E21 (open) and E22 (short) both name the thermal sensor, the appliance control board and the wiring.
Model compatibility: KitchenAid reuses codes across series and model years, so E21 / E22 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
What this code means
Thermal sensor circuit open (E21) or shorted (E22) as reported to the control board; sensor, board or wiring may be at fault.
Two codes, one circuit
The thermal sensor circuit is the subject of both codes on a KitchenAid over-the-range microwave. KitchenAid’s text for each one names the thermal sensor, the appliance control board and the associated wiring as possible trouble spots.
At a glance
| Code | E21 / E22 |
|---|---|
| What it means | Thermal sensor circuit open (E21) or shorted (E22) as reported to the control board; sensor, board or wiring may be at fault. |
| What you can check | Switch the breaker off for one minute and back on, watch for a minute to see whether the code stays away, and check the microwave works. Note which of the two codes appeared. |
| When to call a technician | If E21 or E22 remains after the reset, schedule a service visit. The control board and internal wiring are involved, and the cabinet should stay closed because of high-voltage parts. |
| Code | Report to the control board |
|---|---|
| E21 | The thermal sensor circuit is open |
| E22 | The thermal sensor circuit is shorted |
A plain explanation of open and short
Generally speaking, “open” means the circuit is broken where current should pass, and “short” means current is going along a path it should not. The control gets a reading it cannot use either way, so the same three parts appear for both codes: the sensor, the board and the wiring linking them.
The listed breaker reset
- Breaker(s) off for one minute.
- Breaker(s) back on.
- A minute of watching to see that the code stays away.
- A check that the microwave works.
When the reset is not enough
The KitchenAid pages give no additional owner step and refer you to call or schedule service. With a control board and internal wiring among the causes, the job is a technician’s. Microwaves contain high-voltage parts, so do not open the cabinet.
Tell the technician which
E21 and E22 are not interchangeable in the source. Write down which one the display showed.
Related microwave codes
- E24: the oven reached an overheat condition; the thermal sensor is among its causes
- E11: the gas sensor reporting a problem
Microwave service for E21 and E22
People in the Miami, New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas can call (844) 919-2035 for KitchenAid microwave service when E21 or E22 remains after the reset. Say which code it is and what the model number is.
Source: KitchenAid Product Help, Over-the-Range Microwave Error Code
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.
Sources & references
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