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Whirlpool Dishwasher Lights Flashing/Not Working Problems

The lights on your dishwasher don’t just blink, flash, or stop working for no reason. It’s your dishwasher’s way of telling you that something is wrong.

The reasons a Whirlpool dishwasher lights are flashing/not working range from a faulty control panel to accidentally pressed buttons. Depending on the cause, the solution may be as simple as resetting the unit or involve more complicated steps like replacing the control board or heating element.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Lights Flashing/Not Working Problems

Read on for details on the common causes of flashing/not functional lights on a Whirlpool dishwasher and their potential fixes.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Clean Light Blinking or Flashing

Whirlpool Dishwasher Clean Light Blinking

If your Whirlpool dishwasher’s clean light is flashing, it could be indicating a variety of issues. One possibility is that there is a problem with the dishwasher’s heating element, which can prevent the dishwasher from properly cleaning and drying dishes. Another potential cause could be a clogged or malfunctioning drain pump, which can prevent water from properly draining from the dishwasher.

To fix the issue, there are a few things you can try. First, try resetting the dishwasher by unplugging it from the power source for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. If that doesn’t work, try running a diagnostic cycle by following the instructions in your dishwasher’s user manual. This can help you identify any specific issues that may be causing the clean light to flash.

If the issue persists, you may need to contact Whirlpool customer support or a professional dishwasher repair service to diagnose and fix the problem. They may need to replace a faulty component, clean out any clogs or blockages, or perform other troubleshooting steps to get your dishwasher working properly again.

To run a diagnostic, press the Heated Dry button and immediately hit the Normal button. Repeat this sequence three times and allow 30 minutes for the diagnostic cycle to complete.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Lights Flashing

Whirlpool Dishwasher Lights Flashing

Whirlpool dishwasher lights may flash because the power was interrupted mid-cycle, the door opened during a cycle, or the unit was set for a delayed start.

To address the issue, start by checking your unit’s power supply. If it’s powered, press Start/Resume and immediately push the door firmly. If the lights are still flashing after this, cancel the Delay Start option and latch the door before running the dishwasher to see whether the flashing has stopped. If not, reset the dishwasher by disconnecting it from the power source for a minute before powering it back on.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Lights Not Working

Whirlpool Dishwasher Lights Not Working

The first thing you need to check when the lights stop working on your unit is the power supply. If there are no issues with the power supply and the lights are still not working, the problem is either the control board or the control panel.

To pinpoint the exact cause, you’ll need to test both the control board and the control panel to know which part needs replacement.

DID YOU KNOW:

A common reason a Whirlpool dishwasher door won’t close is an obstructed door latch or gasket. Food particles or utensil jamming can prevent the latch from engaging. Inspect the door latch and gasket for obstructions and clean them thoroughly. Make sure no dishes or utensils are sticking out from the rack, interfering with the door closure. Keeping the latch clean and ensuring racks are properly aligned allows the dishwasher door to close securely.

Whirlpool Dishwasher All Lights Stay On

Whirlpool Dishwasher All Lights Stay On

When all the dishwasher’s lights stay on, it’s often because one or a combination of buttons was pushed by mistake. To solve the problem, start by shutting off the power at the circuit breaker and waiting a minute before turning the dishwasher back on. Doing this resets the unit.

If that doesn’t work, try resetting the control board. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off your unit and select any three buttons on the control panel. For clarity purposes, let’s label them buttons 1, 2, and 3.
  2. Allowing no more than a second between each action, press the selected buttons in the following sequence: 1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2-3.
  3. Press the Cancel button to see if the board resets. If that doesn’t solve the problem, the interface control board likely needs replacement.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Green Light Keeps Flashing

Whirlpool Dishwasher Green Light Keeps Flashing

A flashing green light signifies that the water isn’t getting heated to the required operating temperature. When the problem occurs, the primary culprit is usually a burned-out heating element or heating element assembly.

In either case, you’ll need to use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity. If you don’t detect any continuity, you’ll need to replace either the heating element or its assembly.

