7 KitchenAid Microwave Error Codes and What They Mean

KitchenAid microwaves are some of the best models I’ve seen on display and tested in real time. I’ve equally seen them fail to work, which is why knowing different KitchenAid microwave error codes can help you with quick troubleshooting.

The most common KitchenAid microwave error codes that you need to know are F2-E0 or F2-E1, F2-E3, F1-E3 or F1-E4, F6E0, F6-E0, F4-E4, F1-E5, F6-E8, and F6. These errors mean different things and there are steps to take to troubleshoot and fix them.

I’ve had to deal with some of these errors myself. And from where I sit, I understand how frustrating they can be.

In this guide, I’ll explain what each error means. Then, I will show you exactly what you can do to fix each error in diagnostic mode.

Let’s get to it.

KitchenAid Microwave Error Codes (7 Issues and Their Fixes)

The table below is a summary of the KitchenAid microwave error codes, what each error means, and the recommended quick fix:

1. Kitchenaid Microwave Error Code F2-E0 or F2-E1

If your Kitchenaid microwave shows this error code on the display, it means the keypad has disconnected from the main control board.

Open the microwave and check if the wires firmly connected to the main control board. As you check the connection between the main control and keypad, check if there are any cut wires and replace them. 

If the connections are fine and there are no cut wires, it’s likely the keypad is faulty and require immediate replacement.

2. Kitchenaid Microwave Error Code F2-E3

If your KitchenAid microwave shows this error, it means the keypad has either shorted or held down too much.

You can fix this issue by pressing the cancel button. Wait for about 60 seconds for the error code to disappear.

You will need to replace the keypad (also called touchpad or switch member) if the error code still shows after the 60 seconds.

3. Kitchenaid Microwave Error Code F1-E3 or F1-E4

The F1-E3 or F1-E4 error code appears on the Kitchenaid microwave’s display if the electronic control board malfunctions.

Most of the time, the main or electronic control board is misdiagnosed and that’s why the error shows. 

The best thing to do when the electronic control board is malfunctions is to replace it with another one. However, I recommend that you first check for the state of connection between components and the board.

Sometimes the connections are just loose, and tightening these loose ends is often enough to fix the problem.

4. Kitchenaid Microwave Error Code F6E0

This error shows on the Kitchenaid microwave display if the unit cannot execute a function because of a communication error at the appliance manager. This may happen because the wires are loose or because of bad display transformer.

To fix error F6-E0:

• Unplug the microwave from power.
• Let the unit stay without power for about 5 minutes.
• Plug the microwave back to power and turn it on.

Look at the display on your microwave to see if the F6E0 error code still appears. Resetting the dishwasher should have helped to solve the problem if you don’t see the code.

In case the fault code still shows, you will need to replace the line fuse. To replace the fuse:

• Cut off the unit’s power.
• Disassemble the microwave and take out the turntable, turntable support, and the glass tray.
• Take out the microwave from the kitchen cabinet by unthreading the screws securing it to the kitchen cabinet.
• With someone’s help, lift the microwave from the kitchen cabinet and place it on a flat surface covered with a soft blanket or towel.
• Take out the screws securing the top access panel, slide out the top access panel and set it aside.
• Take out the line fuse from the fuse hold and fix the new one.
• Slide back the top access panel and secure with screws.
• Lift and place the microwave back to the kitchen cabinet and secure the unit to the cabinet with screws.
• Fix the turntable, turntable support, and the glass tray.
• Plug the microwave back to the power and turn on.

5. Kitchenaid Microwave Error Code F4-E4

If the KitchenAid microwave shows the error code F4E4, it means its humidity sensor is defective.

The work of the humidity sensor is to determine the concentration of water vapor present in the air inside the heating cavity and control the heating process based on humidity.

Unfortunately, you cannot repair the humidity sensor. You can only replace it.

