KitchenAid Dishwasher PO Code: Delay Start Counting Down

Quick Answer

KitchenAid PO is a delay start status indicator that gets misread as an error code by many users because it appears unexpectedly on the display. The key fact: PO is not a fault. If you set a delay start and then forgot about it, PO will show until the countdown reaches zero and the cycle begins. It also appears if the delay start button was accidentally pressed. To cancel: press Cancel/Drain once. On KitchenAid models with the delay start button in the Options or Cycle row, it is easy to accidentally activate when closing the door or loading dishes. The dishwasher will not start a cycle while PO is showing unless the countdown completes.

KitchenaidDishwasherSeverity: low100% DIY Success

Time to Fix

1–2 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

—

Tools Needed

None

What Does the PO Code Mean?

PO on a KitchenAid dishwasher is not an error. It means Delay Start is set and counting down. To cancel the delay and start immediately, press Cancel/Drain once, then press Start.

Most Likely Causes

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

Delay Start button intentionally pressed by user40%

Delay Start button activated when closing door36%

Delay Start button accidentally pressed during loading24%

Symptoms You May Notice

PO displayed on KitchenAid dishwasher panel
Countdown number next to PO decreasing over time
Dishwasher will not start when Start is pressed
Dishwasher lights are on but cycle has not begun

Can you reset a Kitchenaid dishwasher to clear the PO code?

Press Cancel/Drain to cancel the active delay start. Reselect your wash cycle and press Start. The dishwasher will begin immediately. To prevent accidental Delay Start activation, be careful not to press the Delay Start button while loading dishes.

Diagnostic Checklist

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

Confirm PO is showing with a number next to it (such as PO 4 or

Confirm PO is showing with a number next to it (such as PO 4 or PO 2) counting down in hours. This confirms the Delay Start feature is active. The dishwasher will start automatically when the countdown reaches zero.

To cancel the Delay Start and begin the cycle immediately: press

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my KitchenAid dishwasher show PO and not start?

PO means the Delay Start feature is active. The dishwasher is waiting for the programmed delay time to complete before starting the cycle. To start immediately, press Cancel/Drain to cancel the delay, then reselect your cycle and press Start without pressing the Delay Start button.

Is PO on a KitchenAid dishwasher a problem?

No. PO is not an error code and does not indicate anything is wrong with the dishwasher. It simply means the Delay Start feature is on. If you did not intend to set a delay, you likely pressed the Delay Start button accidentally while loading dishes. Press Cancel/Drain to clear it.

How do I stop my KitchenAid dishwasher from accidentally showing PO?

The Delay Start button on KitchenAid dishwashers is in the options row and can be activated by brushing against it while loading. Try loading the dishwasher and closing the door before selecting any cycle options. Alternatively, check your model's manual for a method to disable or lock the Delay Start button if your model supports this.

Related Kitchenaid Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: HUBKitchenAid Dishwasher Error Codes: F8 E4, Clean Light Blinks, 8-4 Guide Code: F8 E4KitchenAid Dishwasher F8 E4 Error Code: Water Supply Fault

Same Fix on Other Brands

Whirlpool PO: Frigidaire CL:

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 PO 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