KitchenAid Dishwasher Error F6E1 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

F6E1 means your KitchenAid dishwasher started filling with water but the water level sensor did not confirm the tub reached the required fill level within the expected time. This is most often caused by a kinked water supply hose, a closed or partially closed water supply valve, or low household water pressure. It can also indicate a failed water inlet valve or a faulty water level sensor.

Affected Models

KitchenAid KDTM354DSS
KitchenAid KDTE334GPS
KitchenAid KDFE104HPS
KitchenAid KDFM404KPS
KitchenAid KDPM604KPS

Common Causes

Water supply valve under the sink partially or fully closed
Kinked water supply hose restricting flow to the inlet valve
Clogged inlet valve screen filter reducing water flow
Failed water inlet valve solenoid not opening fully
Faulty water level (pressure) sensor giving an incorrect fill reading to the control board

How to Fix It

Turn off the dishwasher and check the water supply shut-off valve under the kitchen sink. It should be fully open (handle parallel to the pipe). Turn it fully open if it is partially closed.

Someone may have partially closed this valve when doing plumbing work and forgotten to reopen it.
Pull the dishwasher forward slightly and inspect the water inlet hose at the back. Straighten any kinks along the hose's full length.

The inlet hose is typically a braided steel or reinforced rubber line running from the valve under the sink to the dishwasher's solenoid valve.
Check your household water pressure by running the hot water tap at the kitchen sink. The flow should be strong and steady. If it is weak, you may have a house-wide pressure issue.

KitchenAid dishwashers typically require 20–120 PSI water pressure. Very low pressure causes slow fill and F6E1.
Turn off the water supply and disconnect the inlet hose from the back of the dishwasher. Locate the small mesh screen filter inside the inlet valve inlet port and rinse it under running water to clear any sediment.

Sediment from old pipes is a common cause of restricted flow — the screen filter is the first thing to check.
Reconnect the hose, restore water supply, and run a short cycle. If water fills normally and F6E1 does not return, the screen was the issue.

Have a towel ready when reconnecting — residual water in the hose will spill briefly.
If fill is still too slow or F6E1 returns, the inlet valve solenoid or water level sensor needs professional testing and replacement.

A new water inlet valve typically costs $25–$60 and is one of the most commonly replaced dishwasher parts.

When to Call a Professional

If the water supply and hose are fine but F6E1 persists, the water inlet valve or water level sensor has failed. Both parts require draining any standing water, removing the lower access panel, and working with plumbing and electrical connections. Contact KitchenAid service or a qualified appliance technician for diagnosis and replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can low water pressure in my home cause F6E1?

Yes — if your household water pressure drops below about 20 PSI, the dishwasher cannot fill quickly enough and will fault. This can happen when multiple fixtures are running simultaneously (shower, washing machine, garden hose) or when there is a supply issue from your utility. Try running the dishwasher when water demand in your home is low.

Does F6E1 mean there is a leak somewhere?

Not necessarily — F6E1 is a fill fault, meaning water is not getting in fast enough, not that it is going somewhere unexpected. If you see puddles under or around the dishwasher alongside F6E1, that is a separate issue — check the inlet hose connections for leaks.

How do I reset F6E1 after fixing the water supply?

Press Cancel/Drain to clear the current cycle, then start a new wash cycle. F6E1 clears automatically once the dishwasher completes a fill cycle without timing out. No special reset sequence is required.