We often think our KitchenAid dishwasher has a problem and rush to call KitchenAid, but what we need is just a reset by first consulting the manual that came with the dishwasher. Unfortunately, it may become a frustrating affair if you don’t know how to reset KitchenAid dishwasher.
There are several reasons why you might need to reset your KitchenAid dishwasher. Perhaps it’s flashing an unfamiliar error code, or it stopped mid-cycle and won’t respond to any button presses. Maybe the controls have become unresponsive, or the dishwasher simply isn’t cleaning dishes as effectively as it used to.
Whatever the issue, knowing how to reset your dishwasher can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. Now, let’s show you how to reset the KitchenAid dishwasher in simple and effective ways.
How To Reset KitchenAid Dishwasher
Ever found yourself frantically Googling “how to reset KitchenAid dishwasher” and thinking is KitchenAid dishwasher good after it refused to budge, right when you were about to start your favorite TV show? One simple way to reset your KitchenAid dishwasher is to unplug it from the power source for a minute and then reconnect it to the power source.
That is the simplest way to reset your dishwasher. However, there are other ways to do it depending on the problem with your KitchenAid dishwasher. But just before you reset your KitchenAid dishwasher, check:
- Control Lock: Ensure the control panel isn’t locked. Look for a “Lock” button or indicator light.
- Delay Wash: Check if a delay wash is set. The dishwasher won’t start until the delay time is complete.
- Dishwasher Door is Firmly Closed: Sometimes, utensils may not allow the door to close properly and if this happens, the dishwasher will not work. So, ensure the door is closed and you hear the clicking sound of a properly closed door.
- Check Error Codes: The problem may be an error code. Knowing this will help you to easily diagnose the issue.
- Sleep Mode: Check to ensure Sleep Mode is not turned on. If it is, then the machine will not work. Just turn it off if it is on.
Here is how to reset KitchenAid dishwashers:
1. Unresponsive Controls or Stuck Cycle
Simply unplug the dishwasher (or turn off the circuit breaker) for 1 minute. Then, plug it back in (or turn the breaker back on). This restarts the control panel and can clear minor glitches.
2. Mistake with the Setting
Here are the steps on how to reset a KitchenAid dishwasher in case you made a mistake with the settings:
- Press the Cancel Drain button and hold it until the light comes on.
- Shut the dishwasher door. The dishwasher will drain the water and reset the settings back to default.
- Once the draining is complete, the light will turn off.
- Open the dishwasher door and make the selections to the settings you want.
- Press Start/Resume to begin the wash cycle.
Note: You should wait until the Cancel Drain cycle finishes before making a new selection. The dishwasher won’t reset completely until all the water has drained out.
3. KitchenAid Dishwasher Won’t Start But Has Power
If your KitchenAid dishwasher is not resetting using the above methods, you should try a hard reset:
- Cut the power to the dishwasher. You can unplug it from the wall outlet or turn it off at the circuit breaker. Leave the dishwasher off for at least one minute and then reconnect the power.
- Perform a hard reset using the control panel if the dishwasher continues to malfunction after reconnecting the power. To perform a hard reset, press the high temp scrub button and the energy-saver dry button alternately, at least five times each. Do not press both buttons simultaneously.
- The dishwasher will enter a full reset cycle, which will restore it to its factory settings. The reset cycle might take around 10 minutes to complete. During the cycle, you might see some lights blinking on the display and hear some noises as the dishwasher resets its components.
- Once the reset cycle is complete, the dishwasher should be back to normal or at least back to its factory settings. You can then check if the issue you were experiencing is resolved.
4. KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Working Properly
To reset the control board on a KitchenAid dishwasher to fix an issue where the dishwasher is not working properly and the soap dispenser is not dissolving the soap properly, follow this:
- Select any three buttons on the control panel in a specific sequence. Press the three buttons one, two, three, three times, in rapid succession.
- Wait for the dishwasher to reset.
5. Reset After a Power Outage
When the dishwasher is affected by a sudden power outage it may refuse to work when the power is back. Follow these steps to bring it back to its senses:
- Check the Control Panel: If the control panel is flashing or showing an error code, press the “Cancel” button.
- Power Cycle the Dishwasher: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker. Wait for 5 minutes before restoring power.
- Restart the Dishwasher: Plug the dishwasher back in or switch on the circuit breaker. Select a new cycle and press “Start.”
6. Resetting a Frozen Dishwasher
If your dishwasher is frozen or stuck in a cycle, try the following.
