Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpUniversal Dishwasher RepairUniversal Dishwasher lights flashing or blinking Repair

Universal Dishwasher lights flashing or blinking

If your dishwasher lights are flashing or blinking, the machine is usually telling you something is wrong with heating, filling, latching, or control functions. On this Universal dishwasher symptom page, the most likely cause is a failed heating element or heating element assembly, since the control panel may start flashing when the water never reaches the proper temperature. Next, check the water inlet valve, because a faulty valve can keep the dishwasher from filling correctly and trigger dishwasher flashing error lights. After that, inspect the door latch and its micro switch, since a bad latch can cause dishwasher lights blinking and prevent the cycle from running normally. If those parts check out, the problem may be in the control board or main control board, which can short or fail to send power where it needs to go. If your dishwasher is blinking and not starting, testing these parts with a multimeter is the fastest way to narrow it down. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact heating element, water inlet valve, door latch, control board, or main control board that fits your specific dishwasher.

01 - Universal 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Need help finding your model number?
Shop all Universal Dishwasher Heating Element Parts
Top Solution

02 - Universal 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.
Shop all Universal Dishwasher Heating Element Assembly Parts
Top Solution

03 - Universal 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.
Shop all Universal Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve Parts
Highly Likely

04 - Universal 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.
Shop all Universal Dishwasher Door Latch Parts
Highly Likely

05 - Universal 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.
Shop all Universal Dishwasher Control Board Parts
Common

06 - Universal 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.
Shop all Universal Dishwasher Main Control Board Parts
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my dishwasher lights flashing or blinking but the dishwasher is not starting?
Can a bad heating element cause dishwasher lights to blink?
How do I know if the dishwasher door latch is causing the flashing lights?
Will a faulty water inlet valve make dishwasher lights flash?
How do I find the right replacement part for my dishwasher flashing lights problem?

Shop by Universal Dishwasher Parts

Universal Dishwasher Adhesive Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Axle, Roller, Shaft, Wheel Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Blower Wheel & Fan Blade Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Bracket & Flange Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Cap, Lid & Cover Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Circuit Board & Timer Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Dishrack Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Dispenser Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Door Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Fastener Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Filter Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Gasket & Seal Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Grille & Kickplate Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Heating Element Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Hinge Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Hose, Tube & Fitting Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Insulation Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Knob, Dial & Button Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Latch Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Lubricant Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Miscellaneous Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Paint Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Panel Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Pump Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Spring Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Switch Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Thermostat Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Valve & Float Replacement Parts
Universal Dishwasher Wash Arm & Wash Arm Support Replacement Parts

Shop by Popular Universal Dishwasher Models

Universal MDB121RFM2 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB122LBS0 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB122LBS1 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB122RFS0 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB122RFS1 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB122RFS2 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB124BFR2 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB124BFS2 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB222RBM0 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB421RFR3 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB532RBR0 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB631RFS1 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB632XFS1 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDB662RBR0 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDP531GFR0 Dishwasher Parts
Universal MDP531GFR1 Dishwasher Parts
View more
Repair Clinic
Join Repair Clinic's VIP email list for 10% off, plus other discounts and tips!
Our Story

Family-owned and operated since 1912, Burke America Parts Group is the longest-running genuine appliance, HVAC, and outdoor power equipment parts solution in North America. At Repair Clinic, we're proud to be an international brand trusted by the pros as well as the DIY community.

About Repair Clinic
Customer StoriesRepair Parts BrandsDIY Repair BlogIn the News
Click for the BBB Business Review of this Appliances - Major - Parts & Supplies in Canton MI
Quick Links
Shipping Information365 Day Return PolicyRetail Location & HoursContact UsTrack OrderReviewsRepair Clinic Pro
Social Media
Privacy PolicyDo Not Sell/Share My Personal InformationTerms & ConditionsSitemapGet 10% Off
© 2026 RepairClinic.com