American Water Heaters Electric water heater Error Codes: Full List & Meanings

Every American Water Heaters electric water heater error code in the American electric water heater error-code chart, as published by Sears PartsDirect, with its meaning. Codes vary by model, so confirm in your owner's manual. Support: American Water Heaters customer support (see your owner's manual).

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Codes by system

All American Water Heaters electric water heater error codes

Codes marked "Reset only" or "Service" have no separate page because the manufacturer publishes no owner fix beyond a reset or a service call.

Code	Meaning	System	Owner action
Green LED , 1 Flash	Power applied before tank is filled with water.	Water fill	Reset only
2 Flashes	High water temperature and shut down. The ohm resistance should measure between 5-25 ohms.	Heating	Service
3 Flashes	Thermistors not operating correctly.	Heating	Reset only
4 Flashes	Upper heating element failure. The ohm resistance should be 5-25 ohms if the upper heating element is okay.	Heating	Service
5 Flashes	Lower heating element failure. The ohm resistance should be 5-25 ohms if the lower heating element is okay.	Heating	Service
6 Flashes	Lock-out condition. The water heater stops working due to a malfunction in the control board.	Door / lock	Reset only

Symptoms

Sources

Sears PartsDirect: American electric water heater error-code chart (third-party copy of manufacturer service data)

Last reviewed: October 20, 2026. ErrorCodePro is not affiliated with American Water Heaters.