You open your Frigidaire dishwasher, ready to clean up after dinner, but then you see it — the lights are flashing! It can feel very annoying and confusing. You may wonder if something is broken. Don’t worry. The flashing lights on your Frigidaire dishwasher usually mean a simple problem that you can fix yourself. In this article, you will learn how to stop the lights from flashing and make your dishwasher work again without calling a repair person. These steps are easy, clear, and meant for anyone to try at home.
Check the Door Latch and Close It Properly
Many people don’t know that one small thing like a loose door can make the lights on a Frigidaire dishwasher flash again and again. The door latch must be shut tightly. If the door is not shut right, your dishwasher will think it’s open and stop working.
Look at the door and try to open and close it slowly. Do you feel it click when it shuts? That click means the latch is catching the door properly. If you don’t feel a strong click or the door feels too loose, the latch may be broken or bent.
Try cleaning the latch area first. Food or dirt can build up and block the latch from working. Use a cloth with warm water and a little soap. Wipe the latch area carefully, then try shutting the door again. If it clicks this time, the problem may be fixed.
If it still doesn’t work, check if the latch is damaged. Sometimes the small part that clicks into the door gets pushed down or broken. If it looks loose or doesn’t stay in place, you may need to replace it. Door latches are easy to buy online and don’t cost much.
Also, check if anything is stuck near the door seal. A big spoon or dish that is not placed right can stop the door from closing all the way. Remove some dishes and try again.
When the door is latched right, the lights should stop flashing and the dishwasher should start running. If not, go to the next step.
- Make sure the door is shut all the way
- Listen for a strong ‘click’ when closing
- Clean the latch area with warm soapy water
- Look for broken or loose latch parts
- Remove dishes that may block the door from closing
Reset the Dishwasher and Clear the Error
Sometimes your Frigidaire dishwasher just needs a small reset. Like a phone or a computer, it can freeze or get stuck. When this happens, lights flash because the machine doesn’t know what to do next.
To reset the dishwasher, press and hold the ‘Cancel’ button for about 3 to 5 seconds. Look at the display — the lights may blink a little, then stop. This is a good sign. It means the dishwasher is trying to clear the last job it was doing.
If that doesn’t work, you can try a full power reset. Go to your home’s circuit breaker box and find the switch that controls the dishwasher. Turn it off for about 5 minutes. Then turn it back on.
Now go back to your dishwasher and try turning it on again. Often, this will fix the flashing lights.
If the lights still flash, press the ‘Start/Cancel’ button again for 3 seconds. Then wait one full minute. After that, try to start a wash cycle. Listen for the sound of water starting to run.
This reset can help clear small problems like power surges, missed signals, or half-done cycles. Many people forget that dishwashers are smart but still need simple tricks to keep going.
- Press and hold the ‘Cancel’ button for 3–5 seconds
- Try switching off the dishwasher from your home’s breaker box
- Keep the power off for 5 minutes
- Turn it back on and restart the cycle
- Use ‘Start/Cancel’ again if the lights continue
Look for Error Codes and Understand Them
Frigidaire dishwashers often show error codes through the lights. These codes can help tell you what is wrong inside the machine. Even if the lights flash fast, there may be a code hidden behind the pattern.
One common code is ‘i20’ or ‘i30’. These mean the drain is blocked or there is too much water. Other codes like ‘i10’ mean low water. Flashing lights may go with these messages. You can check your dishwasher’s manual or search online for a list of Frigidaire error codes.
To see if your dishwasher is showing an error code, try pressing two buttons at the same time. Most dishwashers use the ‘Hi Temp’ and ‘Start/Cancel’ buttons. Hold them for 5 seconds. The lights will flash in a pattern that tells you the error.
Count the flashes. One flash, pause, then two flashes may mean code ’12’. Write it down and look it up.
Even if you don’t know the code, just knowing there is an error can help you decide what to do next — like cleaning the filter, checking the water line, or calling a pro.
Once you know the code, follow what it tells you to do. Many problems can be fixed at home just by understanding the message.
- Watch for flashing lights that follow a pattern
- Hold ‘Hi Temp’ and ‘Start/Cancel’ to show error codes
- Count the flashes and note the pattern
- Look up the code in the manual or online
- Follow the fix based on what the code means
Clean the Filter and Drain Area
Your dishwasher needs to drain water after every wash. If it can’t drain, it will stop working and show flashing lights. One big reason is a clogged filter or drain area.
Open the bottom rack and remove it. Now look at the floor of the dishwasher. You will see a round filter or a mesh screen. This is where food bits get trapped.
Twist the filter gently and pull it out. It may look dirty or even smelly. Use warm water and soap to clean it. If food is stuck, use an old toothbrush to scrub it out. Make sure you rinse it well before putting it back.
Next, check the drain area under the filter. Sometimes small bones, rice, or seeds block this area. Use a cloth to wipe around it. You can also use a spoon handle to gently lift out any gunk you see.
Don’t forget the drain hose. It runs from your dishwasher to the sink or garbage disposal. If it’s bent or blocked, water won’t drain and lights will flash. Look under the sink to check the hose.
You may also want to run a full hot water cycle with vinegar. Pour one cup of vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher and run it empty. This helps clean the inside and remove old grease.
- Take out and clean the filter under the bottom rack
- Check the drain area for food or small blockages
- Clean with warm water, soap, and a soft brush
- Make sure the drain hose is not bent or blocked
- Run a vinegar cycle to clear grease and smells
Inspect the Float Switch for Blockages
The float switch is a small part inside your Frigidaire dishwasher that tells it when to stop filling with water. If the float is stuck, the machine may think it is full and stop working, which can make the lights flash.
