KitchenAid · Dishwasher Serious

F8E4 — Leak / Flood Detected (Water in Base Pan)

KitchenAid's F8E4 article has you look for water and check every water connection, make sure the float switch is connected, and empty the drip tray if it holds water: the checks for water detected in the base. Press Cancel once to silence the alarm and again to clear the code.

Keep using it?
Limited use only
DIY difficulty
Moderate
Verified against
producthelp.kitchenaid.com ↗ KitchenAid Product Help: F8E4 - Dishwasher

How to fix it

  1. Look for water and check every water connection point. On a new installation, make sure the rubber washer is seated in each fitting and the fill-hose coupling is tight.
  2. Make sure the float switch is connected.
  3. If there is water in the drip tray, empty it. Do not pull the tray too far: the float switch wire stays attached.
  4. Press Cancel once to silence the alarm, then press Cancel again to clear the code.
  5. If F8E4 comes back, find and fix the source of the water before using the dishwasher again.

Why it happens

Typical signs: F8E4 shown on the display · Drain pump runs continuously · Standing water in the base / under the unit · Cycle stops or will not start

  • Leak from a hose, connection, or pump seal Water collecting in the base pan trips the float.
  • Excess suds or overfill Wrong detergent or too much can foam over and trip the float.
  • Failed base-pan float switch A stuck or faulty float switch reports water when there is none.

Parts you may need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • KitchenAid dishwasher flood float switch Common replacement
    Amazon →
  • KitchenAid dishwasher drain pump Common replacement
    Amazon →

Related repair guides

Dishwasher Leaking From the Bottom of the Door →

More KitchenAid dishwasher codes

6-1 6-1 (F6E1) Error — User Interface / Main Control Error 7-1 7-1 Error — Heating Element Failure 8-1 8-1 (F8E1 / H2O) Error — Not Detecting Water F2E1 F2E1 — Stuck Key on Control Panel F3E1 F3E1 — Thermistor / OWI Sensor Failure F5E1 F5E1 — Door Switch Not Detected

All KitchenAid codes → All dishwasher codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the F8E4 code mean on a KitchenAid dishwasher?

KitchenAid's F8E4 article has you look for water and check every water connection, make sure the float switch is connected, and empty the drip tray if it holds water: the checks for water detected in the base. Press Cancel once to silence the alarm and again to clear the code.

What causes the F8E4 code on a KitchenAid dishwasher?

Leak from a hose, connection, or pump seal: Water collecting in the base pan trips the float. Excess suds or overfill: Wrong detergent or too much can foam over and trip the float. Failed base-pan float switch: A stuck or faulty float switch reports water when there is none.

Is it safe to keep using a KitchenAid dishwasher with a F8E4 error?

Limited use only. This is rated a serious-severity fault.

How do I fix F8E4 on a KitchenAid dishwasher?

Look for water and check every water connection point. On a new installation, make sure the rubber washer is seated in each fitting and the fill-hose coupling is tight. Make sure the float switch is connected. If there is water in the drip tray, empty it. Do not pull the tray too far: the float switch wire stays attached.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: producthelp.kitchenaid.com.