Kenwood Dishwasher 188 Code

What does the Kenwood dishwasher error code “188” mean?

Error codes no longer have to be such a hassle. If your Kenwood dishwasher has been flashing “188, I’m here to walk you through it. This error message is not as huge as it might come off and we are going to break it down into steps for you.

Kenwood dishwashers are designed to be more efficient and long-lasting, but even the best sometimes develop a few hiccups. In such situations, error codes give you a fairly good idea of what might be happening, and you should hence be able to fix the problem rather quickly so that your dishwasher gets back to what it was designed for: cleaning your dishes!

What does error code 188 indicate?

Error code “188” on Kenwood dishwashers usually denotes an issue with the water temperature or heating mechanism. This means that, during a cycle, the dishwasher senses inconsistencies in the heating water. This could be that the water is overheating, fails to attain the temperature needed, or an malfunction in the element itself.

Common Causes of Error Code 188

Here is a rundown of the most common faults that can cause the 188 code and what they mean for your dishwasher:

  • Heating Element Faulty: If the dishwasher isn’t heating the water to the right temperature, it simply may shut down and flash this error code.
  • Faulty Thermostat: The failure to read or regulate the water temperature of the dishwasher could be due to a faulty thermostat.
  • Electrical Issues: The malfunction could be due to wiring or circuitry issues within the heating system.
  • Hard Water Build-Up: This is where limescale or mineral deposits over time, creating deposits around the heating element, which could cause the poor functionality.

How to Fix the 188 Error

You don’t have to be a technician to do this! Though some repairs may require professional support, you can try these simple steps first to see if you can resolve the error on your own.

1. Reset Your Dishwasher

Sometimes, the error might be a temporary bug; just unplug your dishwasher from the power source and let it stay for 5–10 minutes before plugging it back in. This often resets the system and clears minor errors.

2. Check the Dishwasher for Limescale Build-Up

Hard water in your locality may be sending mineral deposits to build up on the heating element. You would need to clean out a probable buildup by running some limescale cleaners through your dishwasher. Remember to always use an appropriate cleaner based on instructions and other recommendations.

3. Check the Heating Element

Check the heating element for visible damage or corrosion. Never do this when the appliance is plugged in. If there is an issue of damage or it does not go away, that might mean the heating element needs to be repaired or replaced.

4. Call a Professional Technician

If the above steps are applied and the code still shows up, then that’s the time to bring in the technician. They will get into the thermostat, wiring, and other critical parts, and prepare your dishwasher to be used at the best performance.

How to Avoid Error Codes in the Future

Want to avoid seeing any sort of error codes in the future? Some tips herein that keep your dishwasher running great for years to come are as follows:

  • Clean it off regularly, both from inside and from some other components that may result in clogged spray arms, every month.
  • Operating on Hard Water Area: People working in the areas with hard water should also seek a water softener and dishwasher cleaners which reduce lime scales.
  • Avoid Overloading: Overloading tends to stress different parts and makes your dishwasher less efficient with time. Keep to the recommended capacity according to the manufacturer’s standards.
  • Schedule Maintenance: Regular maintenance by professionals may help address and clear tiny problems before they get big.

Conclusion

Error code 188 means your Kenmore dishwasher needs a little tender loving care. Whether it involves just a simple thing like resetting the machine or anything as serious as replacing a heating element, having problems looked at promptly enables your dishwasher to keep on with its work.

So, don’t freak out; appliances have error codes to help us through issues and not make it a nightmare to troubleshoot. Of course, reaching out to a professional is always an awesome idea, and it’ll keep you with your head on straight.

Have you faced Error Code 188 or some other problem in your dishwasher? Go ahead and share it with us in comments or reach out, and we’ll be happy to help!

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