- Cancel the Current Cycle: Press the “Cancel” button to stop the current cycle.
- Open and Close the Door: Open the dishwasher door and close it firmly to ensure it is latched properly.
- Reset the Control Panel: Press and hold the “Start” button for 3-5 seconds until the control panel resets.
- Restart the Dishwasher: Select a new cycle and press “Start” to ensure the dishwasher is working correctly.
What To Do If KitchenAid Dishwasher Reset Not Working
If you’ve tried resetting your KitchenAid dishwasher using the various methods (power cycle, button combination, control board reset, etc.), and it’s still not functioning properly, here are some next steps:
- Consult your User Manual: Look for troubleshooting tips specific to the error code displayed (if any) or the symptoms you’re experiencing. The manual might offer solutions for common issues.
- KitchenAid Website: The KitchenAid website has a support section with troubleshooting guides and FAQs. You can search for solutions based on your dishwasher model number. (https://www.kitchenaid.com/service-and-support.html)
- KitchenAid Customer Service: If the online resources don’t solve the problem, contact KitchenAid customer service directly through the contact on its website. They can provide further troubleshooting assistance or guide you toward qualified repair professionals.
Reasons to Reset KitchenAid Dishwasher
There are several reasons why you might need to reset your KitchenAid dishwasher. Here’s a breakdown of some common scenarios:
1. Minor Glitches and Control Panel Issues
- Unresponsive Controls: Sometimes, the control panel might become unresponsive to button presses or selections. A reset can often clear these temporary glitches and get the controls functioning normally again.
- Stuck Cycle: If your dishwasher seems stuck in a particular cycle and won’t advance or respond to commands, a reset can help it break out of that loop and return to normal operation.
- Error Codes: In some cases, a displayed error code might be a minor glitch. Resetting the dishwasher can sometimes clear the code and resolve the issue. (Note: If the error code persists after a reset, consult your user manual or contact KitchenAid customer service for further troubleshooting.)
2. Power Fluctuations
If your home experiences a power outage or surge, it can sometimes disrupt the electronic components in your dishwasher. A reset can help the dishwasher reboot and recover from this disruption.
3. Restoring Settings
If you accidentally changed settings on your dishwasher and can’t remember how to get back to your preferred settings, a reset can restore the dishwasher to its factory defaults. You can then re-program it with your desired settings.
4. Special Scenarios (depending on model)
Some KitchenAid dishwasher models might have a specific button combination reset for the control board itself. This could be used to address issues like the soap dispenser malfunctioning (as shown in one of the videos).
However, consult your user manual for specific instructions on this type of reset, as the button sequence can vary by model.
Tips For Preventing The Need To Reset The Dishwasher In The Future
While KitchenAid dishwashers can misbehave anytime, there are a few ways to prevent the consistent need to reset your dishwasher. Here are some tips to help prevent the need to reset your KitchenAid dishwasher in the future:
- Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean the spray arms, filters, and drain to prevent clogs and ensure proper water flow. Refer to your user manual for specific cleaning instructions and frequency.
- Correct Loading: Load dishes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Overloading can block water flow and prevent proper cleaning, potentially leading to glitches.
- Water Softener (if applicable): If you have hard water, consider using a water softener. Hard water mineral buildup can shorten the lifespan of your dishwasher and contribute to malfunctions.
- Right Detergent and Dosage: Use the correct type and amount of dishwasher detergent recommended by your user manual. Too much detergent can cause sudsing and lead to control panel malfunctions.
- Matching Wash Cycle to Load: Select the appropriate wash cycle for the type and amount of dishes you’re washing. Using an overpowered cycle for a light load can waste energy and potentially create glitches.
- Power Surges: Consider using a surge protector for your dishwasher to safeguard it from unexpected power fluctuations that could disrupt electronic components.
- Regular Inspection: Occasionally inspect the dishwasher for any leaks, loose connections, or visible signs of wear and tear.
- User Manual: Keep your user manual handy for reference. It provides valuable information on proper operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting specific to your KitchenAid dishwasher model.
The Bottom Line on How to Reset KitchenAid Dishwasher
When it comes to how to reset the KitchenAid dishwasher, there are numerous ways to do it. First, recognize the problem with your dishwasher and then follow that with the right fix. If you try one of the resets in this article and it fails to work, try another one. If the problem persists, check the manual or put a call through to KitchenAid customer support for help.
