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Error code reference

Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code 6-2

Fill valve electrical problem

Kenmore codesKenmore dishwasher codes

Fill valve electrical problem — loose connection in fill valve circuit, open fill valve solenoid, open fuse on control to fill valve, or faulty fill valve drive circuit on control.

First step from the service manual

Unplug dishwasher or disconnect power and check resistances of fill valve solenoid and all connections in the fill circuit with meter. Refer to fuse service & diagnostic checks.

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

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What 6-2 means on a Kenmore dishwasher

Error code 6-2 on a Kenmore dishwasher signals that the control board has detected an electrical problem in the fill valve circuit. Specifically, the board is seeing a fault condition that can stem from a loose or open connection in the fill valve wiring, a failed fill valve solenoid (open coil), a blown fuse on the control board in the fill valve drive circuit, or a faulty fill valve drive circuit on the control board itself. The control monitors the electrical characteristics of the fill valve circuit continuously and throws 6-2 when readings fall outside expected parameters.

For homeowners, the fill valve is the electrically-operated component that opens to let water into the dishwasher at the start of a cycle. When the control board cannot confirm the valve circuit is intact, it stops the cycle and displays 6-2 to prevent running the dishwasher without proper water fill. This can show up as the dishwasher not filling at all, stopping mid-cycle, or failing to start. The fault may be as simple as a loose wire connector or as involved as a burned-out solenoid coil or a damaged control board. Resistance testing with a multimeter on the fill valve solenoid and all wiring connections in the circuit is the first step to pinpoint which component has failed.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 6-2

  1. 01

    Loose or open connection in the fill valve wiring circuit

    Wiring / connection

    A connector in the wiring harness between the control board and the fill valve solenoid has worked loose or corroded, breaking the circuit. The control board reads this as an open circuit and triggers 6-2.

  2. 02

    Open fill valve solenoid coil

    Part replacement

    The solenoid coil inside the fill valve has burned out or broken internally, causing it to read as an open circuit on a meter rather than the expected resistance value. A failed solenoid coil requires replacing the fill valve assembly.

  3. 03

    Blown fuse on the control board (fill valve circuit fuse)

    Part replacement

    The control board contains a fuse specifically protecting the fill valve drive circuit. If this fuse has opened due to a surge or overcurrent event, the board cannot energize the fill valve and will display 6-2. This requires either replacing the fuse or the control board depending on whether the fuse is serviceable.

  4. 04

    Faulty fill valve drive circuit on the control board

    Part replacement

    If the wiring, connections, and fill valve solenoid all test within spec, the drive circuit on the control board itself may have failed. A faulty driver circuit means the board cannot properly supply power to the fill valve regardless of the valve's condition.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 6-2

What does error code 6-2 mean on a Kenmore dishwasher?
Error code 6-2 means the control board has detected an electrical problem in the fill valve circuit. This includes a loose or broken wiring connection, a burned-out fill valve solenoid coil, a blown fuse on the control board protecting the fill valve circuit, or a failed fill valve drive circuit on the control board itself. The dishwasher stops operation because it cannot confirm the fill valve circuit is functioning correctly.
How do I fix error code 6-2 on a Kenmore dishwasher?
Start by unplugging the dishwasher or shutting off its circuit breaker. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the fill valve solenoid, which should show a finite resistance value, not infinite (open). Also check every connector in the fill valve wiring circuit for looseness or corrosion. If the solenoid reads open, replace the fill valve. If the solenoid and wiring check out, inspect the control board fuse for the fill valve circuit and perform the diagnostic checks outlined in your service manual. A faulty control board is the last thing to suspect after ruling out the other components.
Is it safe to use my Kenmore dishwasher when it shows code 6-2?
No. With a 6-2 fault active, the dishwasher is not able to properly control the fill valve, meaning it may not fill with water at all or may behave unpredictably during a cycle. Running the dishwasher without a confirmed water fill can damage the pump and heating element. Leave the unit unpowered until the fill valve circuit issue is diagnosed and repaired.
How much does it cost to repair a Kenmore dishwasher with a 6-2 error code?
If the fix is a loose connector, the repair costs nothing beyond your time. A replacement fill valve typically costs $20 to $60 for the part, and the repair is manageable for a confident DIYer since the valve is usually accessible from under or behind the dishwasher's lower panel. A replacement control board ranges from $80 to $200 or more depending on the model, and professional labor typically adds $100 to $200 on top of parts. Doing the resistance checks yourself first will help you avoid paying for parts you do not need.
Can a bad fill valve solenoid cause error code 6-2 on a Kenmore dishwasher?
Yes, an open fill valve solenoid coil is one of the primary causes of a 6-2 code. When the solenoid coil breaks internally, it reads as infinite resistance on a multimeter instead of the expected resistance value, which the control board interprets as a circuit fault. Replacing the fill valve assembly resolves this if the solenoid tests as open and all wiring connections are secure.

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