Dishwasher lights flashing and will not start
Common reasons your Dishwasher lights flashing and will not start
The most common reasons your dishwasher has lights flashing and will not start a cycle are a failed door switch, defective PCB (printed circuit board) or a bad user interface control.
30% of the time it's the
Door Switch
25% of the time it's the
PCB
21% of the time it's the
User Interface Control
24% of the time it's the
Something else
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James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.
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Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!
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Most common repairs needed to fix a dishwasher
Door Switch Replacement
If your dishwasher doesn't begin a cycle, a faulty door switch might be the issue, as it may not be recognizing that the dishwasher door is closed. Inside the door switch assembly, microswitches can break or malfunction. If the control system doesn't register the closure of the dishwasher door, the machine won't start filling with water and washing the dishes. Since testing and accessing the door switch can be challenging, it's recommended to have a Sears Home Services Professional inspect and fix your dishwasher if you suspect the door switch has failed.
PCB Replacement
When your dishwasher isn't starting a cycle, it might be due to a faulty PCB (printed circuit board). When the board's internal memory and logic are corrupted, it can freeze up, preventing the cycle from starting or progressing. A malfunctioning relay or electronic component on the PCB board could be the culprit behind this issue. Assessing the board's condition can be challenging. To address this problem, schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services technician to diagnose and fix your dishwasher when it's not working.
User Interface Control Replacement
If your dishwasher isn't starting a cycle, a damaged user interface control might be the culprit. This control connects to the electronic control board via a wire harness and sends signals to manage the dishwashing cycle. A faulty power key on the user interface control can hinder the dishwasher from starting up. Additionally, if a key on the user interface control gets stuck, it can halt the cycle, rendering the dishwasher inoperable until the damaged control is addressed. To resolve this issue, consider having a Sears Home Services Repair Expert inspect and replace the user interface control if necessary.
What to expect when you experience a dishwasher with lights flashing and will not start
Expert tips for resolving a problem with a dishwasher flashing lights and not starting
Fixing a dishwasher with lights flashing and not starting the cycle often involves replacing the electronic control board, door latch assembly or the user interface control. However, there may be other issues causing the lights to blink, so a full diagnosis is essential to fixing the problem. In some dishwashers, a failed heating element causes lights to flash. An accurate diagnosis is essential to fixing the problem right.
Our recommendations for fixing a dishwasher with lights flashing and failure to start a cycle
Lights flashing on the control panel of a dishwasher often signal an error code of failure to shut the dishwasher door. Although you can look up error codes or find the cause of the flashing lights, we recommend that you have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair the problem to prevent guesswork involved in DIY repairs. Schedule dishwasher repair service and we’ll send a technician to your home to fix the failure causing the lights to blink.
Troubleshooting a dishwasher flashing control panel lights and not starting the cycle
Check the owner’s manual for troubleshooting advice when your dishwasher won’t start and the console lights are flashing. You may need to press in firmly on the dishwasher door so it latches properly and the cycle starts. Some dishwashers have a control lock or child lock feature that will prevent a cycle from starting and cause the control panel lights to flash. If you’re unable to resolve the problem by following troubleshooting tips in the owner’s manual for your dishwasher, schedule repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the dishwasher.
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Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A furnace switch, also known as a safety switch, is an essential component of your heating system, ensuring it operates safely under all conditions by serving as a power shutoff mechanism.
Wattage is the measure of electrical power expressed in watts (W), indicating the rate at which a device consumes energy.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
Common dishwasher symptoms to look out for
- Dishwasher burning smell
- Dishwasher detergent not dispensing
- Dishwasher dispenser not working
- Dishwasher display not working
- Dishwasher door not closing
- Dishwasher leaking
- Dishwasher leaking from bottom
- Dishwasher leaking water
- Dishwasher leaks water
- Dishwasher light not working
- Dishwasher no heat
- Dishwasher no power
- Dishwasher no water
- Dishwasher noisy
- Dishwasher not cleaning bottom rack
- Dishwasher not draining
- Dishwasher not draining properly
- Dishwasher not drying
- Dishwasher not filling
- Dishwasher not heating
- Dishwasher not spinning
- Dishwasher not starting
- Dishwasher not turning on
- Dishwasher not washing
- Dishwasher not working
- Dishwasher won't drain
- Dishwasher won't start cycle
- Dishwasher won't turn off
- Dishwasher won't wash