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Error code reference

KitchenAid Ice Maker Error Code LED flashes 5 times (Clean mode)

Evaporator thermistor not detected during Clean cycle diagnostics.

KitchenAid codesKitchenAid ice maker codes

Evaporator thermistor not detected during Clean cycle diagnostics.

First step from the service manual

Test evaporator 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 5 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 sensors before proceeding. When the board cannot detect a valid signal from the evaporator thermistor, it halts the cycle and flashes the LED 5 times. This thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor mounted on the evaporator, and the control board requires a readable resistance value from it to monitor freezing conditions. A missing or out-of-range signal during this check triggers the 5-flash code. The fault can originate from the thermistor itself, a break in the wiring harness connecting it to the board, or a loose connector.

For homeowners, the evaporator thermistor is a small sensor attached to the cold metal plate inside the ice maker that freezes water into ice. The machine uses this sensor to track temperatures during operation and cleaning. When the ice maker cannot read this sensor, it stops the Clean cycle as a safety measure rather than running blind without temperature data.

This code will not clear on its own. The ice maker will not complete the Clean cycle or return to normal ice production until the thermistor issue is resolved. Checking the wiring harness connectors first is the quickest diagnostic step, since a loose plug can cause the same no-signal condition as a failed thermistor.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of LED flashes 5 times (Clean mode)

  1. 01

    Disconnected or loose wiring harness connector

    Wiring / connection

    The connector linking the evaporator thermistor to the control board can work loose over time due to vibration or handling during cleaning. A loose connection interrupts the signal entirely, producing the same result as a failed thermistor.

  2. 02

    Damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wire leads running from the evaporator thermistor to the control board can develop breaks, pinches, or corrosion, especially near routing points or connectors. A broken wire in the harness prevents the board from receiving any resistance reading from the thermistor.

  3. 03

    Failed evaporator thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself can fail due to age, moisture exposure, or physical damage, causing it to read open circuit or out of spec. When the control board receives no valid resistance value, it registers the sensor as absent and throws the 5-flash code.

  4. 04

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor and wiring harness both test within specification but the error persists, the control board's thermistor input circuit may be damaged. This is the least common cause and should only be considered after the thermistor and all wiring have been confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about LED flashes 5 times (Clean mode)

What does LED flashes 5 times during Clean mode mean on a KitchenAid ice maker?
The 5-flash code during Clean mode means the control board could not detect a signal from the evaporator thermistor when it ran its diagnostic check at the start of the Clean cycle. The board requires a valid resistance reading from this sensor before proceeding. The issue is typically a loose connector, a broken wire in the harness, or a failed thermistor.
How do I fix the LED flashes 5 times error code on my KitchenAid ice maker?
Start by unplugging the ice maker and locating the evaporator thermistor, which is mounted on the evaporator inside the unit. Check that the wiring harness connector is fully seated at both the thermistor and control board ends. If the connection is secure, use a multimeter to measure the thermistor's resistance and compare it to the spec listed in your service manual. A reading of open circuit or far outside the expected range indicates a failed thermistor that needs replacement. If the thermistor tests good, inspect the harness wiring for breaks or corrosion.
Can I still make ice or use my KitchenAid ice maker while it shows the 5-flash Clean mode error?
The ice maker will not complete the Clean cycle and may not return to normal ice production while this fault is active. Because the control board cannot read the evaporator thermistor, it lacks the temperature data needed to operate safely. Running the unit in this state is not recommended. Resolving the thermistor or wiring issue is required before the machine will function normally again.
How much does it cost to fix the 5-flash error code on a KitchenAid ice maker?
If the fix is just reseating a loose connector, there is no parts cost. A replacement evaporator thermistor typically costs between $15 and $40 depending on the model. A new wiring harness runs roughly $20 to $60. If the control board is the cause, board replacement can range from $80 to $200 or more for parts alone. A technician service call will add $75 to $150 in labor on top of parts. This is a repair many owners handle themselves once the faulty component is identified.
How do I test the evaporator thermistor on a KitchenAid ice maker showing the 5-flash code?
Unplug the ice maker, disconnect the thermistor's harness connector, and set a multimeter to measure resistance in ohms. Place the probes on the thermistor terminals. At room temperature, most KitchenAid evaporator thermistors read in the range of 5,000 to 16,000 ohms, but check your specific model's service documentation for the exact spec. An open circuit reading or a value far outside the specified range confirms a failed thermistor. If resistance is within spec, the problem is in the wiring harness or control board.

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