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Whirlpool Dishwasher lights flashing or blinking

If your Whirlpool dishwasher lights are flashing or blinking, the machine is usually telling you a key system is not working as expected. The most common cause is a failed heating element or heating element assembly. If the water does not reach the right temperature in time, the dishwasher control panel may start flashing error lights. Next, check the water inlet valve, since a valve problem can also trigger dishwasher lights blinking by limiting the water supply. A bad door latch or failed micro switch inside the latch assembly is another likely cause, especially if the dishwasher is blinking and not starting. If those parts test good, the issue may be in the control board or main control board, which powers and monitors most dishwasher functions. For a Whirlpool dishwasher with flashing lights, testing parts with a multimeter for continuity is often the fastest way to narrow it down. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact Whirlpool replacement part for your dishwasher, whether you need a heating element, water inlet valve, door latch, control board, or main control board.

01 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 the lights flashing on my Whirlpool dishwasher?
Can a bad heating element cause Whirlpool dishwasher lights to blink?
Will a faulty door latch make my Whirlpool dishwasher blink and not start?
How do I know if the water inlet valve is causing the flashing lights on my Whirlpool dishwasher?
How do I find the right Whirlpool dishwasher part for flashing light problems?

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