You might be feeling frustrated right now because your dishwasher lights are flashing, and it won’t start. You’re not alone—this problem happens to many people. The good news is you can fix it yourself! Usually, the flashing lights mean your dishwasher has a small problem like a door not closed right, or it needs a reset. In this article, I will show you easy ways to find out why your dishwasher won’t start and how to fix it step by step. By the end, you will know exactly what to do to get your dishwasher working again.
Check the Door Latch and Make Sure It’s Closed Properly
One of the most common reasons your dishwasher lights flash and it won’t start is the door is not closed tightly. Dishwashers will not start unless the door latch is fully locked. When you close the door, you should hear a click sound. If the door is slightly open or the latch is broken, the dishwasher won’t know it is ready to start.
Sometimes, food or dirt can block the latch, or the latch parts might wear out over time. You can check this by gently pressing the door closed and making sure it feels secure. If you don’t hear a click, try to clean around the latch with a cloth. If the latch is broken, you will need to replace it.
Inside the dishwasher door, there are small parts that connect the latch to the dishwasher controls. If these parts are loose or broken, your dishwasher will think the door is open even if it is closed. Look closely to see if any parts are loose or damaged.
If your dishwasher has a child lock, check if it is turned on. Sometimes the child lock can stop the dishwasher from starting, and the lights flash to warn you.
- Make sure the door closes with a click.
- Clean dirt or food from around the latch.
- Check if the latch parts are broken or loose.
- See if the child lock is on and turn it off if needed.
- Try closing the door again firmly.
Reset Your Dishwasher by Turning Off the Power
Sometimes, dishwashers act strange because of an electrical glitch. A simple reset can fix this problem. You can reset your dishwasher by turning off the power and then turning it back on. This helps clear the dishwasher’s memory and can stop the flashing lights.
To do this, find the dishwasher’s power source. You can either unplug it from the wall or turn off the circuit breaker that controls the dishwasher. Leave it off for about 5 minutes. This waiting time lets the dishwasher completely turn off and reset.
After 5 minutes, plug the dishwasher back in or turn the breaker on. Now try to start the dishwasher again. Many times, this reset will stop the lights from flashing and the dishwasher will start working.
If the lights still flash after the reset, it means there may be a bigger problem like a part failure. But it is always good to try a reset first because it is easy and fast.
- Turn off power by unplugging or switching off breaker.
- Wait for 5 minutes before turning power back on.
- Try starting the dishwasher again.
- If problem stays, check other issues.
Check for Water Supply Issues
Your dishwasher needs water to work. If water is not coming in, it will not start, and the lights may flash to show a problem. The water comes through a valve usually connected to your kitchen sink’s water pipe.
First, check if the water supply valve is open. This valve is usually under your sink. Turn it fully open to allow water to flow to the dishwasher.
Next, look at the water inlet hose behind the dishwasher. Make sure it is not bent, crushed, or blocked. If water cannot flow through the hose, the dishwasher will not fill with water and won’t start.
If you want to be sure, you can also check if water is coming into the dishwasher during the fill cycle. You can hear a humming sound or slight water flow noise.
If the water supply is fine but your dishwasher still won’t start, the water inlet valve inside the dishwasher might be broken. This valve controls the water flow and if it is bad, you will need to replace it.
- Open the water supply valve under the sink.
- Check the water hose for kinks or blockages.
- Listen for water filling sounds when running dishwasher.
- Replace water inlet valve if it is faulty.
Look at the Control Panel and Buttons
The control panel is where you choose your dishwasher settings. Sometimes the buttons get stuck or the control panel stops working. This can cause the dishwasher lights to flash and prevent it from starting.
Try pressing each button gently. If any button feels stuck or hard to press, clean around it carefully. Dirt, grease, or water can make buttons stick.
If your dishwasher has a digital display, look for error codes. These codes tell you what is wrong. You can find the meaning of error codes in your dishwasher manual or online.
Another cause can be a problem with the control board inside the dishwasher. This board controls all the functions. If it is broken, the dishwasher might not start.
- Press all buttons to see if any are stuck.
- Clean buttons with a soft cloth.
- Check for error codes on display.
- Replace control board if it is damaged.
Inspect the Dishwasher Filter and Spray Arms
A clogged filter or spray arms can cause dishwasher problems. If food or dirt blocks water flow, the dishwasher might stop working and the lights can flash.
The filter is usually at the bottom of the dishwasher inside the tub. It catches food bits to stop them from clogging the drain. Remove the filter and clean it well under running water.
The spray arms spray water to clean your dishes. If these arms are blocked by food or hard water deposits, they won’t spin or spray water properly. This can cause the dishwasher to stop and lights to flash.
