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Error code reference

Cove Dishwasher Error Code 700160

PE1

Cove codesCove dishwasher codes

PE1: Water level in sump too low; insufficient water to run HTR1 or to run a wash cycle.

First step from the service manual

Check the water level in the sump. If it appears empty, run another wash cycle.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What 700160 means on a Cove dishwasher

Error code 700160 on a Cove dishwasher corresponds to fault designation PE1, which indicates that the water level in the sump has dropped below the minimum threshold required to safely operate the heating element (HTR1) or to sustain a wash cycle. The sump is the recessed basin at the bottom of the dishwasher tub where water collects and is recirculated by the wash pump. When the control detects insufficient water volume in this area, it halts operation to prevent dry-running the heater and pump, which could cause serious component damage.

The most common reasons for this condition fall into two categories: water not entering the unit at all, or water entering but draining away too quickly before the sump can fill to the required level. A restricted or closed water supply valve, a faulty inlet solenoid valve, or low household water pressure can all prevent adequate fill. Conversely, a leaking door gasket, a worn sump seal, or a stuck-open drain valve can allow water to escape before the control registers a proper level. A failed water level pressure sensor or float switch sending incorrect readings to the control board can also trigger PE1 even when water is physically present.

The recommended first diagnostic step is to visually check whether the sump contains any standing water and then run a fresh wash cycle to observe whether the unit fills normally. If the sump remains empty after a fill attempt, attention should shift to the water supply path, inlet valve function, and the integrity of the sump and door seals. If water is present but the error persists, the water level sensing circuit should be evaluated.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 700160

  1. 01

    Water supply issue

    Wiring / connection

    A closed or partially closed supply shutoff valve, kinked fill hose, or low household water pressure can prevent the dishwasher from drawing enough water into the sump. Check that the supply valve under the sink is fully open and that water pressure is adequate.

  2. 02

    Faulty water inlet valve

    Part replacement

    The inlet solenoid valve controls water entry into the tub. If it has failed mechanically or electrically, it may not open fully or at all during the fill phase, leaving the sump dry. Listen for the valve opening at the start of a cycle to help identify this failure.

  3. 03

    Premature or continuous draining

    Part replacement

    A drain valve or drain pump that does not fully close can allow water to exit the sump as fast as it enters, preventing the level from building up. Inspect the drain path and check whether the drain pump runs continuously when it should not.

  4. 04

    Sump or door seal leak

    Part replacement

    Worn or damaged gaskets around the sump assembly or the door can allow water to leak out of the tub before the required fill level is reached. Look for water pooling under the unit or along the door perimeter during operation.

  5. 05

    Water level sensor or pressure switch fault

    Part replacement

    If the pressure sensor or float switch that monitors sump water level is stuck, clogged, or sending incorrect signals, the control board may register a low-water condition even when the sump contains adequate water. Inspect the sensor and its connecting hose or port for blockage.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 700160

What does 700160 mean on a Cove dishwasher?
Error code 700160 corresponds to fault code PE1, which means the dishwasher has detected that the water level in the sump is too low to safely run the heating element or complete a wash cycle. The control halts the cycle to protect the heater and pump from running dry. The cause can range from a supply problem to a faulty inlet valve or a leaking seal.
How do I fix error code 700160 on my Cove dishwasher?
Start by confirming the water supply valve under the sink is fully open, then run a new wash cycle and watch whether water enters the tub during the fill phase. If the sump remains empty, inspect the inlet valve and water supply line. If water enters but drains away immediately, check the drain valve and sump seals for leaks. A persistently incorrect level reading despite adequate water may point to a faulty water level sensor.
Is it safe to keep using my Cove dishwasher when error 700160 is showing?
You should not continue running cycles while this error is active. Operating the dishwasher without sufficient water in the sump risks damaging the heating element HTR1 and the wash pump by running them without the cooling and lubrication that water provides. Address the underlying cause before resuming normal use.
Will resetting my Cove dishwasher clear error code 700160?
A reset may clear the error display temporarily, but the code will return if the root cause has not been corrected. If the sump genuinely does not fill to the required level, the control will detect the low-water condition again during the next cycle and re-trigger the fault. Fix the supply or drainage issue first, then verify the error does not reappear.
How much does it cost to repair a Cove dishwasher showing error 700160?
Repair costs vary depending on the failed component. A water inlet valve replacement typically falls in the range of $80 to $200 including parts and labor. Seal or gasket repairs may cost $60 to $150. If the water level sensor or control-side components are involved, costs can rise to the $150 to $350 range. A service call to diagnose the specific cause is usually the first step.

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