Checking fault codes may also help when the flashing green light is accompanied by an error code on display. To understand what the error code means, consult your unit’s tech sheet, wiring diagram, and manual.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Red Lights

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Red Lights

More often than not, a Whirlpool dishwasher won’t run a cycle when the red lights are flashing. Usually, the problem is either a bad control board or a door that’s not latched correctly. To fix the problem, try latching the door first. If it doesn’t, the latch needs replacement.

If addressing the door doesn’t stop the red lights from blinking, the control board is faulty. Unfortunately, there’s little you can do to repair it, so you may be better off buying a new one.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Blinking Start Light

Whirlpool Dishwasher Blinking Start Light

A blinking Start/Resume light signifies an interruption in the cycle or start-up. It can occur if you leave the door open during the cycle or due to a power interruption.

To fix it, restart your unit and ensure you firmly close the door within no more than three seconds of pressing the Start/Resume button. If that doesn’t cut it, reset your dishwasher by disconnecting it from the power source for about a minute before powering back on.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Heavy and Normal Lights Blinking

Whirlpool Dishwasher Heavy and Normal Lights Blinking

Heavy and normal lights blinking on a Whirlpool dishwasher indicate that one or several of the key switch lines are shorted or stuck on the keypad or control board.

To determine whether the issue is a short on the control board, use the above video guide (under the “Whirlpool dishwasher lights not working” subheading) to test the control board. If it’s malfunctioning, replace it.

If the control board is okay, the issue is the keypad. Before you replace the keypad, check for any stuck keys and pop them back up with a pin.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Lights Flashing and Will Not Start

Whirlpool Dishwasher Lights Flashing and Will Not Start

This issue may be caused by the overtightening of the screws during the installation or a bad control board.

Overtightening the screws during installation can sometimes pull up your unit’s top, causing misalignment between the door and its sensor when closed. You can find out if this is the culprit by closing the door and lifting it a little before pressing the Start button. If the unit starts, then you’ve found the cause of your problem.

To correct it, pull down on your unit’s top assembly at the point where the sensor is located. Alternatively, shim down the middle to push the top frame back down. It might help to use shims or paint sticks to wedge down the top frame.

If the issue isn’t a misalignment between the door and its sensor, the control board is likely malfunctioning and needs replacement.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Clean Light Blinking 7 Times

Whirlpool Dishwasher Clean Light Blinking 7 Times

This is one of the most common issues on Whirlpool dishwashers and can be caused by defects in the heating element, control board, thermostat, wash motor, or water inlet valve. It can also occur due to a clogged sump filter.

To fix the issue, you’ll need to use an elimination method. Here’s how to go about it:

  1. Inspect the heating element for signs of electrical shorts. If any, replace the element.
  2. Use a voltmeter to test the control board. Run your dishwasher for about 10 minutes, or until it reaches the second wash cycle. Next, test the heater to see if it’s receiving power from the control board. If not, test the thermostat to see it’s the issue. If the thermostat checks out, replace the control board because this means it’s not sending power to the heater.
  3. Run a diagnostic cycle. When the dishwasher is done filling, check the water level—it should be slightly below the heater. If it’s way below or there’s no water at all, the inlet valve is the culprit and needs replacing.
  4. If you still haven’t found your culprit at this point, run your unit and quickly open the door in the middle of the cycle. If water doesn’t spray out when you do this, or there isn’t any dripping from the top dish rack, the motor is likely the problem. To fix it, check the bottom filter for clogs and remove them, if any.

Whirlpool Dishwasher 2 Lights Blinking

Whirlpool Dishwasher 2 Lights Blinking

This problem often manifests as the Option and All Cycle lights blinking and usually signifies that the door opened in the middle of a cycle. The solution can be as simple as firmly closing the door until it latches. The lights should stop flashing, and the cycle should automatically resume shortly after. If not, try resetting the dishwasher.

Final Thoughts

That does it for today’s post. Hopefully, you’ll find a solution for the flashing/non-functioning lights on your Whirlpool dishwasher. If none of the hacks we’ve covered fix the issue, it might be time to call a technician.

For additional tips you can visit our dishwasher lights blinking article.

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