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Error code reference

KitchenAid Ice Maker Error Code 2 Blinks

Bin thermistor failure

KitchenAid codesKitchenAid ice maker codes

Bin thermistor failure - the bin thermistor is open or shorted or disconnected from the control box.

First step from the service manual

Check that the bin thermistor is plugged in to the control box. Check that the bin thermistor is not open or shorted. Replace the thermistor if it is open or shorted.

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

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What 2 Blinks means on a KitchenAid ice maker

The 2 Blinks error code on a KitchenAid ice maker indicates a bin thermistor failure. The bin thermistor is a temperature-sensing component located in the ice storage bin area. It monitors ice bin temperature and reports that data to the control box, allowing the unit to determine when the bin is full or when ice production should resume. When the control board detects that the thermistor circuit is open, shorted, or completely disconnected, it triggers this fault code to alert the technician that the sensing loop has broken down.

The three root causes covered by this code are a disconnected connector, an open thermistor, and a shorted thermistor. An open thermistor means the internal resistive element has broken, producing infinite resistance and no usable signal. A shorted thermistor means the resistance has collapsed to near zero, sending a signal that falls outside the expected operating range. In either case, the control box cannot read a valid temperature and halts normal operation to prevent the ice maker from running blind without bin-level feedback.

Diagnosis begins at the wiring harness connection between the bin thermistor and the control box. A loose or fully disconnected plug is the quickest fix and should be ruled out first. If the connector is secure, the thermistor itself should be tested with a multimeter. A functioning thermistor will show a measurable resistance value that changes with temperature. A reading of infinite resistance or zero ohms confirms the component has failed and requires replacement.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 2 Blinks

  1. 01

    Disconnected thermistor connector

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring harness plug connecting the bin thermistor to the control box may have come loose or pulled free. Visually inspect the connector at the control box and press it firmly back into place if it is not fully seated.

  2. 02

    Open thermistor

    Part replacement

    The internal resistive element inside the thermistor has broken, causing the circuit to read infinite resistance. Testing with a multimeter across the thermistor terminals will confirm an open circuit, and the component must be replaced.

  3. 03

    Shorted thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor has internally short-circuited, causing resistance to drop to near zero and sending an out-of-range signal to the control board. A multimeter reading of approximately zero ohms confirms a shorted condition requiring thermistor replacement.

  4. 04

    Damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wires between the bin thermistor and the control box may be pinched, frayed, or broken due to mechanical wear or improper routing. Inspect the full length of the harness for visible damage and check for continuity through each wire.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 2 Blinks

What does 2 Blinks mean on a KitchenAid ice_maker?
The 2 Blinks code indicates a bin thermistor failure. The bin thermistor is the temperature sensor located in the ice storage bin, and it reports bin conditions to the control board. This code is triggered when the control board detects that the thermistor circuit is open, shorted, or not connected at all. The ice maker will not operate normally until the fault is resolved.
How do I fix the 2 Blinks error on my KitchenAid ice maker?
Start by checking that the bin thermistor connector is fully plugged into the control box, as a loose connection is the simplest and most common cause. If the connector is secure, use a multimeter to test the thermistor itself for open or shorted conditions. A thermistor that reads infinite resistance or near-zero ohms has failed and needs to be replaced.
Will resetting my KitchenAid ice maker clear the 2 Blinks error?
A reset will not permanently clear this error if the underlying fault still exists. The control board will detect the faulty or missing thermistor signal again as soon as it runs its diagnostic check and reissue the 2 Blinks code. The thermistor connection or the component itself must be corrected before normal operation can resume.
Is it safe to continue using my KitchenAid ice maker when the 2 Blinks code is active?
The ice maker is designed to stop normal operation when this fault is detected, so it will not produce ice reliably while the code is active. Continuing to run the unit without addressing the fault is not recommended, as the control board relies on bin thermistor data to manage the ice-making cycle properly. Resolving the fault before returning the unit to service is the correct approach.
How much does it cost to fix a bin thermistor failure on a KitchenAid ice maker?
If the fix is simply reseating a disconnected connector, there is no parts cost involved. If the thermistor itself has failed and needs replacement, parts costs typically range from around $15 to $60 depending on the specific model. Adding professional labor for diagnosis and replacement, total repair costs can range from roughly $100 to $250.

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