Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code 6-2

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.