Discovering your KitchenAid dishwasher’s lights flashing can be a cause for concern, signaling a hiccup in your appliance’s operation. These flashing lights serve as error codes, which point to specific issues ranging from simple fixes like a door latch problem to more complex issues requiring professional attention. In this article, we delve into the various reasons behind the blinking lights and offer solutions to get your dishwasher back to optimal functionality.
KitchenAid dishwasher lights flashing usually indicates a malfunction or error in the system. One common cause could be a door latch issue. To rectify this, ensure that the door is properly closed and latched. If the problem persists, try resetting the dishwasher by unplugging it for about 10-15 minutes and then reconnecting it to reset the electronic components and possibly resolve the error.
Another common cause behind the flashing lights is water inlet troubles. Your dishwasher might be having difficulty filling up with water, possibly due to a kinked hose or a clogged inlet valve. Inspect the water inlet valve and the hose for any visible signs of damage or blockages and rectify them as needed. It may involve untangling the hose or cleaning the valve filter to allow a smooth water flow. If the issue persists, consulting a professional to examine the system might be necessary.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Blinking/Flashing
When the lights on your KitchenAid dishwasher are blinking or flashing, it is typically due to a very simple problem. The solution may also be simple, but you need to do a little troubleshooting first.
The following are some of the most common reasons why your KitchenAid dishwasher is blinking or flashing. You may find that these are repeated during some of the specific issues, but it’s always a good place to start.
Interrupted Cycle
When a cycle is interrupted, the lights will often flash to alert you of a problem. At times, you may be able to simply close the door and restart the cycle to allow it to complete.
If you do interrupt the cycle on purpose by opening the door, you have to push the start/reset button and then close the door within three seconds. If you don’t do it quickly enough, you will have to start the process over and lights may flash.
Finally, if it seems as if the cycle is not working properly or if you can’t get the lights to shut off, you may need to restart the cycle. This requires you to cycle the power.
If the dishwasher is plugged in and you have easy access to the plug, you can unplug it for one minute. If the plug is behind the dishwasher or if it is hardwired, you can turn the power off at the breaker panel.
Interrupting the power for one minute and turning it back on will often reset the small computer in the dishwasher and you will be back to the beginning again. At times, you may find that leaving it unplugged for a longer amount of time is necessary.
Delayed Start Setting
Another issue that is sometimes the reason why your lights are flashing is that you have the delay start set. This can sometimes be done by accident by pushing the wrong buttons.
When the delay setting is on, the lights will flash until the door is shut. If you are adding items or if you did not latch the door properly, then you may have lights continually flashing.
To check if this is the issue, close the door tightly. As long as the switch is operating properly, the lights will stop flashing if the delay start setting is enabled.
You can also turn off the delay start or do a hard reset to see if that controls the problem.
Control Board Malfunction
One other issue that can cause blinking and flashing lights on the KitchenAid dishwasher is for the control board to malfunction.
The control board is easily accessible and you can unplug it and plug it back in with the power ribbon. Just make sure that you turn off the power to the dishwasher before working with it.
Many homeowners find it difficult to work with the control board unless you plan on replacing it. You may need to call a qualified KitchenAid technician to assist you in this matter.
There may be other reasons why your KitchenAid dishwasher lights are blinking or flashing. These can include some of the specific issues that are listed below.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Child Lock Light Blinking
The child lock is one of the more ingenious additions to the recent KitchenAid dishwashers. It keeps your children safe, but it may sometimes cause problems.
If the KitchenAid dishwasher child light is blinking, it may be that the lock was enabled without your knowledge. Turning off the child lock will often solve the problem.
Resetting the Child Lock
There are two buttons that need to be pushed for a few seconds simultaneously in order to turn the child lock on and off. Typically, they will have a small lock symbol on the button to let you know which ones need to be pressed.
There may be differences in the buttons that are pushed, depending upon the KitchenAid model dishwasher you are using. Check the user manual to identify the ones that need to be engaged for your model.
After turning the child lock off, you may need to turn it back on again. Often, this will stop the blinking light problem and reset the issue.
Short in a Button
It is not uncommon for a short in one of the buttons to occur. This may or may not be associated with the control panel malfunctioning.
Check the button panel to see if any debris is stuck in the button, either on the panel itself or behind. Working the button repeatedly can sometimes loosen anything that is stuck and reset the issue.
