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Error code reference

KitchenAid Ice Maker Error Code LED flashes 2 times

During Clean/Service mode diagnostics, bin thermistor is not detected.

KitchenAid codesKitchenAid ice maker codes

During Clean/Service mode diagnostics, bin thermistor is not detected.

First step from the service manual

Check bin thermistor connection and test thermistor resistance.

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

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  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
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What LED flashes 2 times means on a KitchenAid ice maker

The 2-flash LED code on a KitchenAid ice maker is triggered during the Clean/Service mode diagnostic cycle when the control board fails to detect a valid signal from the bin thermistor. The bin thermistor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistor that monitors the temperature inside the ice storage bin. The control board continuously reads the resistance value from this sensor to determine bin temperature, which influences ice production cycles and harvest timing. When the board receives no signal or an out-of-range resistance reading, it flags the thermistor as undetected and displays the 2-flash fault code.

The most common root causes include an open or disconnected wiring harness at the thermistor connector, a failed thermistor with a resistance value outside the expected range, or corrosion on the connector pins. Because ice makers operate in a wet, cold environment, moisture intrusion at electrical connectors is a known failure mechanism. A thermistor that has shifted out of spec will present either infinite resistance (open circuit) or near-zero resistance (short), both of which the control board interprets as a missing or failed sensor.

Diagnosis begins with a physical inspection of the bin thermistor wiring harness and connector. After confirming the connector is fully seated and free of corrosion, the thermistor resistance should be tested with a multimeter. A healthy NTC thermistor will show measurable resistance that varies with temperature. If the connector is intact and the resistance reading is open or shorted, thermistor replacement is indicated. If resistance reads correctly, the fault may point to a wiring harness issue or a failing control board.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of LED flashes 2 times

  1. 01

    Disconnected or loose bin thermistor connector

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring harness plug connecting the bin thermistor to the control board may have worked loose due to vibration or handling during cleaning. Inspect the connector at both the thermistor and control board ends and reseat firmly.

  2. 02

    Failed bin thermistor (open or shorted)

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself may have failed internally, presenting an open circuit (infinite resistance) or a short. Testing resistance with a multimeter while comparing to expected values for the ambient temperature will confirm this failure.

  3. 03

    Corroded or damaged connector pins

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture exposure inside the ice maker can cause oxidation or corrosion on the thermistor connector pins, breaking the electrical circuit. Visually inspect the connector for green or white residue and check for bent or pushed-back pins.

  4. 04

    Damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wire run between the bin thermistor and the control board may be pinched, cut, or broken, especially if the ice maker has been moved or serviced recently. A continuity test along the harness will identify any open segments.

  5. 05

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor and all associated wiring test correctly, the control board's thermistor input circuit may have failed. This is the least common cause and should only be suspected after all other components are confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about LED flashes 2 times

What does LED flashes 2 times mean on a KitchenAid ice_maker?
A 2-flash LED code on a KitchenAid ice maker indicates that the control board could not detect the bin thermistor during the Clean/Service mode diagnostic cycle. The bin thermistor is the temperature sensor located in the ice storage bin. This fault means the sensor's signal is absent or out of range, which prevents the machine from accurately monitoring bin temperature. The most likely causes are a loose connector, a failed thermistor, or a wiring issue.
How do I fix the 2-flash LED error on my KitchenAid ice maker?
Start by checking the bin thermistor wiring harness connector and making sure it is fully seated with no corrosion on the pins. Next, use a multimeter to measure the thermistor's resistance and confirm it is within a reasonable range for an NTC sensor at room or refrigerated temperature. If the connector is secure and the resistance reads open or shorted, replacing the bin thermistor is the appropriate repair. If the thermistor tests correctly, inspect the full wiring harness for damage before considering control board replacement.
Is it safe to continue using my KitchenAid ice maker when this error is showing?
It is not recommended to continue normal use while the 2-flash code is active. Without a functioning bin thermistor, the control board lacks the temperature data it needs to manage the ice-making cycle correctly. This can lead to improper harvest timing or continuous running, potentially causing additional component wear. Address the fault before resuming regular ice production.
How much does it cost to repair the 2-flash bin thermistor error on a KitchenAid ice maker?
If only the bin thermistor requires replacement, the part cost typically falls in the range of $15 to $50, with professional labor adding roughly $75 to $150 depending on your location. If the control board is at fault, parts alone can range from $100 to $300 or more, with labor on top of that. Diagnosing the root cause before ordering parts will help avoid unnecessary expense.
Will resetting my KitchenAid ice maker clear the 2-flash error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the fault code, but the error will return during the next Clean/Service mode diagnostic cycle if the underlying problem has not been resolved. Because the 2-flash code is generated by an active hardware detection failure, not a software glitch, the thermistor connection or the thermistor itself must be repaired or replaced to permanently clear the code. Resetting without fixing the root cause is not a lasting solution.

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