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Error code reference

Viking Dishwasher Error Code Motor Control Communication Error

Communication failure between the motor controller and the main control board.

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Communication failure between the motor controller and the main control board.

First step from the service manual

Check the harness connection between the motor controller and the main control board; check the machine control board and motor controller.

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

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What Motor Control Communication Error means on a Viking dishwasher

The Motor Control Communication Error on a Viking dishwasher indicates a failure in the data communication link between the motor controller module and the main control board. These two components exchange continuous signals during operation to coordinate wash pump and drain pump motor speeds, direction, and timing. When that signal pathway is interrupted or corrupted, the main control board cannot confirm motor status, triggering this fault code and halting the wash cycle as a protective measure.

The most common source of this error is a wiring harness problem between the two control modules. Connectors can loosen from vibration over time, and individual wires in the harness can develop breaks or shorts that disrupt the low-voltage communication signal. Corrosion at connector pins is also a known cause, particularly in dishwashers exposed to steam and moisture over many years of use.

If the harness and connectors check out visually and electrically, the fault likely resides in one of the two modules themselves. Either the motor controller or the main control board may have failed internally, causing it to stop transmitting or receiving communication signals correctly. Identifying which component has failed typically requires swapping or testing each module individually, as the symptoms are the same regardless of which side of the communication link has broken down.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Motor Control Communication Error

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected harness connector

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring harness connecting the motor controller to the main control board can loosen over time due to vibration. Inspect both ends of the harness for connectors that are not fully seated and press them firmly into place.

  2. 02

    Corroded or damaged connector pins

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture and steam inside the dishwasher can cause corrosion on the harness connector pins, increasing resistance and degrading the communication signal. Look for greenish or white deposits on the pins and clean or replace the affected connector.

  3. 03

    Broken or shorted harness wire

    Part replacement

    A wire in the harness between the two modules can develop an internal break or short, interrupting communication even if the connectors appear intact. Use a multimeter to check continuity through each wire in the harness.

  4. 04

    Failed motor controller module

    Part replacement

    The motor controller itself may have failed internally, causing it to stop transmitting signals to the main control board. If the harness tests good, the motor controller is a likely replacement candidate.

  5. 05

    Failed main control board

    Part replacement

    The main control board may have lost the ability to send or receive communication signals on its motor controller interface. This is typically diagnosed after the harness and motor controller have been ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Motor Control Communication Error

What does Motor Control Communication Error mean on a Viking dishwasher?
This error means the main control board and the motor controller module have lost communication with each other. The dishwasher relies on a continuous data link between these two components to operate the wash and drain pumps correctly. When that link fails, the appliance halts the cycle and displays this fault. The cause can range from a loose wiring connector to a failed control module.
Can I fix a Motor Control Communication Error on my Viking dishwasher myself?
The first step is checking and reseating the wiring harness connectors between the motor controller and the main control board, which is a task many homeowners can handle safely with the dishwasher unplugged. If the connectors look clean and secure, diagnosing a failed control board or motor controller is more involved and generally requires a technician with the proper tools to test components and identify which module has failed.
Will resetting my Viking dishwasher clear the Motor Control Communication Error?
A reset may temporarily clear the error code, but if the underlying wiring or component problem has not been fixed, the error will return as soon as the dishwasher attempts to run a cycle. Resetting is a reasonable first step to confirm the fault is active, but it is not a substitute for diagnosing and correcting the root cause.
Is it safe to use my Viking dishwasher when this error is displayed?
The dishwasher will typically not complete a wash cycle when this fault is active, so normal use is not possible. The appliance shuts down as a protective measure. You should leave the dishwasher off and investigate the fault before attempting to run additional cycles, as operating with a communication fault can mask other issues developing in the motor circuit.
How much does it cost to repair a Motor Control Communication Error on a Viking dishwasher?
Repair costs vary depending on the failed component. If the issue is just a loose or corroded connector, the cost may be limited to a service call fee, typically in the range of $75 to $150. Replacing a motor controller or main control board involves additional parts costs, with total repair bills for component replacement commonly falling in the range of $200 to $600 or more depending on parts pricing and labor rates in your area.

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