What a reset does and when you need one

A reset clears the dishwasher's control board and stops it from running a cycle mid-wash, fixes error codes on the display, or restores normal operation after a power outage. Most resets take under five minutes and require no tools. A reset is not the same as a factory reset—it does not erase your saved settings or cycle preferences, only the current fault state.

You need a reset when the dishwasher is stuck on a cycle, showing an error code like E1 or E4, beeping continuously, or not responding to button presses. If the dishwasher has been without power for several hours, a reset can also help it restart cleanly.

Key Takeaways

  • The soft reset—holding the start button for three to five seconds—fixes most error codes and stuck cycles without erasing your settings.
  • A hard reset requires you to turn off the circuit breaker for five minutes, then turn it back on, and works when the soft reset does not.
  • If an error code returns after a reset, the dishwasher likely has a sensor or valve problem that needs professional repair.
  • Never reset a dishwasher that is actively leaking water; turn off the water supply and call a technician instead.

The soft reset: holding the start button

Open the dishwasher door fully. Locate the Start button on the control panel—it is usually labeled "Start" or "Start/Cancel" and sits on the right side of the panel. Press and hold the button for three to five seconds without releasing. You will hear a beep or see the display flash, which signals the reset is working.

Release the button and wait 10 seconds. The display should clear, any error code should disappear, and the dishwasher should return to its idle state. Close the door gently. If the error code reappears within the next few minutes, move to the hard reset.

The hard reset: using the circuit breaker

Locate your home's electrical panel (also called the breaker box), usually in a basement, garage, or utility closet. Find the breaker labeled for the dishwasher—it may say "Dishwasher," "Kitchen," or straightforward be in the kitchen section of the panel. Flip the breaker switch to the OFF position.

Wait five minutes. This gives the dishwasher's control board time to fully discharge. After five minutes, flip the breaker back to ON. The dishwasher will restart, and the display should light up. If you cannot locate the breaker or are uncomfortable working with the electrical panel, skip this step and call a technician.

If you do not have a breaker panel accessible or the dishwasher is hardwired without a breaker, you can also unplug the dishwasher from the outlet under the sink (if it has one), wait five minutes, and plug it back in. Some KitchenAid models are hardwired and cannot be unplugged—in that case, the breaker method is your only option.

What to do if the error code returns

If the same error code appears again after a soft reset and hard reset, the dishwasher has a hardware problem, not a software glitch. Common codes and their causes include E1 (water inlet valve fault), E4 (drain pump fault), and E5 (door latch fault). These require parts replacement or professional diagnosis.

Write down the error code and contact a KitchenAid service technician or a local appliance repair company. Provide them with the model number (found on a sticker inside the door frame or on the side wall) and the error code. Do not attempt to reset the dishwasher repeatedly—each reset cycle stresses the control board slightly, and repeated resets can cause additional damage.

Resetting after a power outage

If your home lost power and the dishwasher was running, it will usually resume the cycle it was on once power returns. If it does not resume or shows an error code, perform a soft reset by holding the Start button for three to five seconds. This clears the interrupted cycle from memory and lets you start fresh.

If the dishwasher still does not start after a soft reset, check that the door latch is fully closed—a loose door can prevent the cycle from beginning. If the door is closed and the dishwasher still will not start, perform a hard reset using the circuit breaker.

When not to reset and when to call a technician

Do not reset the dishwasher if water is actively leaking from the unit or pooling under it. Instead, turn off the water supply valve (usually located under the sink behind the dishwasher) and call a technician when ready. Resetting will not stop a leak and may allow more water to escape.

Also avoid resetting if the dishwasher is making unusual grinding or squealing noises, as this often signals a pump or motor problem. Call a technician for these sounds. If the dishwasher resets successfully but then fails to fill with water, drain properly, or heat water, these are sensor or valve faults that require professional repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a reset erase my saved cycles or preferences?

No. A soft reset clears only the current fault state and does not touch your saved settings, cycle preferences, or delay-start schedules. A hard reset also preserves these settings. Only a factory reset (which requires a service code) would erase preferences, and that is not what you are doing here.

How long should I wait after a hard reset before using the dishwasher?

You can start a new cycle when ready after the hard reset is complete and the display lights up. There is no waiting period. If you want to be cautious, wait 30 seconds to let the control board fully boot up, but this is not required.

Can I reset the dishwasher while it is running a cycle?

Yes. A soft reset will stop the current cycle and clear the board. The water inside will drain automatically once you open the door. If the dishwasher is stuck mid-cycle and will not respond to buttons, a soft reset is the correct first step.

What if the reset works but the error code comes back the next day?

An intermittent error code that returns after a reset usually means a sensor is failing or a connection is loose. Contact a KitchenAid technician and describe when the code appears—during certain cycles, after a certain amount of time, or randomly. This information helps the technician diagnose the problem faster.

Is it safe to reset the dishwasher myself, or should I call a technician?

A soft reset is completely safe and requires no special knowledge. A hard reset using the circuit breaker is also safe as long as you are comfortable locating and flipping the breaker. If you are unsure about the electrical panel or uncomfortable working with it, call a technician instead—the cost of a service call is worth avoiding injury.