KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Code FILL FAILURE

FILL FAILURE means the dishwasher did not receive enough water during the fill phase of the cycle. The control board monitors how long it takes to reach the required water level, and when that level is not reached in time, the error is displayed. Causes range from a closed supply valve to a failed inlet valve, low water pressure, or an internal issue like a siphoning drain hose or a slipping impeller.

A reset may clear the error code temporarily, but if the underlying cause is not corrected, the error will return during the next fill cycle. Resetting is useful for ruling out a one-time control glitch, but a persistent FILL FAILURE error requires physical inspection of the water supply path and inlet valve.

If the fix is simply opening a supply valve or repositioning a hose, there is no parts cost involved. A replacement water inlet valve typically costs between $25 and $75 for the part, with professional labor adding $100 to $200 depending on your area. Total repair costs for a failed inlet valve generally fall in the range of $125 to $275 when using a service technician.

Start by confirming the water supply valve is fully open. Next, check the inlet hose for kinks or blockages and verify the drain hose is looped up high enough to prevent siphoning. If those checks pass, inspect the water inlet valve for clogs or electrical failure, and confirm all spray arms are properly seated in place before running the cycle again.

The dishwasher will typically halt the cycle when this error occurs, so it is not actively running without water. It is safe to investigate the cause, but you should not repeatedly attempt to run cycles while the error persists, as continued attempts without water flow can stress the wash motor components over time.