Written by
Elena Marsh Appliance Care EditorPublished October 29, 2026
VERIFIED
Error codeF1E2 (1-2)
ApplianceDishwasher
How F1E2 appears
With a digital display: the Kenmore Global HE, plus the HE and Elite HE lines, print F1E2.
With no display: the Clean light gives the function-problem pattern, which reads 1-2.
Reading from the manual
On the Kenmore HE, Elite HE and Global HE, memory on the control board is corrupted or damaged, or the microprocessor carries software that is incompatible. For the Kenmore MicroClean HE the page simply names a defective electronic control board, so the cause is the board itself.
Both readings lead to the same place: the board is the suspect part, and the only owner action ahead of it is a power reset.
Steps
Remove power from the dishwasher and keep it off for a full 5 minutes.
Restore power and watch the display, or the Clean light on a model without one.
If F1E2 (or the 1-2 flash pattern) comes back, the manual’s remedy is to replace the electronic control board, which is a technician job.
If F1E2 stays after the 5-minute reset, we can arrange a technician for San Francisco and the Bay Area. Call (415) 825-6393 and mention the code, model number and what you tried. Kenmore dishwasher repair covers the service in more detail.
Model compatibility: Kenmore reuses codes across series and model years, so F1E2 (1-2) may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
F1E2 (1-2) indicates damaged or corrupted control board memory, or incompatible microprocessor software.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your Kenmore appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
You submit a request with your appliance model and symptom, we confirm an appointment window, and a technician performs an on-site diagnosis. You then receive a clear estimate and decide whether to proceed before any repair begins.
Yes. We provide an upfront estimate after diagnosis. No parts are ordered or installed until you approve the work, so there are no surprise charges.
Replacement parts are selected for the exact model and confirmed with you before ordering or installation.
Service areas are listed on the Locations page. Contact us with your ZIP code to confirm current coverage for your address.
Ready to get your Kenmore appliance working again?
Book a repair online or call us — clear estimates and approval before any repair work begins.