To replace the humidity sensor:  

• Unplug the microwave from power.
• Open the microwave’s door, remove the turntable and turntable support or any trays, and set aside.
• Close the microwave’s door.
• Using a screwdriver, unthread the screws holding the microwave to the kitchen cabinet and mounting bracket.
• Remove the washers if still intact.
• Lift the microwave from the mounting bracket and place it on a sturdy surface.
• Unthread the screws holding the top access panel, slide, and lift the panel to remove.
• Identify the humidity sensor, unthread the two screws that secure it in place, and unplug it from the main control board.
• Remove the sensor from the wire by cutting the zip ties around the wire.
• Connect the new microwave humidity sensor to the wire and plug the wire on the main control board.
• Thread the new sensor in place with the two screws.
• Place the top access panel and use a screwdriver to re-thread the four screws.
• Put the microwave back into the kitchen cabinet and secure the unit with screws.
• Insert the washer back in the holes.
• Open the microwave’s door and return the turntable and turntable support.
• Restore power to the unit and check the display to see if the error code is gone.

6. Kitchenaid Microwave Error Code F1-E5

Your Kitchenaid microwave will show the F1-E5 error code if the inverter fails.

There’s not much you can do when your microwave’s inverter fail unless you have a prior experience with inverter boards. The best option is to replace the current inverter board with a new one. 

To replace the inverter board:

• Turn off power to the microwave and then unplug the unit from wall socket.
• Open the microwave door, remove the turntable, turntable support, glass tray, and any other rack from the unit, and close the door.
• Unthread all the screws securing the microwave to the kitchen cabinet remove the unit from cabinet.
• Carefully place the microwave on a sturdy surface preferably covered with a towel or a blanket.
• Unthread the four screws securing the top access panel, slide the panel to remove, and set it aside.
• Once you access the inner section of the microwave, identify the inverter board cover and with the help of a flat head screwdriver disconnect the tabs holding it.
• Unthread the screws securing the metal retain to fully access and remove the inverter board.
• Take out the cover.

Note the orientation of the wire or take a picture so that you don’t forget where each wire connects to when installing the new inverter board.

• Open the nut of the inverter board to release the grounding wire.
• Install the new inverter board, put in the covers, re-thread the nut to secure the ground wire, and properly reconnect the wires.
• Thread back the metal retainer, put the top access panel back, and secure it with screws.
• Lift and the microwave, slide it back to the kitchen cabinet, and secure it on the kitchen cabinet with screws.

7. Kitchenaid Microwave Error Code F6-E8

If your KitchenAid microwave displays the F6E8 error, it means that the unit has a problem with the appliance’s control board. You can either repair the board or replace it with a new one.

• Turn off power supply to the unit an unplug it form the outlet
• Short circuit the microwave’s capacitor to avoid electrocution
• Note the orientation of the wire connection on the Manager Control board and disconnect.

On the inverter board, check the P21 and P22 connections to ensure they are firmly connected. If they are not firmly connected, use a solder gun or soldering wire to make the connection firm.

If the connection is firm, disconnect the P21 from the inverter board and, with a multimeter, test the resistance of the thermistor. The reading should be approximately 10kΩ at 25°C ± 10°C.

• Disconnect the P22 connection and using a multimeter test for the thermistor resistance. The resistance should be at least 230kΩ at 25°C ± 10°C.
• Test the thermistor for short to ground. Replace the thermistor if the readings are incorrect. If the thermistor readings are correct then the problem is the Appliance Manager Control board.
• Replace the control board, reassemble everything, and fix the microwave back to the kitchen cabinet.
• Plug the microwave back to power and verify the operation is now normal.
• Enter diagnostics mode and erase error codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Does F6 Mean on a Kitchenaid Microwave?

Code F6 means the unit could not execute a give function. In most cases, this happens if the microwave has a wiring or a relay problem.

To resolve the issue, cut off power supply to the unit for about 60 seconds let it power reset and clear errors. Restore power to the system and check the display to see if the error code persist.

2. How Do I Reset My Kitchenaid Microwave?

You can reset the Kitchenaid microwave by pressing the cancel/off key. This key clears the error present on the display.

Final Thoughts 

I hope this guide has helped you to understand more about KitchenAid microwave error codes.

One thing I’d like to reiterate is that it’s important to do complete microwave reset after fixing the error.