Error code reference

KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Code 1-1

Control detected pilot relay K400 stuck closed.

KitchenAid codesKitchenAid dishwasher codes

Control detected pilot relay K400 stuck closed.

First step from the service manual

1. Unplug dishwasher or disconnect power. 2. Check all loads on K400 pilot relay for shorts. 3. Replace control and all shorted components.

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

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What 1-1 means on a KitchenAid dishwasher

Error code 1-1 on a KitchenAid dishwasher indicates the control board has detected that the K2 pilot relay is stuck in the closed position. A relay stuck closed means it is continuously passing current even when the control is not commanding it to activate. This is an active fault in the control circuit, not a sensor misread, and requires immediate attention to prevent component damage or unsafe operation.

For homeowners, think of the K2 pilot relay as an electrical switch on the control board. Normally this switch opens and closes on command to power specific components in the dishwasher. When it gets stuck closed, it means that switch is locked in the ON position and the board cannot turn it off. This can cause connected components to run continuously or receive power when they should not, which risks overheating or damage to those parts.

This fault is typically triggered when the control board runs its self-diagnostic routine and finds the relay output does not respond correctly to an open command. The root cause can be a failed relay on the control board itself, or a short circuit in one of the loads connected to the K2 relay that is pulling the relay contacts closed. Both the relay and any shorted downstream components must be addressed.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 1-1

  1. 01

    Short circuit in a load connected to the K2 pilot relay

    Part replacement

    A wiring harness or component powered by the K2 relay can develop a short, which draws the relay contacts into a permanently closed state. This is why the troubleshooting steps require checking all K2 loads before replacing the control.

  2. 02

    Failed K2 pilot relay on the control board

    Part replacement

    The relay itself can fail mechanically or electrically, with its contacts fusing or welding closed due to arcing or overload. When this happens, the control board cannot open the circuit regardless of the command it sends.

  3. 03

    Damaged wiring harness causing a short to the K2 relay circuit

    Part replacement

    Chafed, pinched, or burned wiring in the harness running to K2-controlled components can create a short that mimics a closed relay. Inspecting the harness routing for visible damage is part of the diagnostic process before condemning the control.

  4. 04

    Control board failure unrelated to a downstream short

    Part replacement

    If all loads and wiring on the K2 relay circuit test free of shorts, the control board itself is the failed component. In this case, replacing the control board resolves the 1-1 code.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 1-1

What does error code 1-1 mean on a KitchenAid dishwasher?
Error code 1-1 means the control board detected the K2 pilot relay is stuck in the closed position. A relay stuck closed cannot be turned off by the control, which means components connected to that relay may receive power continuously when they should not. This is a control circuit fault that requires diagnosis of the relay and its connected loads.
Is it safe to use my KitchenAid dishwasher with a 1-1 error code active?
No, you should not continue running the dishwasher with error code 1-1 active. A relay stuck closed can cause components to run outside their normal operating window, which risks overheating, premature component failure, or electrical damage. Unplug the dishwasher or disconnect power at the breaker until the fault is diagnosed and repaired.
How do I fix error code 1-1 on a KitchenAid dishwasher?
Start by unplugging the dishwasher or shutting off power at the circuit breaker. Then inspect all components and wiring connected to the K2 pilot relay for signs of a short circuit, including checking harness connectors and individual loads with a multimeter. Replace any shorted components first, then replace the control board. Replacing the control board without fixing a downstream short will cause the new board to fail as well.
How much does it cost to repair a KitchenAid dishwasher 1-1 error code?
If only the control board needs replacement, parts typically range from $100 to $250 depending on the model, with professional labor adding $100 to $200. If shorted downstream components such as a pump motor or valve also need replacement, total repair costs can rise significantly. DIY repair is achievable for someone comfortable using a multimeter and disconnecting appliance wiring, but if you are not confident testing for shorts, a qualified appliance technician can complete the diagnosis and repair accurately.
Do I need to replace the control board to fix the 1-1 code, or could it be something else?
The control board is not always the first part to replace for a 1-1 error code. Because the fault can be caused by a short in any load connected to the K2 relay, you need to test those components and wiring first. If a shorted pump, valve, or harness is found and replaced, the existing control board may function normally once the short is cleared. Only replace the control board after confirming all connected loads are free of shorts.

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