Water temperature sensor open

Locate the thermistor sensor in the sump area near the wash pump
Disconnect and measure resistance: approximately 55,000 ohms at 77F (25C)
An open circuit (infinite) reading confirms sensor failure
Check wiring harness for breaks, especially near heat sources in the sump area
Pro Diagnostic Tip
On KitchenAid KDTE and KDTM dishwashers, the thermistor is often combined with the OWI (Optical Water Indicator) in a single assembly. An open thermistor causes the dishwasher to default to extended wash times because it cannot verify water temperature.
Repair Difficulty
Moderate — Some Experience NeededEstimated Repair Cost
$75–$200
Parts + labor. Free diagnosis with repair.
Parts That May Need Replacement
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KitchenAid error code F1E1 indicates: Water temperature sensor open. This is a medium-severity issue affecting your dishwasher.
Locate the thermistor sensor in the sump area near the wash pump Then, Disconnect and measure resistance: approximately 55,000 ohms at 77F (25C) Then, An open circuit (infinite) reading confirms sensor failure There are 1 more steps — see the full troubleshooting guide above. This repair typically requires professional tools and expertise.
Besides the error code on the display, common signs include: Wash cycles run much longer than expected; Water temperature seems incorrect; Normal cycle takes over 3 hours. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your dishwasher's display panel for error code F1E1.
Repair costs for KitchenAid F1E1 typically range from $75 to $200 depending on the specific cause and parts needed. EasyBear offers free diagnosis when you proceed with the repair. Call (415) 795-7300 for a same-day appointment.