Dishwasher lights flashing or blinking: Common Causes & Solutions (2024)

Most Common Solution

Dishwasher Heating Element

Repair Instructions:

The heating element heats the water to the right temperature. If the water doesn't get hot enough after some time, a light on the panel may blink. To check if the heating element is burned out, use a multimeter to test if for continuity. If it does not have continuity, the element needs to be replaced.

How to Replace Dishwasher Heating Element

  1. Disconnect power to dishwasher at the circuit breaker.Shut off for safety before servicing.

  2. Remove lower access panels and drain water from dishwasher tub.Be prepared to collect water.

  3. Note wire positions connecting to existing element terminals.Take clear photos for reference.

  4. Disconnect wires from element terminals one at a time.Carefully remove without damage.

  5. Remove any screws or clips securing element in tub.Lift out once fully disconnected.

  6. Clean area within tub where new element will mount.Remove debris from mounting surface.

  7. Mount replacement element using fasteners removed earlier.Align mounting holes properly.

  8. Reconnect wires individually matching positions noted earlier.Refer to element terminal photos.

  9. Replace access panels and securely tighten fasteners.Avoid pinching wires.

  10. Reconnect power and run test heat cycle.Check for proper heating operation.

  11. Inspect final installation.

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Most Common Solution

Dishwasher Heating Element Assembly

Repair Instructions:

The heating element assembly heats the water to the right temperature. If the water doesn't get hot enough after some time, a light on the panel may blink. To check if the heating element is burned out, use a multimeter to test if for continuity. If it does not have continuity, the element needs to be replaced.

How to Replace Dishwasher Heating Element Assembly:

  1. Safety Precautions:

    • Start by ensuring the dishwasher is disconnected from the power source and the water supply to guarantee your safety during the replacement process.
  2. Access the Heating Element:

    • Locate the heating element, typically found at the base of the dishwasher tub, underneath the lower dish rack.
  3. Gather Necessary Tools and Replacement Parts:

    • Ensure you have the required tools, such as a screwdriver and pliers, and acquire a compatible replacement heating element assembly.
  4. Remove the Lower Dish Rack:

    • Slide out the lower dish rack to access the heating element area.
  5. Disconnect Wiring:

    • Carefully disconnect the wiring attached to the old heating element. Take note of the wiring connections for reconnection.
  6. Remove Mounting Hardware:

    • Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove any screws, clamps, or brackets securing the heating element to the dishwasher.
  7. Detach the Old Heating Element:

    • Gently detach the old heating element from its mounting point, making sure not to damage any surrounding components.
  8. Prepare the New Heating Element Assembly:

    • Unpack the replacement heating element assembly and inspect it for any defects. Ensure it is clean and free from any packaging materials.
  9. Install the New Heating Element:

    • Carefully position the new heating element assembly in the same location as the old one, securing it with the original mounting hardware.
  10. Reconnect Wiring:

    • Reconnect the wiring to the new heating element, ensuring they are properly and securely attached.
  11. Reassemble the Lower Dish Rack:

    • Slide the lower dish rack back into the dishwasher, ensuring it is properly aligned and securely in place.
  12. Plug In and Test:

    • Reconnect the dishwasher to the power source and run a test cycle to ensure the new heating element assembly functions correctly, heating the water and aiding in the drying process.
  13. Final Check:

    • Inspect the new heating element assembly and its connections to ensure they are properly installed, contributing to effective dishwashing and drying cycles.

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Most Common Solution

Dishwasher Door Latch

Repair Instructions:

When you see the lights on your dishwasher flashing or blinking, it might signal an issue with the micro switch inside the door latch assembly. To check if this micro switch is causing the problem, you can use a multimeter to test it for continuity.

How to Replace Dishwasher Door Latch

  1. Disconnect power at circuit breaker.Turn off power to dishwasher for safety.

  2. Remove trim pieces from latch area if any.Locate securing screws or clips around edges.

  3. Identify latching mechanism onEdge of door.Can be lever, button or internal assembly.

  4. Remove any mounting screws for latch.A couple screws usually attach latch mechanism.

  5. Detach old latch assembly from door edge.Gently pry latch parts off once screws out.

  6. Clean out mounting holes on door edge.Remove debris from where new latch will attach.

  7. Mount replacement latch assembly.Line up holes and start securing screws.

  8. Check function by closing door.Ensure door seals and latch engages securely.

  9. Reattach any trim pieces removed earlier.Snap molding securely back into place.

  10. Reconnect power and run test cycle.Check door remains closed during operation.

  11. Readjust if needed before final use.Fine tune latch parts if door not closing properly.

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Most Common Solution

Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve

Repair Instructions:

When the lights on your dishwasher start flashing or blinking, it might be due to a faulty water inlet valve. You can use a multimeter to test the valve. Use your wiring diagram for guidance.

