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Dishwasher lights flashing or blinking

If your dishwasher lights are flashing or blinking, the machine is usually telling you it has not completed a key step in the cycle. The most common cause is a failed heating element or heating element assembly, since the control expects the water to reach the right temperature within a set time. If that does not happen, you may see dishwasher lights flashing, dishwasher lights blinking, or a dishwasher blinking and not starting. Next, check the water inlet valve, because a valve that is not opening properly can keep the dishwasher from filling as expected. A faulty door latch or latch micro switch is another highly likely cause, since the control will flash error lights if it cannot confirm the door is securely closed. If those parts check out, the problem may be in the control board or main control board, especially if the dishwasher flashing error lights seem random or the unit will not respond correctly. Use your owner’s manual for fault codes, then enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement heating element, water inlet valve, door latch, control board, or main control board for your specific dishwasher.

01 - Dishwasher Heating Element

The heating element heats up the water to operating temperature. If the water doesn’t reach the proper temperature after a set amount of time, a light on the control panel might start flashing. To determine if the heating element has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it.
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Top Solution

02 - Dishwasher Heating Element Assembly

The heating element assembly heats up the water to operating temperature. If the water doesn’t reach the correct temperature after a set amount of time, a light on the control panel might start flashing. To determine if the heating element assembly has burned out, use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity.
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Top Solution

03 - Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve

If the dishwasher lights are flashing or blinking, the cause could be a faulty water inlet valve. You can use a multimeter to test the valve's solenoids for electrical continuity to help determine if the component is functioning properly or not.
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Highly Likely

04 - Dishwasher Door Latch

A dishwasher's lights flashing or blinking could indicate a problem with a micro switch inside the door latch assembly. To determine if the micro switch is at fault, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it or the entire latch assembly.
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Highly Likely

05 - Dishwasher Control Board

The 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 unexpectedly. 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 control board is at fault and will need to be replaced.
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Common

06 - Dishwasher Main Control Board

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.
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Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my dishwasher lights flashing or blinking?
Can a bad heating element cause dishwasher flashing error lights?
Why is my dishwasher blinking and not starting even though the door looks closed?
Can a water inlet valve make dishwasher lights blink?
How do I find the right dishwasher part for flashing lights on RepairClinic.com?

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Norge Dishwasher Parts
Thermador Dishwasher Parts
Waste King Dishwasher Parts
KitchenAid Dishwasher Parts
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