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Kenmore Dishwasher F8E1 / F8E2 Error Code
Slow drain or drain pump fault on Kenmore dishwashers.
KenmoreAll Kenmore dishwasher codes
F8E1 means water took too long to leave the tub, usually a blockage somewhere in the drain path. F8E2 points to an electrical problem with the drain pump.
Compatible models
All four Kenmore HE tables on Sears PartsDirect (HE, Elite HE, Global HE, MicroClean HE) list F8E1 and F8E2.
Also shown as
The Clean light flashes 8-1 or 8-2 on models without a display. MicroClean HE models add F8E4 (8-4) for a failed drain pump motor, often from debris jamming the impeller. On these Kenmore lines F8E1 is a drain code, and the same letters can mean something else on other brands, so go by your Kenmore family.
Difficulty
Start with the safe checks below; a worn part may need replacing.
Not sure you are reading the code right? See how to read Kenmore dishwasher codes.
How to fix Kenmore F8E1 / F8E2
Clean the filter and sump
Turn off the power and water. Take out the lower rack, remove the filter on the tub floor and rinse it, then clear food, glass or labels from the sump opening.
Check the drain hose and disposal
Look under the sink for a kinked drain hose. If it runs to a disposal, run the disposal first, and if the disposal is new, make sure the knockout plug was removed.
Clear the air gap
If there's an air gap cap on the countertop, pull the cover off and clean out any debris.
When to call a technician
If the drain path is clear and the code keeps coming back, or you have F8E2, the drain pump or its wiring has failed and should be replaced by a technician.
Parts linked to F8E1 / F8E2
These are the parts most often behind this code. Tap one to see what it does and the signs it is failing.
Order parts by your full model number so they fit.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kenmore models show the F8E1 / F8E2 code?
All four Kenmore HE tables on Sears PartsDirect (HE, Elite HE, Global HE, MicroClean HE) list F8E1 and F8E2.
Can I fix Kenmore F8E1 / F8E2 myself?
Often. The first steps above are safe checks a homeowner can do. If they don't clear F8E1 / F8E2, the cause is likely a worn part that needs replacing.
Other Kenmore dishwasher codes
- F1E1 / F1E2Main control board fault
- F2E1 / F2E2Stuck button or control panel not talking to the board
- F3E1 / F3E2Water temperature and soil sensor fault
- F5E1 / F5E2Door switch problem
- F6E1Dishwasher isn't filling
- F6E3Suds or air in the pump
- F6E4Overfill float switch open
- F7E1 / F7E2Heating element fault
- F9E1 / F9E2Diverter motor fault
- IENot filling (722 series)
- OENot draining (722 series)
- AE / E1Leak detected in the base (722 series)
- FEOverflow detected (722 series)
- LEWash pump motor locked (722 series)
- HEHeating failure (722 series)
- C1 / C2 / C3Drain problem (363 electronic models)
- C6 / C7Water too cold or temperature sensor fault (363 models)
- Clean light blinks 7 timesHeater circuit failure (665 models)
- Sanitized light blinksSanitize temperature not reached (665 models)
Last reviewed 2026-10-21. Codes and steps can vary by model; check your owner's manual.