Error code reference

KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Code 8-2

Drain motor electrical problem

KitchenAid codesKitchenAid dishwasher codes

Drain motor electrical problem - loose connection in drain motor circuit and/or open drain motor winding.

First step from the service manual

Unplug dishwasher or disconnect power and check resistances of drain motor winding and all connections in the drain motor circuit. Fix/replace open connection/part. Check fuse on control to drain motor.

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

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What 8-2 means on a KitchenAid dishwasher

Error code 8-2 on a KitchenAid dishwasher indicates the control board has detected an electrical fault in the drain motor circuit. Specifically, the board has identified either a loose or open connection somewhere in the drain motor wiring, or an open winding inside the drain motor itself. An open winding means the internal coil of the motor has broken continuity, preventing current from flowing and stopping the motor from operating. Diagnosis requires resistance testing of the motor windings and all associated connectors with power disconnected.

For homeowners, this code means your dishwasher's drain pump motor is not receiving or completing the electrical circuit it needs to run. The drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the tub at the end of each wash and rinse cycle. When this circuit is broken, the dishwasher cannot drain properly and will stop the cycle to alert you to the problem.

This fault can stem from a wiring connection that has worked loose over time, a corroded terminal in the drain motor harness, or a drain motor that has internally failed. Because the code points specifically to an electrical fault rather than a mechanical blockage, physical inspection of the wiring and resistance testing of the motor are the required first steps before replacing any parts.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 8-2

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected wiring connector in drain motor circuit

    Wiring / connection

    Vibration and heat cycling over time can cause the wiring harness connector at the drain motor to loosen or pull away from its terminal, breaking continuity in the circuit. Reconnecting and securing the connector resolves the fault without replacing any parts.

  2. 02

    Open winding in drain motor

    Part replacement

    The internal coil winding of the drain motor can break due to age, heat stress, or electrical surge, resulting in an open circuit that the control board detects as an electrical fault. A multimeter resistance test across the motor terminals will show infinite or out-of-spec resistance, confirming the motor must be replaced.

  3. 03

    Corroded or burned terminal in drain motor wiring harness

    Part replacement

    Moisture exposure inside the dishwasher cabinet can cause corrosion at the wiring harness terminals, increasing resistance to the point of an open circuit. Burned terminals from a brief overcurrent event can produce the same result and require the harness or connector to be repaired or replaced.

  4. 04

    Damaged drain motor wiring between control board and motor

    Part replacement

    A section of the wiring between the control board and the drain motor can be pinched, chafed, or broken, creating an open in the circuit. Visual inspection of the full wire run and continuity testing with a multimeter will identify the break.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 8-2

What does error code 8-2 mean on a KitchenAid dishwasher?
Error code 8-2 means the control board has detected an electrical problem in the drain motor circuit. This is specifically a loose connection in the drain motor wiring or an open winding inside the drain motor itself. It is an electrical fault, not a mechanical jam or blockage, so the diagnosis involves resistance and continuity testing rather than checking for debris.
How do I fix error code 8-2 on my KitchenAid dishwasher?
Start by unplugging the dishwasher or shutting off the circuit breaker. Locate the drain motor and inspect the wiring harness connector for loose, corroded, or burned terminals. Use a multimeter to test resistance across the drain motor windings and continuity through all connections in the circuit. If a connection is open or corroded, clean or reseat it. If the motor winding shows infinite resistance, the drain motor needs to be replaced. A technician is advisable if you are not comfortable using a multimeter or accessing internal dishwasher components.
Can I still use my KitchenAid dishwasher when error code 8-2 is showing?
Running the dishwasher with an active 8-2 code is not recommended. Because this code indicates the drain motor circuit is open or broken, the dishwasher will be unable to drain water at the end of the cycle, which can leave standing water in the tub and potentially cause water to overflow or stagnate. The dishwasher should stay out of service until the drain motor circuit is repaired.
How much does it cost to repair a KitchenAid dishwasher with error code 8-2?
If the fix is simply reseating a loose wiring connector, there is no parts cost and only your time is involved. If the drain motor itself has an open winding and needs replacement, a KitchenAid dishwasher drain motor typically costs between $40 and $120 for the part depending on the model. Professional labor to diagnose and replace the motor generally adds $100 to $200, making the total repair roughly $140 to $320 if you hire a technician. DIY replacement is feasible for someone comfortable with basic appliance repair.
How do I test the drain motor winding to diagnose error code 8-2?
With the dishwasher unplugged, disconnect the wiring harness from the drain motor. Set a multimeter to measure resistance (ohms) and probe across the two motor terminals. Most KitchenAid drain motors should read a low resistance value, typically in the range of a few ohms to around 20 ohms depending on the motor model. An open winding will read as infinite resistance or OL on the meter, confirming the motor has internally failed and needs replacement. Also test each wire in the circuit from the motor back to the control board for continuity to rule out a broken wire.

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