To find the float switch, look at the bottom of your dishwasher’s tub. It’s usually a round piece that can move up and down. It may be covered or open, depending on your model.
Try moving it gently with your fingers. It should go up and down easily. If it is stuck in the ‘up’ position, the dishwasher may not fill with water.
Check for any food, grease, or plastic that could be holding the float in place. Sometimes a piece of paper or even a small spoon gets stuck there.
If it feels dirty, wipe it clean with a cloth and warm water. Try not to use anything sharp or strong that could damage the float.
Once you clean and move the float freely, close the door and try starting the dishwasher again. Many times, this is all you need to fix the problem.
The float switch is simple but very important. It helps protect your home from leaks by stopping too much water. So always make sure it is clean and moving the right way.
- Find the float switch on the dishwasher floor
- Make sure it moves up and down easily
- Clean around it with a cloth and warm water
- Remove any food or trash stuck around it
- Try running the dishwasher again after cleaning it
Check the Control Board and Wiring
If you have tried all the steps above and the lights are still flashing, the control board may have a problem. The control board is like the brain of your dishwasher. It tells every part what to do.
Sometimes, a small power surge or water leak can damage the board. Other times, a wire might come loose. This can confuse the dishwasher and make the lights flash nonstop.
Turn off the power at your home’s breaker box before checking anything inside. Open the bottom kick plate of the dishwasher with a screwdriver. Inside, you will see wires and the control board.
Look for burnt wires, loose connections, or any signs of water damage. If you see anything strange, like a burned smell or melted plastic, you may need to replace the control board.
Some boards can be fixed by just unplugging and replugging the wires. Make sure all the connectors are tight.
Replacing the control board is harder, but many people do it themselves. You can find the right part online by checking your dishwasher’s model number. Follow video guides if you are not sure.
If you don’t feel safe opening the dishwasher, it’s okay to call a repair person. But try the easy steps first. Many flashing light problems are not serious.
- Turn off the power before touching wires
- Open the lower panel and check the control board
- Look for loose or burnt wires
- Make sure all connectors are tight
- Replace the control board if badly damaged
Final Thoughts
Having a Frigidaire dishwasher with flashing lights can be very stressful, especially when you don’t know what the lights mean. But now you know many easy ways to fix it yourself. From checking the door latch to resetting the machine or cleaning the drain, each action can help. You don’t always need to call for help. Most of the time, these lights are just your dishwasher’s way of asking for a little care. Try the steps one by one, and your machine may start working like new again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to keep using the dishwasher when the lights flash?
No, it is not safe to use the dishwasher when the lights are flashing. Flashing lights usually mean that the dishwasher is facing a problem. It could be a door issue, water problem, or even an electrical fault. If you keep using the dishwasher in this state, you might damage it more. Also, if water is not draining or if there’s an electrical error, it could lead to leaks or short circuits. It’s better to stop the cycle and follow the steps above to fix the issue before using it again.
Can the flashing lights mean the dishwasher is overheating?
Yes, in some cases, flashing lights can be a sign that the dishwasher is overheating. If the water inside gets too hot or if the heating element is broken, the control board may flash lights to warn you. Overheating can damage dishes or even cause parts of the dishwasher to melt. If you think overheating is the reason, stop the dishwasher and let it cool down. Then check the heating element and make sure there’s no error code shown. If it happens again, you may need to replace the heating part.
Is it okay to unplug the dishwasher to reset it?
Yes, unplugging the dishwasher is one good way to reset it. If you cannot unplug it directly, turning off the circuit breaker in your home for five minutes works the same way. This helps the dishwasher reset its memory and clear any stuck error. After turning the power back on, try starting a new cycle. This easy reset works for many problems, especially when the lights flash but no water comes in or the buttons do not respond.
Can a bad drain hose cause flashing lights?
Yes, a bad or blocked drain hose can make the lights on your Frigidaire dishwasher flash. If the dishwasher cannot drain water after a cycle, it will show an error and flash lights to let you know. Sometimes the hose under the sink is bent, blocked, or clogged with grease. You can take it off and clean it with warm water. If the hose is damaged, you may need to replace it. Once the drain works again, the flashing lights should stop.
Do I need a new control board if nothing else works?
You may need a new control board if all other steps fail and the lights continue to flash. The control board handles all the commands in the dishwasher. If it is damaged by water or a power surge, it may not send the right signals. You can check it by looking inside the bottom panel. If you see burnt wires or if nothing changes after resets, the board could be bad. Getting a new one is not too hard if you follow online videos or ask for help.
Is it normal for lights to blink when starting a cycle?
Some lights may blink once or twice when starting a cycle, and that can be normal. But if the lights blink fast, don’t stop, or are blinking together, that means something is wrong. Normal blinking usually stops once the dishwasher begins to run. If the lights keep flashing and nothing happens, follow the steps in this guide to find the real cause. Often it’s a small fix like shutting the door properly or resetting the machine.
Can I fix a flashing light issue without calling a repair person?
Yes, most flashing light problems on a Frigidaire dishwasher can be fixed at home. Many of the problems come from simple things like a dirty filter, a stuck float switch, or a door that is not closed right. This guide shows you all the ways to check and fix those things yourself. Only in rare cases, like a broken control board or bad wiring, will you need a repair person. Try the easy steps first before spending money on repairs.
Do I have to replace parts if lights keep flashing?
Not always. You may not need to replace any parts if the flashing lights are caused by a blocked filter, loose door, or a simple error code. Replacing parts like the latch, float, or control board should only be done after trying all the cleaning and reset steps first. Many users fix the issue without buying anything. But if something looks broken or burned, then you might have to replace that part to fix the dishwasher fully.
