On the covered Kenmore Global HE, HE and MicroClean HE dishwasher, 2-1 or F2E1 means Kenmore's service table lists this code as: stuck button on the user interface control. First, check all buttons on the user interface control for a response.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore Global HE, HE and MicroClean HE dishwasher code 2-1 or F2E1”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A button on the user interface control is stuck or shorted
What separates it The display shows 2-1 or F2E1 and one or more buttons do not respond
How to confirm Press every button and note which ones give no response
- 2
Moisture or residue under the button panel making it read as pressed
What separates it The buttons feel sticky or the panel is damp after a leak or heavy steam
How to confirm Look at the panel edges and dry it thoroughly before testing again
- 3
A fault on the control board that sees a button held down even with the panel unplugged
What separates it The code returns even with the user interface wire harness disconnected
How to confirm Run the chart test with the harness unplugged and see whether the drain pump starts
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which buttons, if any, fail to respond when pressed
- Whether the code appears on power-up or only during a cycle
- Whether the panel is damp or the door has leaked
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleCheck all buttons on the user interface control for a response.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleIf one or more of the buttons don't work, unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power and disconnect the user interface control wire harness. Reassemble the door with the user interface wire harness disconnected, but don't close the door. Plug in the dishwasher and wait at least 7 seconds for the electronic control board to power up completely. Then close the door. If the electronic control no longer detects stuck buttons with the user interface wire harness unplugged, it will start the drain pump. If the drain pump runs, replace the user interface control. If the drain pump doesn't run, then replace the electronic control board because it still detects stuck buttons with the user interface control unplugged. Parts named: user interface control, electronic control board.
Check all buttons on the user interface control for a response
ReversiblePress each one and listen for the tone or watch the lights. Note every button that does not respond before opening the door.
Unplug the dishwasher, disconnect the user interface wire harness and reassemble the door
ReversibleLeave the door open and do not close it. The chart runs the next test with the harness disconnected, so it needs to be plugged back in only after the answer is known.
Plug in, wait at least 7 seconds, then close the door and see whether the drain pump runs
ReversibleIf the board no longer reads stuck buttons it starts the drain pump, and the chart replaces the user interface control. If the pump does not run, the board still sees a stuck button and is the part to replace.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Parts named by the chart
- User interface control and electronic control board.
- Tools
- A screwdriver or nut driver for the door panels, and a towel for the door interior.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Stop and unplug if water is running into the door or panel, because a wet control is a shock and short-circuit risk
- !Do not force a stuck button; a broken membrane is replaced as a whole control
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The harness-unplugged drain pump test is chart text.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does 2-1 or F2E1 mean on a Kenmore Global HE, HE and MicroClean HE dishwasher?+
Kenmore's service table lists this code as: stuck button on the user interface control.
How does the chart tell the control from the board?+
By unplugging the user interface harness. If the drain pump then runs, the control was the problem; if it does not, the board still sees a stuck button.
How long should I wait after plugging in?+
At least 7 seconds, so the electronic control board powers up fully before you close the door.
Do I need to close the door during the test?+
Only after the 7 second wait. Closing it earlier can skip the test the board runs on power-up.