlpool logo
Whirlpool Washing Machine F1E1
Main control board failure
Whirlpool logo
Whirlpool Dishwasher F1E1
Control board / thermistor stuck — electronic control fault
Whirlpool logo
Whirlpool Oven F1-E1
EEPROM checksum error — corrupted control memory
Maytag logo
Maytag Washing Machine F1E1
Main electronic control board failure

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Kenmore Dishwasher:

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Search PartSelect
Kenmore Dishwasher repair parts
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Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Kenmore Dishwasher Error Codes

F8E4 Float switch tripped — overfill detected F6E4 Float switch open — water level too low 4-3 Wash pump communication / motor fault 5-1 Door switch fault — door not detected as latched 6-1 No water detected entering the tub 7-1 Heating element failure — water not reaching temperature

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Kenmore Dishwasher when error F1E1 appears? +
It is not advisable. The dishwasher may still power on, but running it while F1E1 is active can worsen the control-board fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes F1E1 on a Kenmore Dishwasher? +
Across reported Kenmore dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is failed/corrupted main control board (60% of cases), power surge damage (25%), then moisture intrusion at board housing (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
F1E1 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored F1E1 fault; if it returns, the control-board problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — hard reset, then inspect the board — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is an advanced repair involving deeper disassembly or electrical testing.
How much does it cost to fix Kenmore Dishwasher error F1E1? +
A DIY repair typically runs $120–$220 in parts, versus $220–$420 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $100. Expect the work to take 1–3 hours.
Which Kenmore Dishwasher models show error F1E1? +
F1E1 is documented on Whirlpool-platform Kenmore dishwashers, primarily the 665 Series and similar models sharing that control architecture. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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