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Error code reference

KitchenAid Ice Maker Error Code LED flashes 5 times

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

KitchenAid codesKitchenAid ice maker codes

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

First step from the service manual

Check evaporator 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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What LED flashes 5 times means on a KitchenAid ice maker

The 5-flash LED sequence on a KitchenAid ice maker activates during Clean/Service mode diagnostics and indicates that the control board cannot detect a valid signal from the evaporator thermistor. The evaporator thermistor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor positioned on or near the evaporator coil. Its job is to report evaporator temperature to the control board throughout the freeze and harvest cycles. When the diagnostic routine polls this sensor and receives no response or an out-of-range resistance reading, it flags the fault with the 5-flash code.

The most common root causes fall into two categories: a wiring or connection failure, or a failed thermistor itself. The thermistor connector can loosen due to vibration or ice buildup, and the wiring harness leading to the sensor is exposed to repeated freeze-thaw cycling that can degrade insulation and cause open or intermittent circuits. A thermistor that has drifted out of its rated resistance range or has an internal open circuit will also produce this fault, since the board interprets an absent or implausible signal as a missing sensor.

Diagnosing this code starts at the thermistor connector. Inspect the connector for corrosion, bent pins, or a loose fit and reseat it firmly. From there, disconnect the thermistor and measure its resistance with a multimeter. A healthy NTC thermistor will show a predictable resistance value at a known ambient temperature. Any reading of infinite resistance (open circuit) or near-zero resistance (short circuit) confirms thermistor failure. If resistance is within spec but the fault persists, inspect the full wiring harness back to the control board for damage or continuity breaks.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of LED flashes 5 times

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected thermistor connector

    Wiring / connection

    The connector linking the evaporator thermistor to the wiring harness may have worked loose due to vibration or ice accumulation. Inspect the connector at the thermistor and reseat it firmly to see if the fault clears.

  2. 02

    Failed evaporator thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself may have an internal open or short circuit, causing it to report no signal. Disconnect it and test resistance with a multimeter; an open circuit reading (infinite resistance) or a near-zero reading confirms the sensor needs replacement.

  3. 03

    Damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can crack wire insulation or break conductors in the harness running between the thermistor and the control board. Check the full harness run for visible damage and test each wire for continuity.

  4. 04

    Corrosion at the connector terminals

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture inside the ice maker compartment can corrode the thermistor connector pins over time, increasing resistance in the circuit to the point where the board cannot detect the sensor. Inspect the connector pins closely and clean or replace the connector if corrosion is present.

  5. 05

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor and all wiring test correctly but the 5-flash code persists, the control board's sensor input circuit may have failed. This is the least common cause and should only be considered after all other components have been ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about LED flashes 5 times

What does LED flashes 5 times mean on a KitchenAid ice_maker?
The 5-flash LED code appears during Clean/Service mode diagnostics and means the control board cannot detect the evaporator thermistor. This sensor monitors the temperature of the evaporator coil and is critical to the freeze and harvest cycle. The fault points to a missing signal caused by a loose connection, damaged wiring, or a failed thermistor. The ice maker will not resume normal ice production until the sensor circuit is restored.
How do I fix the 5-flash error on my KitchenAid ice maker?
Start by locating the evaporator thermistor connector and reseating it firmly, since a loose connection is the most common cause. If the connector is secure, disconnect the thermistor and test its resistance with a multimeter to determine if the sensor has failed. Also inspect the wiring harness between the thermistor and control board for cuts, cracked insulation, or broken continuity. If the thermistor is faulty, replacing it is typically a straightforward repair.
Is it safe to use my KitchenAid ice maker while the 5-flash error is active?
The ice maker will not operate normally with this fault present because the control board relies on the evaporator thermistor to manage the freeze cycle safely. Running the unit without a functioning thermistor could result in incomplete ice formation or improper harvest timing. It is best to diagnose and resolve the fault before returning the unit to regular use.
Will resetting my KitchenAid ice maker clear the 5-flash error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the displayed fault, but the 5-flash code will return as soon as the unit enters Clean/Service mode diagnostics again if the underlying problem has not been fixed. The control board actively checks for the evaporator thermistor signal during each diagnostic cycle, so the fault will persist until the connection issue or failed component is actually repaired.
How much does it cost to repair a KitchenAid ice maker with the 5-flash evaporator thermistor error?
If the fix is simply reseating a loose connector, there is no parts cost involved. A replacement evaporator thermistor typically costs in the range of $15 to $50 depending on the specific model. If a professional technician is needed, total repair costs including labor generally fall in the range of $100 to $250. A control board replacement, if ultimately required, is a more expensive repair that can range from $150 to $400 or more for parts and labor.

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