Remove the spray arms and check for blockages. Use a toothpick or small brush to clean holes where water sprays out.
- Remove and clean the dishwasher filter.
- Check spray arms for blockages.
- Clean spray arms with a small brush.
- Replace parts if broken or damaged.
Check the Drain Hose and Drain Pump
If your dishwasher cannot drain water properly, it might flash lights and refuse to start. Water needs to leave the dishwasher after the wash cycle.
Look at the drain hose behind the dishwasher. If it is bent or clogged, water will not drain out. You can disconnect it and run water through to clear any blockages.
Inside the dishwasher, there is a drain pump that pushes water out. Sometimes small pieces of food or glass can block the pump. If the pump is blocked or broken, the dishwasher will not work.
To check the pump, you will need to remove the bottom panel of your dishwasher. Look for any debris blocking the pump and clean it out.
- Check drain hose for bends or clogs.
- Remove blockages from drain hose.
- Clean debris from drain pump.
- Replace pump if it does not work.
Test the Dishwasher’s Power and Wiring
Your dishwasher needs the right power to work. If there is a wiring problem or loose connection, the dishwasher lights may flash and it will not start.
Check the power cord and plug for damage. Make sure the plug fits tightly in the outlet. Sometimes, if the plug is loose, the dishwasher will lose power.
Look inside the dishwasher to check wires connected to the control board and motor. Loose or damaged wires can cause problems.
If you have a multimeter, you can test the power coming into the dishwasher. If you do not know how to do this, it is best to call a professional electrician or appliance repair person.
- Check power cord and plug.
- Inspect wiring inside dishwasher.
- Tighten any loose connections.
- Test power with multimeter if possible.
Call for Professional Help if Needed
If you have tried all these checks and your dishwasher still flashes lights and won’t start, it might be time to get help. Dishwashers have many parts and sometimes problems need special tools or knowledge to fix.
Calling a professional can save you time and avoid damage. A trained technician can find the problem quickly and fix it safely.
Before calling, write down what you have tried and any error codes you see. This helps the technician know what to do faster.
- Try all checks from door latch to power.
- Write down error codes and problems.
- Call a trusted appliance repair professional.
- Share details with the technician for faster help.
Final Thoughts
Dishwasher lights flashing and not starting can feel very annoying, but most of the time, you can fix it yourself. The problem is often simple like the door not closing or the need for a reset. Checking the door latch, water supply, control panel, and filters usually solves the issue. If all else fails, a professional can help you quickly. With these easy steps, you can save money and get your dishwasher running again without stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal for dishwasher lights to flash sometimes?
Yes, it is normal for dishwasher lights to flash when there is a problem. The flashing lights are the dishwasher’s way of telling you it needs attention. It could mean the door is open, there is a water problem, or a part is not working. Always check your manual for what the flashing lights mean for your model.
Can I fix a dishwasher that won’t start by myself?
Yes, many dishwasher problems can be fixed by yourself. Simple things like making sure the door is closed or resetting the power are easy to do. Cleaning the filter and checking hoses are also beginner-friendly fixes. But if you are not sure about electrical parts, it is safer to call a professional.
Do I need special tools to fix dishwasher lights flashing?
For most small problems, you do not need special tools. A screwdriver, a cloth, and maybe a small brush are enough. If you want to check electrical parts, a multimeter helps, but it is not required for basic fixes. For big repairs, professionals use special tools.
Is it possible the dishwasher control panel is broken?
Yes, the control panel can break and cause flashing lights or no start. Buttons can get stuck or the control board can fail. If cleaning buttons does not help and you see error codes, the control panel might need repair or replacement.
Can water supply issues cause flashing lights?
Definitely. If water cannot flow into the dishwasher, it will not start and lights may flash. Check the water valve under the sink and the hose for kinks. The water inlet valve inside the dishwasher can also fail and cause problems.
Do I need to clean the dishwasher filter regularly?
Yes, cleaning the filter regularly keeps your dishwasher working well. A dirty filter blocks water flow and can cause problems like flashing lights or poor cleaning. Clean the filter once a month to avoid these issues.
Is the drain pump important for dishwasher starting?
Yes, the drain pump is very important. If it is blocked or broken, water can’t drain and the dishwasher will stop working. Check and clean the pump if you see water not draining properly or flashing lights.
Can loose wiring cause dishwasher problems?
Yes, loose or damaged wiring can cause flashing lights and no start. Check connections inside the dishwasher if you can. Loose wires stop the dishwasher from getting power or sending signals. Tightening or fixing wiring can solve the problem.
