Viking Dishwasher Error Code POTS PANS + LED4

The POTS PANS + LED4 error code on a Viking dishwasher indicates a Temperature Sensor Disconnect condition. This fault is triggered when the control board detects an open circuit in the temperature sensor loop, meaning the sensor signal is either absent or outside the expected range. The temperature sensor monitors wash water temperature throughout the cycle, providing feedback to the control system so it can regulate heating and advance through wash phases correctly. When the circuit is open, the control board cannot receive any valid temperature reading and halts normal operation to prevent potential overheating or incomplete cycle execution.

The temperature sensor itself is typically a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, meaning its electrical resistance decreases as temperature rises. An open circuit in this context means the resistance has effectively become infinite, which happens when the sensor element fails internally, when a wire breaks, or when a connector separates from the sensor or control board. This is distinct from a short circuit or out-of-range reading and points specifically to a complete loss of continuity in the sensor circuit.

Diagnosis should begin with a physical inspection of the wiring harness running to the temperature sensor, checking for disconnected, corroded, or damaged connectors. The sensor itself should then be tested for continuity and proper resistance values using a multimeter. If the wiring and connectors are intact but the sensor reads open, the sensor requires replacement. If the wiring shows a break or the connector is loose, repairing the connection may resolve the fault without replacing the sensor.