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KitchenAid Dishwasher F8 E4 Error Code: Water Supply or Flood Float Triggered

Quick Answer

KitchenAid F8 E4 has a critical brand-specific cause: KitchenAid dishwashers use a lower-profile base tray than the equivalent Whirlpool models, which means the anti-flood float switch trips at a lower accumulated water volume.

KitchenAid F8 E4 has a critical brand-specific cause: KitchenAid dishwashers use a lower-profile base tray than the equivalent Whirlpool models, which means the anti-flood float switch trips at a lower accumulated water volume. A small amount of condensation, a minor door seal weep, or even high-humidity installation environments can accumulate enough water to raise the float and trigger F8 E4 without any obvious leak. Before checking the water inlet valve or supply pressure, remove the kick plate and check whether the float in the base pan is raised. On many F8 E4 calls, the float was simply raised by condensation and needs to be pushed back down.

KitchenaidDishwasherSeverity: medium80% DIY Success
Time to Fix
20–75 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
$12 – $55
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Flashlight

What Does the F8 E4 Code Mean?

KitchenAid F8 E4 means no fill or anti-flood float triggered. Check the base pan float before any other diagnosis - KitchenAid's shallower tray trips the float from minor condensation accumulation.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Anti-flood float raised by condensation in shallow KitchenAid base tray40%
Water inlet valve failed open or closed24%
Kinked water supply hose under the dishwasher22%
Household water supply pressure too low (below 20 PSI)14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • F8 E4 displayed on KitchenAid dishwasher control panel
  • Dishwasher will not start or stops immediately
  • Dishwasher does not fill with water
  • Cycle runs but no water sound during wash

Can you reset a Kitchenaid dishwasher to clear the F8 E4 code?

After addressing the cause (drying the base pan, fixing the supply issue, or replacing the inlet valve), press Cancel/Drain to clear F8 E4. Disconnect power for 60 seconds and restore. The code should not return if the underlying issue was resolved.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterFlashlightPhillips screwdriverBucket

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Remove the kick plate at the bottom front of the KitchenAid

Remove the kick plate at the bottom front of the KitchenAid dishwasher (2-4 screws or snap-off). Shine a flashlight into the base pan. Locate the anti-flood float - it is a small dome-shaped or cylindrical plastic float attached to a wiring harness. If the float is raised or there is visible water in the pan, that is the cause of F8 E4.

2

With the kick plate removed

3

Test water supply pressure by placing a bucket under the supply valve

4

Test the water inlet valve solenoid with a multimeter

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Water Inlet ValveW10327249 · $25–$55
Anti-Flood Float SwitchW10195040 · $12–$25

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $34 (Parts) vs $1000 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my KitchenAid dishwasher show F8 E4 when there's no obvious leak?
KitchenAid dishwashers have a shallower base tray than equivalent Whirlpool models, so the anti-flood float trips at a lower water level. A small amount of condensation from normal use or a very minor door gasket weep over multiple cycles can accumulate enough to raise the float and trigger F8 E4. Remove the kick plate, check the base pan for any moisture, and push the float down. In many cases this is the entire fix.
My KitchenAid dishwasher runs but never fills - is that F8 E4?
Yes. If the dishwasher motor runs and you can hear it, but no water enters the tub, that confirms F8 E4 is a fill fault rather than a float fault. The most likely causes are a failed water inlet valve solenoid, a closed supply valve, or supply water pressure below 20 PSI. Test in that order: supply valve position, then water pressure, then inlet valve resistance.
Is F8 E4 and E4 F8 the same KitchenAid fault?
Yes. F8 E4 and E4 F8 are the same fault code - the display order varies by model and software version. Some KitchenAid dishwashers show F8 E4 while others show E4 F8 for the identical flood float or fill fault. The diagnosis and repair are identical regardless of which display order your model shows.

Related Kitchenaid Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: HUBKitchenAid Dishwasher Error Codes: F8 E4, Clean Light Blinks, 8-4 GuideCode: E4 F8KitchenAid Dishwasher E4 F8 Error Code: Water Supply FaultCode: E1 F9KitchenAid Dishwasher E1 F9 Error Code: Long Drain Fault

Same Fix on Other Brands

Whirlpool F8 E4:

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Kitchenaid shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience F8 E4 Errors

This repair applies to most Kitchenaid dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

KDTM304ESS, KDTM354ESS, KDPE234GPS, KDTE234GPS, KDFE104HPS, KDFM404KPS

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026