If there is a short in the button and it is not able to be corrected, you may need to get a new control and button panel. These are relatively easy to replace.
Control Panel Malfunctioning
You can think of the control panel as being the brain of the dishwasher. If it is malfunctioning, it is not uncommon for lights to be blinking.
If all else has failed, it is often best to replace the control panel and see if that corrects the issue. If you are able to do it yourself, you can save some money rather than hiring a technician.
Switch Panel
In some KitchenAid dishwasher models, there is a switch panel that can be easily accessed. Working the buttons manually can often unstick them and stop the blinking light from occurring.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Cancel Light Blinking
The cancel light on any KitchenAid dishwasher is a convenient feature, but it can be annoying if it is not operating properly.
Here are some things to check if your cancel light is flashing.
Short-Circuit in Control Panel
One of the most common reasons why the cancel light is blinking continually is if the panel is short-circuiting.
If that is the case, it may be necessary to clean the panel or perhaps to replace the panel itself. If the normal light is also flashing, it may be an error code that lets you know a short-circuit is happening.
Wet Control Panel
Before you dig in and start messing with the control panel, you may want to try wiping it down and drying it to see if that cancels the flashing light.
Be cautious not to use any heavy detergents, just a little water is all that is needed on a lightly dampened sponge or rag. Wipe the panel down thoroughly, being cautious not to get it too wet.
You can then dry the panel with a soft cloth. This may help to reset the flashing light problem.
Jammed Buttons
At times, there may be something stuck in the buttons that is causing the panel to short-circuit and the cancel light to flash.
This may or may not work on a touchpad but if the dishwasher buttons are raised, then manually working them a few times can help to loosen anything up that may be causing them to short-circuit.
Dishwasher Reset
If you are unable to correct the issue by working with the buttons and you can’t find what is causing the issue visually, you may need to reset the dishwasher.
If you can access the plug, simply unplug the dishwasher for a minute or two before plugging it back in. If the dishwasher is hardwired or the plug is not accessible, turn the dishwasher off at the breaker panel.
Resetting your KitchenAid dishwasher is like turning a computer on and off. It causes the control panel to start fresh, and that can often cancel out any issues that are causing the lights to blink.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Keeps Blinking Clean
It is perfectly normal for the clean light to come on at the end of the cycle. It is designed to turn off, however, when you open the door.
If your KitchenAid dishwasher clean light continually blinks, there are a few things to check.
Overfill Float Valve
There is a float valve that tells the control panel to shut down the cycle if the water level gets too high in the pan. Locate the float valve and work it manually.
The valve will move up and down and at times, debris may have gotten caught in the switch and stop it from working. If you are able to manually work the float valve, run it through an empty cycle and see if it corrects the issue.
Soapsuds
Another reason why the clean light may be flashing is if there are too many soapsuds that build up in the dishwasher. This can occur for several reasons:
Wrong Detergent
There is a difference between dishwashing liquid and dishwasher soap. Make sure that you are using soap specifically for a dishwasher or it may create too many soapsuds.
Too Much Detergent
Adding more detergent is not going to make the dishes cleaner. Make sure you follow the instructions on the side of the detergent container.
Keep in mind that switching from one detergent to another may change the amount of detergent you are supposed to use.
Rinse Aid
Make sure that the cap has been replaced on the Rinse Aid dispenser. If it is not capped, it can cause too much to come out and soapsuds will form.
If you do have excessive soapsuds, scoop out the excess with a small cup or bowl. Remove all of the dishes and run a cycle with no detergent. You should then run a second cycle with detergent but no dishes. That should solve the problem.
Dishwasher Reset
One final thing to do if the dishwasher clean light continues to flash is to reset the dishwasher.
Turn the dishwasher off by unplugging it or flipping the circuit breaker and leave the power off for at least one minute. When you turn the power back on, it may correct the issue.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Light Blinking/Flashing Won’t Start
A problem with flashing lights on your KitchenAid dishwasher is annoying but if the machine is not running, it is a serious problem.
If you find that the lights continually blink and flash and it won’t start, there are a few things you can do to correct the issue.
Interrupted Cycle
One of the more common reasons why lights flash and the dishwasher won’t start is because a cycle was interrupted.
The computer inside of your KitchenAid dishwasher has a memory. When the dishwasher is interrupted in the middle of the cycle, it will automatically try to start at that point. This can sometimes cause problems, confusing the computer and not allowing the dishwasher to run.
