KitchenAid Dishwasher Error 1-1 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 1-1 means your KitchenAid dishwasher has detected a fault with the thermistor — the temperature sensor that monitors wash water temperature during the cycle. The thermistor tells the control board whether the water has reached the correct temperature. When it returns an out-of-range reading, the board logs 1-1 and halts the cycle. A failed thermistor or a loose wiring connector is the most common cause.

Affected Models

KDTM354DSS
KDFE104HPS
KDTE334GPS
KDTM604KPS
KDTE254ESS

Common Causes

Thermistor has failed and is returning an out-of-range resistance reading to the control board
Loose or corroded wiring connector on the thermistor harness inside the tub
Thermistor wiring chafed against the tub wall or a spray arm
Water intrusion into the thermistor connector causing a short circuit
Control board fault misinterpreting the thermistor signal

How to Fix It

Unplug the dishwasher from the wall outlet, wait 5 minutes, then plug it back in and start a short cycle.

A power reset clears temporary sensor glitches caused by moisture or static on the sensor circuit.
If 1-1 clears and does not return for several cycles, the fault was temporary — continue monitoring.

Intermittent 1-1 errors often indicate a wiring connector that is partially loose and getting worse over time.
Open the dishwasher door and look for any visible damage at the base of the tub — a chafed wire or a cracked harness cover near the filter assembly.

Physical damage to the sensor wiring is the one fault you can confirm visually before calling a technician.
Remove the lower dish rack and the filter assembly to give better access to the base of the tub. Check that no wires are pinched under the filter housing.

A pinched thermistor wire is a common issue on newly installed or recently serviced dishwashers.
If no visible wiring damage is found and 1-1 persists after the power reset, the thermistor needs professional testing with a multimeter before replacement.

A technician can test the thermistor resistance in place — a reading outside the expected range confirms that replacement is needed.

When to Call a Professional

If a power reset does not clear 1-1 and the error reappears on every cycle, the thermistor requires professional testing and likely replacement. The thermistor is located at the bottom of the wash tub and requires partial disassembly to access. Contact KitchenAid service or an authorised appliance technician with your model number ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a thermistor and why does a dishwasher need one?

A thermistor is a resistor whose resistance changes predictably with temperature — the control board reads this resistance to know the wash water temperature. KitchenAid dishwashers use the thermistor to control how long the heating element runs and to verify that water has reached the minimum sanitising temperature before allowing a cycle to complete.

Can I still run a cycle if error 1-1 is showing?

If 1-1 is active, the dishwasher will typically halt the cycle because it cannot confirm wash temperature. Running cycles without a working temperature sensor means the machine cannot guarantee it has reached sanitising temperature, which reduces hygiene. Resolve the fault before relying on the machine for hygiene-critical washes.

Is error 1-1 the same fault as error 8-1?

They are related but different. Error 8-1 means the water did not reach the required temperature — which could be a heater or sensor problem. Error 1-1 specifically means the thermistor circuit has a fault (open or short circuit). A failed thermistor can sometimes trigger both errors on the same unit.