Whirlpool dishwasher 6-8: inlet water: water softener regeneration valve electrical problem
6-8 means the control found an electrical fault in the valve that runs the built-in water softener's regeneration, on models that have a softener.
What 6-8 means
- Brand
- Whirlpool
- Appliance
- Dishwasher
- Code
- 6-8
- Documented meaning
- Inlet water: water softener regeneration valve electrical problem
- Applies to
- 65 Whirlpool models on 5 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- Generally yes
What the dishwasher is detecting
Models with a built-in softener use a separate valve to flush the softener. The control checks that valve's circuit; an open coil, an open fuse or a failed drive circuit sets this code.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented A loose connection in the regeneration valve circuit, or an open valve solenoid.
- Documented An open fuse on the control that feeds the regeneration valve.
- Documented A failed regeneration valve drive circuit on the control.
Safe checks you can make
- Switch off the dishwasher's circuit breaker (or unplug it, if it plugs in under the sink) for one minute, restore power and run a short cycle to see whether the code returns.
- Keep the softener salt reservoir filled with dishwasher softener salt, following the owner's manual.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Checks the regeneration valve and its circuit with power off.
- Checks the control fuse for that circuit.
- Replaces the control only when the valve and wiring check good.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher main control board replacement | $260–$590 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Generally safe to keep using. The dishwasher washes, but the built-in softener may stop working, which matters in hard water like the Las Vegas supply (general knowledge). Schedule service.
Whirlpool models documented with this code
- WDF560SAFT
- WDF590SAJB
- WDF590SAJM
- WDF590SAJW
- WDF735PABW
- WDF750SAYT
- WDL785SAAM
- WDT705PAKB
- WDT705PAKW
- WDT705PAKZ
- WDT710PAYM
- WDT710PAYW
- WDT730PAHB
- WDT730PAHV
- WDT730PAHW
- WDT730PAHZ
And 49 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
Related problems and codes
Other codes documented on the same Whirlpool platforms:
Repair or replace?
A fault code alone rarely justifies replacing a dishwasher. Most 6-8 repairs involve a single component once diagnosed. Replacement becomes worth considering when the unit is near the end of its typical 9–12-year life and the diagnosed repair is a major one. See the repair-or-replace guide.
Need 6-8 diagnosed in the Las Vegas area?
We repair Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana and other Whirlpool-family appliances in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and Boulder City. A model number helps but is never required to book.