Brand:
Whirlpool
Category: Dishwasher
Document Type: Manual
Language: EN
Available Languages: EN , ES
Manual for WDT970SAKZ
Uploaded: Nov. 21, 2025, 8:38 p.m.
Warranty Information
Refer to the brand website or Quick Start Guide for warranty information.
DISHWASHER MAINTENANCE
Detergents: Use high-quality premeasured tablets or packs for best performance. They are suitable for all water hardness and soil levels. Rinse aid is recommended to minimize white film buildup. Always place premeasured detergents in the main compartment and close the lid. The Pre-Wash indicator is for customers using powder or gel detergent.
Rinse aid: Using rinse aid optimizes drying and wash performance. Add rinse aid to the dispenser every 1 to 3 months.
Cycle Selection and Energy: Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy. For optimum performance, connect to a 120°F (49°C) hot water supply. The main sensor cycle with heated drying is automatically selected when you press Start.
Sanitize or Sani: Sanitizes dishes and glassware in accordance with NSF International NSF/ANSI Standard 184. The Sani Rinse indicator glows when the cycle is successfully completed.
DISHWASHER CARE
Interior Cleaning: Use a dishwasher cleaner like affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner monthly to remove residue that can affect performance. High-quality premeasured detergent tablets or packs and rinse aid are recommended for daily care.
Countertop Air Gap: Check and clean if the dishwasher isn't draining well.
Extended Time Without Use: Turn off water and power supply. Protect water supply lines against freezing. Winterize the dishwasher by authorized service personnel if storing during winter.
Exterior Cleaning: Clean with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Troubleshooting: Refer to the brand website listed on the Quick Start Guide for detailed troubleshooting information.
Foreign Object Cup: Refer to the Quick Start Guide or brand website for information on how to empty it.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| Issue | Code Shown (7 Seg Display) (if present) | Code Shown on Front Panel LED * (# blinks, Pause, # blinks) | What will happen? | What to do? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher fails to operate fill valve correctly | F1E1 | 1 Pause 1 Pause - pause, repeat | Drain sequence will begin, machine operation will be prevented | Turn off water to unit (if possible). Turn off power to unit. If the water cannot be turned off, DO NOT turn off power and keep door closed. Press Cancel key one time to silence alarm tone. Call service. |
| Motor controller failure | F1E2 | 1 Pause 2 Pause, repeat | Cycle ends | Call service |
| No water present at dishwasher | H2O | 8 Pause 1 Pause - pause, repeat | Cycle is paused | Ensure fill hose is connected to product. Ensure water supply is turned ON. Press Start to resume cycle. If alarm still present, call service. |
| Wash motor failure | F7E1/F7E2 | 7 Pause 1 Pause, repeat/7 Pause 2 Pause, repeat | Cycle ends | Call service |
| Dishwasher overfills | F8E4 | 8 Pause 4 Pause - pause, repeat | Drain sequence will begin, machine operation will be prevented | For Professional Installers: Turn off water to unit (if possible). Turn off power to unit. If the water cannot be turned off, DO NOT turn off power and keep door closed. Press Cancel key one time to silence alarm tone. Call service. For Self Installers: ■ Press CANCEL button twice or cycle power. This may clear the issue. ■ Check to see if the wire connector is connected to the float switch on the drip tray. See step 46. If the wire is off, reconnect and then hit the cancel button twice. ■ Check to see if there is any water in the drip tray. If water is in the drip tray, remove the water and reinstall the drip tray. Make sure to connect the wiring to the float. Step 46. ■ Check to see where water may have leaked into the drip tray. (Check the water inlet fittings in steps 15 and 16 to see if they are leaking) ■ If water was in the tray and no leaks were found, run the product on the shortest installation cycle while checking for leaks. The access panel should be off to observe any leaks. ■ If problem still exists, call for service. |
| Fill valve stuck on | F8E5 | 8 Pause 5 Pause - pause, repeat | Drain sequence will begin, machine operation will be prevented | Turn off water to unit (if possible). Turn off power to unit. If the water cannot be turned off, DO NOT turn off power and keep door closed. Press Cancel key one time to silence alarm tone. Call service. |
| Dishwasher will not drain | F9E1 | 9 Pause 1 Pause - pause, repeat | Cycle ends | If drain hose is connected to a garbage disposal, confirm that drain hose is not clogged and disposal plug has been knocked out. If unit still will not drain, call service. |
| Water present under dishwasher | FAE5 | 10 Pause 5 Pause - pause, repeat | Cycle ends | Call service. |
| User interface communication fault | F6E1 | 6 Pause 1 Pause - pause, repeat | Product will not able to start or resume cycles | Call service. |