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Error code reference

Viking Dishwasher Error Code 1-3

Motor control comms error

Viking codesViking dishwasher codes

Motor control comms error – main control cannot successfully communicate with the motor control.

First step from the service manual

Check wires disconnected between motor controller and control board; if OK, check defective motor control; 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 1-3 means on a Viking dishwasher

Error code 1-3 on a Viking dishwasher indicates a motor control communications failure. Specifically, the main control board has lost the ability to successfully send or receive data signals from the motor control board. These two boards work together continuously during a wash cycle: the main control issues commands to the motor control, which then drives the wash motor at the appropriate speed and direction. When that communication link breaks down, the main control cannot confirm that its commands are being received or executed, so it throws error code 1-3 and halts operation to prevent uncontrolled motor behavior.

The most common physical cause is a wiring problem between the two control boards. Connectors can vibrate loose over time, and individual wires in the harness can fray, corrode, or pull free from their terminals. After confirming the wiring is intact and properly seated, the next suspects are the motor control board itself and then the main control board. The motor control board is the more frequently failed component in this communication loop, since it is exposed to heat and electrical stress from driving the motor. The main control board is less commonly the root cause but must be considered if the wiring and motor control board both test out correctly.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 1-3

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    The connector or harness running between the motor control board and the main control board may have come loose or partially disconnected. Inspect all connectors at both boards for secure seating, corrosion, or bent pins.

  2. 02

    Damaged wiring between control boards

    Part replacement

    Individual wires in the harness can fray, break, or short against the chassis, interrupting the communication signal. A visual inspection and continuity check of each wire in the harness will identify a break.

  3. 03

    Failed motor control board

    Part replacement

    The motor control board itself may have failed due to electrical stress, heat exposure, or a component failure on the board. If wiring checks out, the motor control board is the next component to replace.

  4. 04

    Failed main control board

    Part replacement

    If the wiring and motor control board have both been ruled out, the main control board may have lost the ability to initiate or interpret communications. This is the least likely cause but must be evaluated last in the diagnostic sequence.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 1-3

What does 1-3 mean on a Viking dishwasher?
Error code 1-3 means the main control board cannot successfully communicate with the motor control board. This communication link is required for the main board to send motor commands during a wash cycle. The dishwasher stops operation when this link fails to prevent uncontrolled motor behavior. The cause is typically a wiring issue or a failed control board.
Can I fix error code 1-3 on my Viking dishwasher myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can start by checking that all wire connectors between the motor control board and the main control board are fully seated and free of corrosion. If the connectors are secure and the error persists, diagnosing and replacing a control board requires comfort working with appliance electronics and is best left to a qualified technician. Attempting board replacement without proper diagnosis can result in replacing the wrong component.
Is it safe to use my Viking dishwasher while error code 1-3 is displayed?
No, you should not attempt to run the dishwasher while this error is active. The machine has stopped operation specifically because the motor control system cannot receive proper commands. Running it in this state risks unpredictable motor behavior and potential additional damage to the control boards or wash motor.
How much does it cost to repair a Viking dishwasher with error code 1-3?
Repair costs depend on the root cause. If the fix is simply reseating a loose connector, costs may be limited to a service call fee, typically in the range of $75 to $150. Replacing a motor control board or main control board on a Viking dishwasher generally runs between $200 and $500 or more, including parts and labor. Getting a diagnostic visit before authorizing parts replacement is recommended.
Will resetting my Viking dishwasher clear error code 1-3?
A reset may temporarily clear the error code from the display, but it will not resolve the underlying communication fault. If the wiring connection is loose, reseating the connector and then resetting the machine may clear the code permanently. However, if a control board has failed, the error will return as soon as the dishwasher attempts to operate, and the faulty component will need to be replaced.

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