Hotpoint Dishwasher Error Code AL02

Hotpoint dishwasher error code AL02 indicates a fill solenoid fault where the main PCB has detected turbine rotation, confirming water flow, even though the fill solenoid was never commanded to open. The fill solenoid is an electromechanical valve that controls the flow of water into the dishwasher tub. Under normal operation, the PCB sends an activation signal to the solenoid, the valve opens, water enters the tub, and the turbine (flow meter) registers rotation. When AL02 appears, the turbine is spinning without any solenoid activation signal being issued, which tells the control board that water is entering the machine unexpectedly.

The two primary causes align directly with the electrical control path for the fill valve. First, the fill solenoid itself may be mechanically or electrically broken in a way that leaves the valve stuck open, allowing water to pass continuously regardless of whether the PCB commands it. Second, the triac on the main PCB that controls power delivery to the solenoid may have failed in a shorted or closed state. A shorted triac would continuously supply voltage to the solenoid circuit even when the board logic has not requested a fill cycle, producing the same symptom of unintended water flow.

Because this fault involves water entering the appliance outside of a controlled fill cycle, it carries a risk of overfilling if left unaddressed. Diagnosis requires checking the fill solenoid for mechanical failure and testing the PCB triac for a short condition. Resistance checks across the solenoid coil terminals and voltage testing at the solenoid connector during a non-fill phase of the cycle are the recommended starting points before considering component replacement.