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Error code reference

KitchenAid Ice Maker Error Code LED flashes 2 times (Clean mode)

Bin thermistor not detected during Clean cycle diagnostics.

KitchenAid codesKitchenAid ice maker codes

Bin thermistor not detected during Clean cycle diagnostics.

First step from the service manual

Test bin thermistor and wiring harness; reconnect or replace as needed.

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

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What LED flashes 2 times (Clean mode) means on a KitchenAid ice maker

During the Clean cycle, the KitchenAid ice maker control board runs a diagnostic check on all connected sensors before proceeding. When the board cannot detect a signal from the bin thermistor, it halts the cycle and triggers the 2-flash LED error code. The bin thermistor is a temperature sensor mounted in or near the ice bin that monitors bin temperature during operation. A missing signal typically points to an open circuit in the wiring harness, a disconnected connector, or a failed thermistor that is no longer sending a readable resistance value to the board.

For homeowners, this means the ice maker started a cleaning cycle, checked its sensors, and found that one of them, the bin thermistor, was not responding. Think of it like a car refusing to start because it cannot read the fuel sensor. The machine is protecting itself by not continuing the cycle with incomplete data. This does not necessarily mean a major failure has occurred. A loose connector or a damaged wire is often the culprit, and those are relatively simple fixes.

The error will persist as long as the bin thermistor remains undetected at the start of a Clean cycle. Resolving it requires testing the thermistor resistance with a multimeter, inspecting the wiring harness for damage or disconnection, and reseating or replacing components as needed.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of LED flashes 2 times (Clean mode)

  1. 01

    Disconnected bin thermistor connector

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring harness connector to the bin thermistor may have vibrated loose or been accidentally unplugged during a previous cleaning or service. When the connector is not fully seated, the control board reads no signal and triggers this error.

  2. 02

    Damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wiring harness between the control board and the bin thermistor may have a broken wire, pinched insulation, or corroded terminals, creating an open circuit. This prevents any resistance reading from reaching the board during the Clean cycle diagnostic.

  3. 03

    Failed bin thermistor

    Part replacement

    The bin thermistor itself may have failed internally, causing it to read outside the expected resistance range or produce no signal at all. A multimeter test across the thermistor terminals at room temperature will confirm whether the component has failed.

  4. 04

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor and wiring harness both test correctly and all connectors are secure, the control board may have lost the ability to read the thermistor input channel. This is the least common cause and should only be considered after all other components have been verified.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about LED flashes 2 times (Clean mode)

What does LED flashes 2 times during Clean mode mean on a KitchenAid ice maker?
This code means the control board could not detect the bin thermistor when it ran its diagnostic check at the start of the Clean cycle. The bin thermistor is a temperature sensor in the ice bin area. The machine stops the cycle rather than run it without valid sensor data. Check the thermistor connector first, as a loose plug is the most common cause.
How do I fix the LED flashes 2 times error on my KitchenAid ice maker?
Start by unplugging the machine and locating the bin thermistor and its wiring harness. Inspect the connector for looseness, corrosion, or damage, and reseat it firmly. Then use a multimeter to test the thermistor resistance at room temperature, which should read within the range specified in your service manual. If the thermistor is out of range, replace it. If it tests correctly but the error persists, inspect the harness for broken wires before suspecting the control board.
Can I still use my KitchenAid ice maker when it shows the 2-flash Clean mode error?
The ice maker will not complete the Clean cycle while this error is active, because the board halts the process when it cannot read the bin thermistor. Normal ice production may still operate depending on the model, but running the machine without a functioning thermistor means the control board is missing temperature data it relies on for accurate operation. It is best to resolve the error before continuing regular use.
How much does it cost to fix the LED flashes 2 times error on a KitchenAid ice maker?
If the fix is simply reseating a disconnected connector, there is no parts cost. A replacement bin thermistor typically costs between $15 and $40 depending on your model. A new wiring harness can range from $20 to $60. If the control board turns out to be the cause, board replacement can run $100 to $250 or more in parts. DIY repair is reasonable for connector and thermistor work; control board replacement may warrant a professional technician if you are not comfortable with appliance electronics.
How do I test the bin thermistor on a KitchenAid ice maker showing the 2-flash error?
Unplug the ice maker, disconnect the bin thermistor from the wiring harness, and place your multimeter probes on the thermistor terminals. At room temperature (around 70 degrees F), most NTC thermistors used in KitchenAid ice makers read approximately 10,000 ohms, but confirm the exact value in your model's service manual. A reading of zero or infinite resistance confirms a failed thermistor that needs replacement. If resistance is within spec, trace the harness back to the control board connector and check for continuity through each wire.

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