If you think that this may be the issue, then reset the dishwasher as described below.
Open Door
Another common problem is for the dishwasher door to be open. The lights will flash to alert you that the door is not shut properly and the cycle will not continue until it is shut completely.
The easiest way to correct this problem is by shutting the door completely until you hear it click. The cycle should then continue and the flashing lights will stop.
On the other hand, there is a switch that tells the control panel that the door is shut. If the switch is faulty, it may need to be replaced before the lights will stop and the operation of the dishwasher will continue.
You can work the switch manually but be cautious, if the dishwasher turns on with the door open, it can get messy.
Dishwasher Reset
Resetting the dishwasher is possible by turning off the power for at least one minute. You can do this by unplugging the dishwasher at the receptacle or turning off the circuit breaker.
Some people find that resetting the dishwasher takes longer than one minute. You may find that the issue is stopped temporarily if you leave the dishwasher unplugged for an hour or two. The issue may correct completely if you leave the power off overnight.
Be aware that, if you have a problem with the lights flashing and the dishwasher not starting, it is likely to return again. Eventually, you may find that another repair option is needed.
Delayed Start
Many new KitchenAid dishwashers have a delay start feature. It allows you to load the dishwasher and set it to start running at a later time.
If you accidentally started the delay start process, you can turn it off on the control panel. You can also turn the delay start off by resetting the dishwasher as described above.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Start/Resume Light Blinking/Flashing
There are a few simple issues that could result in a start/resume light blinking and flashing.
First of all, it’s not unusual for these lights to come on and flash. Often, the solution takes a few moments to correct. At times, a may require additional assistance.
Interrupted Cycle
The most common reason why the start light will continually flash is if the cycle was interrupted. Essentially, it is telling you that you need to start the cycle again.
When the dishwasher is running, it should continue running until it is fully complete. Stopping the cycle in the middle of a wash or rinse can result in issues. At times, the lights may flash and it does not run properly because it is trying to restart the cycle in the middle.
There are two ways to fix an interrupted cycle and correct the problem with the flashing start/resume light.
Continue the Cycle
At times, the issue is as easy to correct as closing the door, pushing the start button, and allowing the cycle to continue. It may start in the middle of a wash but getting to the end of the cycle could stop the light from flashing.
Reset the Dishwasher
Another way to start fresh is to restart the dishwasher. This may be able to correct other issues that are resulting in a flashing start or resume light.
Reset the dishwasher by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker. Leave the power off for at least one minute before turning it back on again. This should correct most issues.
Door Switch
If you are certain that the door is shut, the dishwasher may not be quite so certain. There is a switch that tells the control panel that the door is closed or open.
The switch is located on the inside of the dishwasher and can be operated manually. Be cautious, because it can cause the dishwasher to turn on in the middle of the cycle, even if the dishwasher door is open.
Clean the door switch to remove any debris that may have gotten caught in it and keeps it from operating. It may also be necessary to replace the switch, which is relatively easy to do.
Crooked Door
If the door has been twisted, bent, or jarred in some way, it may not be closing fully. The door may snap shut at the top, but it may not fully engage the door switch.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on September 10, 2021.
Look alongside the door and if you see any gaps, you may need to contact a technician for assistance. This issue can sometimes be identified if water is getting out of the dishwasher onto the floor.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Normal Light Keeps Flashing
It is not unusual for the normal lights to flash if the door is not shut or the cycle did not complete.
That is why the first things to check if the normal light is flashing continually is the door and the cycle.
Push the door until you hear a click and see if that stops the light from flashing. You can also press start and allow the cycle to complete.
If that doesn’t work, try unplugging the dishwasher or turning it off at the control panel for at least one minute. After turning it back on, the lights should be reset.
At times, an error in the control panel can cause the normal light to flash continually. Resetting the dishwasher by unplugging it as described above may help to correct this problem.
If you don’t have enough water pressure going into the dishwasher it may cause the normal light to flash continually. Try running the dishwasher at night when no other water is being used at the house.
If you have water pressure problems, a plumber can help.
Finally, you may need to replace the control panel if the normal light continues to flash. Then again, if the dishwasher is operating properly, you may be able to live with it until it needs to be replaced for other reasons.
For additional tips you can visit our dishwasher red lights blinking article.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on September 10, 2021.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on September 10, 2021.