mypros+
Error code reference

Jenn-Air Dishwasher Error Code E:21

Circulation pump fault; resistance values of heat pump wrong; programme ends.

Jenn-Air codesJenn-Air dishwasher codes

Circulation pump fault; resistance values of heat pump wrong; programme ends.

First step from the service manual

Check wires/plugs; measure resistance values of windings.

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

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for E:21.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What E:21 means on a Jenn-Air dishwasher

The E:21 error code on a Jenn-Air dishwasher indicates a circulation pump fault, specifically tied to incorrect resistance values detected in the heat pump windings. The circulation pump is responsible for drawing water from the sump and forcing it through the spray arms during the wash cycle. When the control board monitors the pump motor and detects winding resistance readings that fall outside the expected range, it flags this fault and terminates the active programme to prevent further damage to the motor or related components.

The heat pump winding resistance fault can stem from a few distinct failure modes. A winding that has developed a short circuit will present abnormally low resistance, while an open winding will read as infinite resistance. Both conditions are outside the acceptable operating parameters for the pump motor. Thermal damage, moisture intrusion into the motor housing, and normal wear over time can all degrade winding insulation and alter resistance values. The control board continuously checks these values and triggers E:21 when they deviate from spec.

Diagnostic work should begin at the wiring harness and connectors between the control board and the circulation pump motor. Loose, corroded, or damaged plugs can introduce resistance in the circuit that mimics a motor fault. After confirming wiring integrity, use a multimeter set to ohms to measure the resistance across each winding of the pump motor directly at the motor terminals. Compare the measured values against the specified range for this unit. If wiring checks out but resistance readings are outside range, the pump motor itself is the likely failed component.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E:21

  1. 01

    Faulty circulation pump motor windings

    Part replacement

    The motor windings inside the circulation pump can short out or open over time, producing resistance readings outside the acceptable range. A multimeter test directly at the motor terminals will confirm whether the windings have failed.

  2. 02

    Loose or corroded wiring connectors

    Wiring / connection

    Connectors between the control board and the circulation pump can loosen, corrode, or suffer heat damage, which alters the resistance readings the board receives. Inspect all plugs along the pump wiring harness and reseat or replace any damaged connectors.

  3. 03

    Damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    A chafed, pinched, or broken wire in the harness running to the circulation pump can create an intermittent open or short circuit that triggers E:21. A visual inspection along the full harness length and continuity testing of individual wires will identify this condition.

  4. 04

    Moisture intrusion into pump motor

    Part replacement

    Water that has entered the motor housing through a failed seal can degrade winding insulation and cause resistance values to shift into the fault range. Signs include visible corrosion on motor terminals or evidence of water tracking along the motor body.

  5. 05

    Control board fault

    Part replacement

    In less common cases, the control board itself may misread the pump winding resistance due to a failed sensing circuit or damaged board component. This should only be considered after the pump motor and all wiring have been tested and confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E:21

What does E:21 mean on a Jenn-Air dishwasher?
E:21 indicates a circulation pump fault caused by incorrect resistance values detected in the pump motor windings. The dishwasher's control board monitors the electrical characteristics of the pump motor during operation, and when the winding resistance falls outside the expected range, the board ends the current programme and displays this code. The fault can originate in the wiring, the connectors, or the pump motor itself.
Can I fix E:21 on my Jenn-Air dishwasher myself?
Some aspects of diagnosing E:21 are accessible to a knowledgeable DIYer. Checking and reseating wiring connectors at the circulation pump requires basic tools and no special equipment. However, accurately measuring winding resistance requires a multimeter and the ability to safely access the pump motor with the dishwasher disconnected from power. If the motor itself has failed, replacing the circulation pump is a moderately complex repair that involves disconnecting water lines and electrical connections under the unit.
Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher when E:21 appears?
No, you should not attempt to run the dishwasher while E:21 is active. The control board ends the programme specifically to prevent damage to the motor and related components. Continuing to operate the machine with a faulty circulation pump could worsen the underlying fault and potentially damage other parts of the appliance.
How much does it cost to repair E:21 on a Jenn-Air dishwasher?
Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. If the issue is simply a loose or corroded connector, the cost may be limited to a service call fee, typically in the range of $75 to $150. If the circulation pump motor needs replacement, parts and labor combined can range from $200 to $450 or more depending on your location and the specific parts required.
Will resetting the dishwasher clear the E:21 error code?
A power reset may temporarily clear the E:21 code and allow a cycle to start, but if the underlying wiring fault or motor winding problem is still present, the error will return and the programme will end again. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but it does not fix the root cause. Proper diagnosis of the wiring and pump motor resistance values is necessary to resolve the fault permanently.

Related Jenn-Air dishwasher codes

All Jenn-Air dishwasher codes
View all 69 Jenn-Air dishwasher codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass