KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Code 8-2

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.