How to Replace Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve

  1. Disconnect power to dishwasher at circuit breaker and shut off water supply.Shut off for safety.

  2. Disconnect water supply line from existing valve inside dishwasher.May need adjustable wrench.

  3. Note wire connections at valve terminals for reconnecting later.Take clear photos if needed.

  4. Remove wires from inlet valve terminals one at a time.Carefully detach each wire.

  5. Remove mounting screws securing valve in place.Lift valve straight up once detached.

  6. Clean area where new inlet valve will mount.Remove any debris from surface.

  7. Mount replacement valve using screws removed earlier.Align holes securely.

  8. Reconnect wires individually matching positions noted earlier.Refer to photos.

  9. Connect water supply line to new valve and tighten securely.Open water shut-off valve.

  10. Replace any access panels and reconnect power.Perform test run and check for leaks.

  11. Inspect installation and make adjustments as needed.

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Common Solution

Dishwasher Main Control Board

Repair Instructions:

The main control board provides power to nearly every component of the dishwasher. It's possible that the board has shorted and is causing the lights to flash or blink. Check the owner’s manual for possible fault codes as one of the components may have failed. If the control board is not sending power to one of the components, it's likely the main control board is at fault and will need to be replaced.

How to Replace Dishwasher Main Control Board

  1. Disconnect power at circuit breaker.Turn off power to dishwasher before servicing.

  2. Remove lower dishwasher panel.Find securing screws along bottom of dishwasher cavity.

  3. Note wire connections to board.Take photos of positions for reconnection later.

  4. Disconnect all wires from board.Gently detach each wire connection point by point.

  5. Remove mounting screws from board.Typically 2-3 screws hold board securely in place.

  6. Detach old board from mounting posts.Carefully lift out once fully disconnected.

  7. Clean mounting area of any debris.Wipe surface where new control board will install.

  8. Mount replacement control board.Set into position and start securing screws.

  9. Reconnect wires one by one.Reference photos to precisely match wires and connectors.

  10. Replace lower access panel removed earlier.Secure with screws.

  11. Reconnect power and test functions.Run cycle while checking for proper operations.

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Common Solution

Dishwasher User Control and Display Board

Repair Instructions:

The control and display board lets you pick wash and dry settings on the dishwasher. If this board is bad, it could make the lights blink when they shouldn't. If the control panel buttons were working sometimes before the blinking started, the board is likely causing it. When buttons work off and on, the control board is probably the problem.

How to Replace Dishwasher User Control and Display Board

  1. Disconnect power at circuit breaker.Turn off power for safety before servicing.

  2. Remove control panel trim pieces if any.Find screws or clips around edges of trim molding.

  3. Note wire connection positions on board.Take photos for accurate reconnection later.

  4. Disconnect all wires from old control board.Carefully detach each wire by its connection point.

  5. Remove mounting screws securing board in place.Usually 2-3 small screws hold board inside panel.

  6. Detach old control board from back of panel.Gently lift out once fully disconnected.

  7. Clean mounting area on back of panel.Wipe away any debris from where new board will attach.

  8. Mount replacement control board into panel.Set into position and start securing screws.

  9. Reconnect wires one by one matching positions.Refer to photos taken earlier for accuracy.

  10. Replace any trim pieces removed initially.Snap securely back into their positions.

  11. Reconnect power and test functions.Check all controls and display operating correctly.

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Common Solution

Dishwasher Touchpad and Control Panel

Repair Instructions:

Check to see if the display comes on. If it works, try pushing the touchpad buttons. If some buttons don't work right, the whole touchpad and control panel may be bad. For some models, the touchpad can be replaced separately from the panel. For other models, you must replace the touchpad and panel together. Check if your touchpad comes separately or with the panel.

How to Replace Dishwasher Touchpad and Control Panel

  1. Disconnect power at circuit breaker.Turn off power to dishwasher for safety.

  2. Remove control panel trim.Find screws or tabs along sides/bottom of rim and lift off.

  3. Disconnect control wires.Note positions to correctly reconnect later.

  4. Remove control panel mounting screws.Locate 2-4 screws securing panel inside door.

  5. Detach old panel and touchpad assembly.Gently lift out once screws are removed.

  6. Clean mounting area inside door.Wipe away debris where new panel will attach.

  7. Mount replacement panel and touchpad.Set into position and start mounting screws.

  8. Reconnect control wires one by one.Match colors and labels precisely.

  9. Replace trim piece removed earlier.Snap edges back into position around new panel.

  10. Reconnect power and test functions.Run cycle to confirm all settings respond as intended.

  11. Troubleshoot if needed.Check wire connections if issues operating new controls.

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Common Solution

Dishwasher Control Panel

Repair Instructions:

Check to see if the display comes on. If it works, try pushing the touchpad buttons. If some buttons don't work right, the whole touchpad and control panel may be bad. For some models, the touchpad can be replaced separately from the panel. For other models, you must replace the touchpad and panel together. Check if your touchpad comes separately or with the panel.

