Kenmore Dishwasher 1-1 / F1E1 Error: Control Board Stuck Relay
The kenmore dishwasher 1-1 / f1e1 error is a fault signal from the control board — this guide walks through what it means, common causes, and safe diagnostic steps. What Does Kenmore Dishwasher Error Code 1-1 / F1E1 Mean? Error code 1-1 — also displayed as F1E1 — on Kenmore HE dishwashers signals a stuck […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. A stuck relay on the control board can leave a component energized indefinitely — including the heating element — creating a fire or overheating risk. The dishwasher should not be used until the board is replaced or the fault is confirmed as a cleared transient.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. A five-minute breaker-level reset may clear 1-1 / F1E1 if the cause was a surge-induced relay latch. If the relay is mechanically failed (welded contacts or open coil), the code returns within the next cycle regardless of resets.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Any component continues to run with the dishwasher paused or powered off at the control, The code returns within the first few minutes of any new cycle after a reset.
Symptoms You May Notice
Dishwasher displays 1-1 or F1E1 and the current cycle stops mid-wash
The code appears on the segment display, the cycle halts in place, and the door lock may remain engaged. The dishwasher will not respond to new cycle selections until the fault is cleared.
A component runs continuously when it should have stopped
A stuck-closed relay can keep a component — most often the drain pump or heater — energized after the cycle ends. You may hear the pump running or smell warmth from an energized element even with the door open.
Dishwasher fails to start any cycle after the code appears
The control board locks out new cycle starts when it detects a relay fault, leaving the dishwasher unresponsive to button presses other than Cancel/Drain.
Circuit breaker trips repeatedly when the dishwasher is powered on
A stuck-closed relay that keeps a high-current component like the heater permanently energized can draw enough current to trip the kitchen breaker shortly after power is restored, requiring the breaker to be reset before any fault code is even visible.
Possible Causes
Defective relay on the electronic control board
The electromechanical or solid-state relay controlling a primary load has welded contacts (stuck closed) or an open coil (stuck open), neither of which can be repaired — the entire board must be replaced.
Requires ProfessionalTransient voltage spike causing relay latch
A sudden power surge can momentarily fuse relay contacts in Kenmore HE control boards. A full five-minute power cycle sometimes allows the relay to release and clears the F1E1 code without board replacement.
DIY PossibleWiring harness short to the relay input circuit
A pinched or chafed wire creating a short to the relay control signal line can mimic a stuck-relay condition on the board's diagnostic logic, even though the relay itself is functional.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Perform a five-minute hard power reset
Switch off the dishwasher's dedicated circuit breaker and leave it off for a full five minutes. This fully discharges the control board capacitors and gives any mechanically stuck relay a chance to release under no-load conditions. Restore power and attempt a new cycle.
If the dishwasher completes one or more full cycles after the reset without 1-1 / F1E1 returning, the cause was likely a transient surge rather than a mechanically failed relay — monitor for recurrence.
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2
Check whether any component is running after the code appears
Before resetting power, listen carefully at the dishwasher with the display showing 1-1 / F1E1. If you hear the drain pump running continuously or feel heat from below the door, a relay is stuck closed — document which component is active, as this identifies which relay on the board has failed and helps the technician order the correct replacement board.
Never open the door while the drain pump is running unexpectedly — water may have accumulated due to a stuck fill valve or pump fault running in tandem with the relay issue.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Control board shows visible burn marks or discoloration near the relay cluster
- Code returns immediately after a full five-minute breaker reset
- Technician wiring diagnostic confirms the harness is intact — pointing solely to board failure
Need Professional Help?
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