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Error code reference

Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code HO

Indicates a water heat delay; the dishwasher is pausing to heat water to the required temperature.

Kenmore codesKenmore dishwasher codes

Indicates a water heat delay; the dishwasher is pausing to heat water to the required temperature.

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What HO means on a Kenmore dishwasher

The HO code on a Kenmore dishwasher is not a fault or failure indicator. It is an informational status code that appears when the dishwasher has detected that the incoming water temperature is below the minimum threshold required for the active wash cycle. When this condition occurs, the control board pauses the cycle and activates the internal heating element to bring the water up to the correct temperature before continuing. This is a normal part of the dishwasher's temperature-compensation logic, designed to ensure wash performance and sanitation standards are met.

The primary component involved is the water heating element, working in coordination with the thermistor or thermostat that monitors water temperature. The control board reads the temperature sensor and, if the water entering the tub is too cool, triggers the HO delay. This situation most commonly occurs when the dishwasher is connected to a water supply that has not been adequately pre-heated, such as during cold weather, early-morning cycles before the home's hot water heater has recovered, or when the dishwasher is located far from the water heater.

In most cases, the HO code will clear on its own once the water reaches the target temperature and the cycle resumes automatically. However, if the code persists for an unusually long time or the cycle never advances, this can point to a problem with the heating element, a faulty temperature sensor, or a wiring issue in the heating circuit. Extended display of the HO code warrants further component-level diagnosis.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of HO

  1. 01

    Cold incoming water supply

    Wiring / connection

    If the hot water heater has not fully recovered, or the dishwasher is far from the water heater, the incoming water may be too cool. Running the kitchen hot water tap before starting a cycle can reduce how often HO appears.

  2. 02

    Faulty or degraded heating element

    Part replacement

    If the heating element has failed or is losing efficiency, it cannot bring the water to the required temperature, causing the HO pause to extend indefinitely. The element can be tested for continuity to confirm whether it has failed.

  3. 03

    Defective water temperature sensor or thermistor

    Part replacement

    A faulty thermistor may send incorrect temperature readings to the control board, causing the board to believe the water is cooler than it actually is and holding the HO delay longer than necessary.

  4. 04

    Wiring or connection issue in the heating circuit

    Wiring / connection

    Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring between the control board, heating element, and temperature sensor can interrupt the heating circuit and prevent the cycle from advancing past the HO status.

  5. 05

    Control board malfunction

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, the main control board may fail to correctly manage the heating sequence, causing the HO code to appear and persist even when water temperature and heating components are functioning normally.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about HO

What does HO mean on a Kenmore dishwasher?
HO is a status code indicating that the dishwasher has paused to heat the incoming water to the temperature required for the current wash cycle. It is not an error in the traditional sense. The dishwasher should resume automatically once the water reaches the target temperature. If the cycle does not advance after 20 to 30 minutes, further diagnosis of the heating system is recommended.
How do I fix the HO code on my Kenmore dishwasher?
In most cases no fix is needed, as the code clears automatically once the water heats up. To reduce how often it appears, try running the hot water at your kitchen sink for a minute before starting the dishwasher. If the code persists and the cycle stalls, check the heating element for continuity, inspect the temperature sensor, and look for any loose wiring connections in the heating circuit.
Is the HO code on a Kenmore dishwasher dangerous?
No, the HO code is not a safety concern. It simply means the dishwasher is waiting for water to reach the proper temperature before continuing. The machine is functioning as designed during this pause. Only if the code persists for an extended period without the cycle advancing should you be concerned about an underlying component failure.
Will resetting my Kenmore dishwasher clear the HO code?
Resetting the dishwasher may temporarily clear the display, but if the underlying condition, such as cool incoming water or a failing heating element, is still present, the HO code will return when the next cycle reaches the heating phase. A reset is not a solution if the code is caused by a component problem. Address the root cause for a lasting fix.
How much does it cost to repair a Kenmore dishwasher showing the HO code?
If the issue is simply cold incoming water, there is no repair cost involved. If a heating element replacement is needed, parts and labor typically range from $100 to $250 depending on your location and service provider. A temperature sensor replacement is generally less expensive, often in the $75 to $150 range. Control board replacement is the most costly repair, typically ranging from $150 to $400 or more.

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