Many modern dishwashers have built-in diagnostic systems outfitted with various sensors that allow your appliance to detect any irregularities.
It’s a cause of concern when you press ‘start,’ and nothing happens, except the 1H flashing on the dishwasher’s screen.
A dishwasher will display the code “1H” if the machine’s delayed start function has been activated and set to delay the start of the washing cycle by one hour. If required, the delay start function can be reset from the control panel.
If you have recently encountered the 1H code, we have you covered. And yes, we know there are numerous brands and models on the market.
In this post, we’ll look at the most popular brands, so you know what to do if your dishwasher says 1H.
What Does It Mean When a Dishwasher Says 1H?
Most people perceive the 1H on display as an ‘ih’ or IH error code. However, this is the number “1” with an “H” next to it, and it (usually) isn’t an error.
In most models, it flashes to notify the user that the delay function is activated.
If your brand isn’t listed below, I suggest you get in contact with customer support for further assistance.
GE Dishwasher Says Reset Delay Start
A 1h flashing on your GE dishwashers implies that you’ve activated the delay function. You can delay the start of a cycle up to nine hours. The first time you use the delay function, the display shows 1H.
After this, the control automatically calls up the last delay setting when turned on.
So when you see 1H, it indicates that there is a one-hour delay start setting. This means that after pressing the START button, you must wait an hour for the machine to initiate.
How to Fix It
To resolve the problem, try resetting the control board. Here’s how:
- Press the START button
- Select the Clear Delay Start Program option. If pressing the start button does not work, wait 1 hour to see if it starts, resetting the delay start function.
To cancel the delay and start the cycle immediately on newer models, press START/RESUME. Or simply select CANCEL/DRAIN to cancel the delay and cycle process altogether.
EdgeStar Dishwasher Says Check Control Board
Some users claim that their EdgeStar turns on and off, displays H:01, counts up to H:24, and then turns off or restarts the count.
This is common when one or more key switch lines on the control or keypad become jammed or shorted.
How to Fix It
Follow these steps to find out if the keypad or control is defective:
- Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it from the power source.
- Remove any water from the drum.
- Open the door.
- Disconnect the keypad ribbon from the control board by opening the console. Confirm that all of the other connections are correct.
- Replace the console and leave the door open.
- Plug in the dishwasher and turn it on.
- Delay for 5 seconds before closing the door.
- Take note of the control’s response, and if the control board is in good working order (there are no more shorts with the keypad unplugged), it will respond by activating a Drain Motor for 2 minutes.
If the control is not working correctly (shorts still visible with the keypad unplugged), the drain motor will not respond, and the machine will remain turned off.
- If the control responds normally, check and replace the keypad.
Samsung Dishwasher Says Check Heating Components
If you have a model made before 2007, it may show blinking lights instead of a 1H notification. This is because most Samsung dishwashers didn’t have an LED display screen back then.
The code flashes when the dishwashing machine is heating the water too quickly. You notice that the heater reaches 40ºC in less than 2 minutes.
It indicates a problem with the heating element or auxiliary components.
A wire break between the heating element and the control module is also possible.
Damage caused by low-quality parts, adverse operating conditions, and low-quality water can cause the heating element to fail.
The solution is to replace the heating element or malfunctioning components. It is located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
You also have to consider the thermistor (temperature sensor). When it is defective, the heating element operates at max power. This is due to the thermistor’s inability to regulate the temperatures in the dishwasher. Thus, the overheated water.
How to Fix It
Unfortunately, the heating element cannot be fixed. Here’s how to test it:
- Unplug the dishwasher from the power source and the water supply.
- Remove the garbage filter and turn off the sprinkler.
- Turn the unit over and undo the side fasteners.
- Detach the branch pipe and carefully lift the dishwasher’s bottom. You should now be able to get to the heating element block.
- Remove the heating element from any connecting wires, clean any debris from its contacts and use a multimeter to test it.
Note its resistance at room temperature. The reading should always be in the 20-60 KOHM range. - If the element is faulty, replace it with a new one.
Hotpoint Dishwasher Says Check Water Level Sensor
Your Hotpoint dishwasher could have a faulty water measurement module. When you turn it on, water starts coming into the tub.
But after a minute or two, it stops and displays the 1H notification.
Dishwashers don’t fill with water; just a small basin at the bottom fills up. As it rises, it lifts the float.
If the float becomes stuck and cannot rise, the float switch will not be activated, causing your dishwasher to overflow.
How to Fix It
Test the sensor by using a multimeter to ascertain its proper working condition.
Maytag Dishwasher Says Check Water
A 1H notification could point to a water issue on your Maytag dishwasher. There is no inflow into the tub even after you press start and wait.
How to Fix It
Check that the dishwasher’s water supply is on. Ensure the water supply hose is free of kinks and the inlet valve is not clogged.
Press the start button once the water supply is back, and the dishwasher will attempt to fill and resume the cycle.