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Error code reference

Hotpoint Dishwasher Error Code AL01

Overflow

Overflow - The PCB has registered the electrical closure of the pan float sensor (e.g., float has moved up due to a leak).

First step from the service manual

Check for leak from locknut/joint/tank etc; check if float sensor is faulty.

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

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What AL01 means on a Hotpoint dishwasher

The AL01 error code on a Hotpoint dishwasher indicates an overflow condition. Specifically, the PCB (printed circuit board) has detected the electrical closure of the pan float sensor, which sits in the base tray beneath the dishwasher's inner components. Under normal conditions, this float rests in a lowered position and the circuit remains open. When water accumulates in the base pan due to a leak, the float rises with the water level and closes the circuit, triggering the AL01 alert and typically halting the wash cycle to prevent further water damage.

The most common source of the leak that activates this sensor is a failed seal or connection point within the water circuit. Locknuts, hose joints, inlet valve connections, and the main wash tank itself are all potential failure points. Over time, seals can degrade, hose clamps can loosen, or plastic components can develop hairline cracks, allowing water to escape into the base tray. Even a slow drip over multiple cycles can accumulate enough water to raise the float and trigger AL01.

It is also possible for the float sensor itself to malfunction, generating a false AL01 reading without any actual water present in the base. A stuck or corroded float, or a sensor with a shorted circuit, will appear identical to a genuine overflow condition to the PCB. Diagnosis therefore requires physically inspecting the base tray for water, identifying any leak source if water is found, and testing the float sensor's electrical continuity if the tray is dry.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of AL01

  1. 01

    Leaking hose joint or locknut

    Part replacement

    Connections between water inlet and drain hoses, as well as internal plumbing locknuts, can loosen or have deteriorated seals that allow water to drip into the base tray. Inspect all visible hose connections and fittings for moisture or mineral deposits indicating a slow leak.

  2. 02

    Cracked or leaking wash tank

    Part replacement

    The main wash tank or tub can develop cracks or seal failures along its seams, allowing water to escape into the base pan during a cycle. Look for water trails or staining on the outside of the tub.

  3. 03

    Failed door seal or gasket

    Part replacement

    A worn or damaged door gasket can allow water to escape around the door edge and run down into the base tray during washing. Inspect the full perimeter of the door seal for cracks, tears, or areas that appear flattened.

  4. 04

    Faulty float sensor

    Part replacement

    The pan float sensor itself may be stuck in the raised position or have an internal short, causing the PCB to register a false overflow even when the base tray is completely dry. Check if the tray is dry and test the sensor's continuity with a multimeter.

  5. 05

    Accumulated water from repeated minor leaks

    Wiring / connection

    A very slow drip that goes unnoticed can build up across several cycles until there is enough water in the base tray to raise the float. If no active leak is obvious, dry out the tray and monitor closely over subsequent cycles.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about AL01

What does AL01 mean on a Hotpoint dishwasher?
AL01 indicates that the pan float sensor in the base tray of the dishwasher has been triggered, signaling an overflow condition. The PCB interprets the closed float sensor circuit as water having accumulated in the base pan, typically due to an internal leak. The dishwasher stops operation to prevent water damage to your home.
How do I fix the AL01 error on my Hotpoint dishwasher?
Start by pulling the dishwasher forward and checking the base tray for standing water. If water is present, identify and repair the source of the leak, which could be a loose hose joint, a failed locknut seal, or a cracked tank. Once the leak is fixed and the base tray is dried out, the error should clear. If the tray is dry and the error persists, the float sensor may be faulty and need replacement.
Is it safe to use my Hotpoint dishwasher while AL01 is showing?
No, you should not continue running the dishwasher until the cause of AL01 has been identified and resolved. Running the machine with an active leak risks water damage to cabinetry and flooring, and could create a slip hazard. The dishwasher is designed to halt operation when this error occurs for exactly this reason.
Will resetting my Hotpoint dishwasher clear the AL01 error?
A reset may temporarily clear the AL01 display, but the error will return as soon as the float sensor is triggered again if the underlying cause has not been fixed. You need to address the source of the leak or replace a faulty float sensor before the error will stay cleared. Always dry out the base tray completely before attempting to reset and restart the machine.
How much does it cost to repair a Hotpoint dishwasher showing AL01?
Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. Replacing a hose seal or tightening a locknut is a low-cost fix, often in the range of a few dollars in parts if you do it yourself. A new float sensor typically costs between $10 and $40 in parts. More extensive repairs such as a replacement wash tank or a new PCB can range from $80 to $250 or more in parts alone, plus labor if a technician is involved.

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