KitchenAid · Dishwasher Serious

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

F8E4 means the flood/leak float in the base pan detected water, so the dishwasher runs its drain pump to protect itself. It indicates a leak or excess water in the base — NOT low fill. (Official Whirlpool/KitchenAid meaning.)

Keep using it?
Limited use only
DIY difficulty
Moderate
Typical cost
$50-100
Verified against
producthelp.kitchenaid.com ↗

The fix

Diverter motor

Diverter motor fault

$50-100 moderate difficulty 60 min Tools: screwdriver, nut driver

Diagnose first: Often paired with poor cleaning on one rack. Inspect for foreign debris jamming the diverter before replacing.

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How to fix it

  1. Pull the dishwasher out and check underneath and at all hose connections for leaks.
  2. Confirm only dishwasher-rated detergent in the correct amount (suds can trip the float).
  3. Dry the base pan and inspect/test the float switch.
  4. Repair the leak source; replace the float switch or a leaking pump/seal as needed.

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.

Other parts sometimes needed

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
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  • KitchenAid dishwasher drain pump Common replacement
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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?

F8E4 means the flood/leak float in the base pan detected water, so the dishwasher runs its drain pump to protect itself. It indicates a leak or excess water in the base — NOT low fill. (Official Whirlpool/KitchenAid meaning.)

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?

Pull the dishwasher out and check underneath and at all hose connections for leaks. Confirm only dishwasher-rated detergent in the correct amount (suds can trip the float). Dry the base pan and inspect/test the float switch.

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.