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Error code reference

Viking Dishwasher Error Code 1-1

Moisture sensor disconnect

Viking codesViking dishwasher codes

Moisture sensor disconnect – moisture sensor reads out of normal range.

First step from the service manual

Check wires disconnected to moisture sensor in base pan; if OK, check defective moisture sensor; then check defective control board.

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

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What 1-1 means on a Viking dishwasher

Error code 1-1 on a Viking dishwasher indicates a moisture sensor disconnect, meaning the moisture sensor is returning a reading that falls outside its expected normal range. The moisture sensor is located in the base pan of the dishwasher and is designed to detect water accumulation beneath the tub, which could indicate a leak. When the control board receives a signal from this sensor that is out of range, either too high or too low, it interprets this as a fault and triggers the 1-1 code to alert the user and halt operation.

The most common trigger for this error is a wiring issue between the moisture sensor and the control board. Connectors in the base pan area are exposed to heat, humidity, and vibration over time, which can cause them to loosen or corrode. A disconnected or damaged wire harness will cause the sensor to send no signal or an erratic signal, which the board reads as out of range. Actual water in the base pan can also cause the sensor to activate, so checking for visible leaks before assuming a wiring fault is an important early step.

If the wiring checks out and the base pan is dry, the moisture sensor itself may have failed internally. Sensors can degrade over time and produce incorrect resistance or voltage readings even without physical damage. If both the wiring and the sensor test acceptable, the control board may be misreading the sensor input, pointing to a board-level fault. Diagnosis should proceed in that sequence: wiring first, then sensor, then control board.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 1-1

  1. 01

    Disconnected or loose wiring to moisture sensor

    Wiring / connection

    The wire harness connecting the moisture sensor to the control board may have come loose or disconnected, especially in the base pan area where connections are subject to moisture and vibration. Inspect all connectors at the sensor and trace the wiring back toward the control board for any breaks or loose terminals.

  2. 02

    Water accumulation in the base pan

    Wiring / connection

    If water has leaked into the base pan from the tub, door seal, or internal plumbing, the moisture sensor may be actively detecting a real leak condition. Check the base pan visually for standing water and identify the source before assuming a sensor failure.

  3. 03

    Failed moisture sensor

    Part replacement

    The moisture sensor itself may have degraded internally and is producing a reading outside the expected range even when conditions are normal. If wiring is intact and no water is present, the sensor likely needs to be replaced.

  4. 04

    Corroded or damaged wiring

    Part replacement

    Prolonged exposure to humidity in the base pan area can corrode wire terminals or degrade wire insulation, causing intermittent or incorrect signals to reach the control board. Inspect the full length of the sensor wiring for corrosion, fraying, or pinched sections.

  5. 05

    Defective control board

    Part replacement

    If the moisture sensor and all associated wiring test within normal parameters, the control board may be failing to interpret the sensor signal correctly. A faulty board can misread input signals and generate erroneous fault codes, requiring board replacement.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 1-1

What does 1-1 mean on a Viking dishwasher?
Error code 1-1 on a Viking dishwasher indicates a moisture sensor disconnect, meaning the moisture sensor located in the base pan is reading outside its normal expected range. This can be caused by a disconnected wire, a faulty sensor, actual water leaking into the base pan, or a defective control board. The dishwasher uses this sensor to detect leaks beneath the tub, and any out-of-range reading will trigger this code.
Can I fix a Viking dishwasher 1-1 error code myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can start by checking for water in the base pan and inspecting the wiring connections to the moisture sensor for loose or disconnected terminals. If the connections are secure and no water is present, testing or replacing the moisture sensor is the next step. Control board diagnosis and replacement are more complex and are generally better handled by a qualified technician.
Is it safe to run my Viking dishwasher when the 1-1 code is showing?
It is not recommended to continue running the dishwasher while this code is active. The 1-1 code is designed to alert you to a potential leak condition, and ignoring it could allow water damage to the floor or cabinetry beneath the appliance. Inspect the base pan for water before attempting any further use.
Will resetting my Viking dishwasher clear the 1-1 error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the code, but it will return if the underlying issue has not been resolved. If the moisture sensor wiring is disconnected, the sensor has failed, or there is water in the base pan, the fault condition still exists and the code will reappear. Always address the root cause rather than relying on a reset.
How much does it cost to repair a Viking dishwasher 1-1 error code?
Repair costs depend on which component is at fault. If only a wiring reconnection is needed, costs are primarily labor and could be relatively modest. A replacement moisture sensor typically adds a modest parts cost on top of labor. If the control board needs replacement, parts alone can range from several hundred dollars upward, making it one of the more expensive possible outcomes for this fault code.

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