How to Replace Dishwasher Control Panel

  1. Disconnect power at circuit breaker.Turn off power for safety before servicing.

  2. Remove any trim pieces around control panel.Find screws or clips securing decorative molding.

  3. Take photos of wire connections on back.Note positions for accurate reconnection later.

  4. Disconnect all wires from connections on panel.Gently detach one wire at a time by its connector.

  5. Remove screws securing control panel in place.Typically 2-4 screws hold panel on inside door.

  6. Detach old control panel from inside of door.Carefully lift panel out once fully disconnected.

  7. Clean mounting area inside door.Wipe away debris from where new panel will attach.

  8. Mount replacement control panel on inside of door.Set into position and start securing screws.

  9. Reconnect wires one by one matching positions.Refer to photos for precise wire placements.

  10. Replace any decorative trim pieces earlier.Snap securely back into position surrounding panel.

  11. Reconnect power and test functions.Check all controls operating as intended.

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Common Solution

Dishwasher Control Board

Repair Instructions:

The control board is responsible for controlling almost every function of the dishwasher. If you're seeing those unexpected flashing or blinking lights, it's possible the control board has encountered a short circuit, causing this issue. Take a look at the service manual to see if there are any fault codes listed. These codes can tell you which part might have gone wrong. If it turns out that the control board isn't sending power to one of the components as it should, then the control board will need to be replaced.

How to Replace Dishwasher Control Board

  1. Disconnect power at circuit breaker.Turn off power to dishwasher before servicing.

  2. Remove lower access panel or kick panel.Find and remove securing screws along bottom.

  3. Note positions of all wire connections to board.Take photos to reference during reconnection.

  4. Disconnect all wires from old control board.Gently detach each wire one at a time.

  5. Remove mounting screws from board enclosure.Usually 2-4 screws secure electronic board assembly.

  6. Detach old control board from enclosure base.Carefully lift board out once fully disconnected.

  7. Clean mounting area inside enclosure base.Wipe away any debris from new board mounting area.

  8. Mount replacement control board into base.Set into position and start securing screws.

  9. Reconnect wires one by one, matching positions.Reference photos to precisely reconnect wires.

  10. Replace lower access panel removed earlier.Secure with screws.

  11. Reconnect power and test functions.Run cycle while checking for proper operations.

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Common Solution

Dishwasher Touchpad

Repair Instructions:

Check to see if the display comes on. If it works, try pushing the touchpad buttons. If some buttons don't work right, the whole touchpad and control panel may be bad. For some models, the touchpad can be replaced separately from the panel. For other models, you must replace the touchpad and panel together. Check if your touchpad comes separately or with the panel.

How to Replace Dishwasher Touchpad

  1. Disconnect power at circuit breaker.Turn off power to dishwasher.

  2. Remove control panel trim.Find securing screws or clips around edges of panel.

  3. Disconnect touchpad wires.Note positions of wires to reconnect properly later.

  4. Remove touchpad mounting screws.A few small screws attach touchpad within panel.

  5. Detach old touchpad from control panel.Gently lift out once screws are removed.

  6. Clean mounting area inside control panel.Wipe away debris from where new touchpad mounts.

  7. Mount replacement touchpad.Set into position and start securing screws.

  8. Reconnect wires to touchpad.Match colors and positions of wires precisely.

  9. Replace trim piece removed earlier.Snap control panel rim securely back into place.

  10. Reconnect power and test functions.Run cycle to ensure all buttons respond correctly.

  11. Troubleshoot if issues occur.Check wire connections if new touchpad isn't functioning.

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Common Solution

Dishwasher Drain Pump

Repair Instructions:

The drain pump has an impeller that pushes water out the drain hose. If the drain pump stops working, a light on the panel may blink. To check if the pump is bad, test the motor with a multimeter. Use the wiring diagram or tech sheet for guidance.

How to Replace Dishwasher Drain Pump

  1. Unplug dishwasher and disconnect hoses.Remove the power cord from the outlet and disconnect the drain and inlet water hoses from theold pump.

  2. Remove kick panel.Look for mounting screws, tabs or clips along the bottom front of the appliance. Use a screwdriver to release any fasteners holding the kick panel in place.

  3. Locate and remove old pump.The pump is usually located near the bottom center or bottom right corner inside the dishwasher. Use a wrench to remove any mounting bolts. Carefully pull out the old pump.

  4. Clean area around new pump site.Wipe away any debris or standing water near where the new pump will mount.

  5. Install new drain pump.Set the new pump in place and secure it with the mounting bolts. Hand-tighten bolts securely.

  6. Reconnect hoses to pump.Push drain and inlet hoses securely over barbs at pump. Make sure the hose clamps are tight.

  7. Replace kick panel.Align panel and secure with any screws or fasteners removed earlier.

  8. Plug in and test dishwasher.Reconnect power cord and run a short cycle to check for leaks and ensure new pump is functioning properly.

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Check Fault Codes

Repair Instructions:

If the dishwasher lights are blinking or flashing, or a fault code shows on the display, you need more info. Check the wiring diagram, tech sheet, and user manual for the dishwasher model. These give details about different blinking light patterns or fault codes. They explain what part or issue each code means. Use the manual to look up any fault code on the display. Check which lights flash and their order. Find this blink pattern in the wiring diagram or tech sheet. This will tell you the dishwasher part that is likely causing the blinking. Use the manuals to understand error codes. They give you the info needed to fix blinking lights or faults.

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Dishwasher lights flashing or blinking: Common Causes & Solutions (2024)

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