Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code HO

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.