You open your LG dishwasher expecting clean dishes, but instead, you see a blinking light. That blinking light can feel like a warning that something is wrong, and it can be really frustrating. The good news is, it doesn’t always mean something big or expensive. Most of the time, it’s a small issue you can fix yourself. In this article, you will learn what the blinking light means and how to fix it in simple steps. You don’t need to be an expert or call a repairman just yet.
Understand What the Blinking Light Means
When you see a blinking light on your LG dishwasher, it usually means the machine has found a problem. This blinking light acts like a signal. It helps tell you that something is not right. Maybe the door is not closed well, maybe there’s a water problem, or maybe the control panel has a small error.
First, check if the dishwasher door is shut properly. LG dishwashers have sensors that know when the door is open. If the door isn’t fully closed, the light will blink, and the machine won’t start.
Next, listen for any strange sounds. A grinding or clicking sound might mean there’s something stuck in the spray arms or the filter. Blocked spray arms can stop water from spraying properly. This can make the dishwasher pause and blink the lights.
Sometimes, the blinking light tells you there’s a water supply issue. Make sure the water tap that feeds your dishwasher is turned on. Also, check the hose connected to the machine. If it’s bent or blocked, water can’t go in.
Another reason for the blinking light could be the control panel. Like a phone or computer, the control panel can sometimes freeze. Try turning off the power to your dishwasher for 5 minutes. Then turn it back on. This can help reset the system.
Some LG dishwashers also blink lights to show a certain error code. You can look in your user manual to match the blinking pattern to an error message. That way, you can understand what the dishwasher is trying to say.
Sometimes, a dirty or clogged filter can cause the blinking. The machine senses it’s not draining properly and flashes a light. Make sure to check and clean your filters every few weeks.
- Blinking light shows something is wrong
- Door may not be fully closed
- Spray arms or filters might be blocked
- Water supply might not be reaching the machine
- Control panel may need a reset
- Error codes can help explain the problem
- Cleaning the filters can stop the blinking
Check the Door and Latch System
The dishwasher door is one of the most common reasons why the light blinks. If the door isn’t shut the right way, the machine will not start. LG dishwashers have a smart system that checks if the door is locked. When it is not, you will see the blinking light.
First, open the door and look around the edges. If you see food, grime, or old soap stuck there, clean it. That dirt can stop the door from closing fully. Use a clean cloth and warm soapy water. Wipe all the rubber parts and door edges.
Now look at the latch. This small metal or plastic piece clicks in when the door closes. If the latch is loose or broken, it won’t click in right. Then, the dishwasher will think the door is open, even if you closed it.
Sometimes the latch may be blocked by dishes or utensils inside. A big pot or long spoon could stop the door from closing tight. Make sure nothing is sticking out before you shut the door.
If the latch looks broken or doesn’t hold the door, you might need to replace it. You can buy a new latch online or at a hardware store. Make sure it matches your LG dishwasher model. Replacing the latch is not too hard. You just need a screwdriver and a bit of patience.
Also, make sure the dishwasher is not tilted. If it is not level, the door may not line up right. Use a level tool to check if the machine is sitting straight. You can adjust the legs under the dishwasher to fix it.
If the blinking light stops after you close the door properly, then you know this was the problem.
- Door might not be shut all the way
- Dirt or soap can block the door from closing
- Latch could be broken or stuck
- Big dishes may stop the door from closing
- Dishwasher may not be level
- Replacing a latch is a simple fix
- Properly shut door often stops blinking light
Inspect the Water Supply and Drain
Water is the heart of any dishwasher. If it can’t get in or drain out, the machine will show a blinking light. Start by checking if water is reaching the dishwasher.
Look behind the machine and find the hose that connects it to your water supply. Make sure the hose isn’t bent or twisted. A blocked hose can stop water from entering. Also, see if the tap that feeds the hose is turned on.
Next, open the dishwasher and see if water pools at the bottom after a wash. If water stays inside, that means the drain system has a problem. A full bottom might trigger the blinking light because the machine can’t finish its cycle.
Check the drain hose. This is the second hose at the back of the machine. It leads dirty water out. If it’s blocked or clogged, water won’t drain. You can remove the hose and run warm water through it to clean it out.
Inside the dishwasher, look at the filter and the drain area. Sometimes food, paper, or glass pieces get stuck there. Remove the filter by turning and lifting it. Clean it with warm water and an old toothbrush.
Also, look under the filter for small food parts. Use a paper towel to scoop out anything stuck. Rinse everything well and put the filter back in place.
Some LG models also have a drain pump that might get stuck. If you hear a humming sound but no draining happens, the pump might be jammed. You may need to take the bottom panel off to see and clean the pump.
Fixing water issues often stops the blinking light. The machine needs water to run and a way to drain it when done. If it can’t do either, it will blink to warn you.
- Check water inlet hose for kinks or blocks
- Make sure water tap is open
- Look for standing water inside machine
- Drain hose could be blocked
- Clean the filter and drain area
- Pump might be stuck or jammed
- Water flow problems often cause blinking
Reset the Dishwasher Control Panel
Sometimes your LG dishwasher is just confused. Like a phone or TV that starts acting strange, it may need a simple reset. A blinking light can mean the control panel is stuck or giving the wrong signal.
Start by turning off the dishwasher. If it’s plugged into a wall, unplug it. If it’s hard-wired into the wall, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Leave it off for at least 5 minutes.
This gives the dishwasher a chance to forget the error and start fresh. After 5 minutes, turn the power back on. Try starting a new cycle. If the blinking light is gone, the reset worked.
If the blinking light comes back, try holding down the ‘Start’ or ‘Cancel’ button on the control panel for 3 to 5 seconds. Some LG models let you reset the dishwasher this way. You may hear a beep, and the lights may turn off.
Also, check if any other buttons are stuck. Press each button to see if it feels normal. Sometimes, crumbs or dirt can make a button stick. Wipe the control panel gently with a damp cloth.
You can also try a ‘factory reset’ if your dishwasher allows it. Look in your model’s manual to see the steps. It might involve holding two buttons at the same time. This brings the machine back to its default settings.
After the reset, run a short cycle without any dishes. If the dishwasher works fine and the lights stay normal, then your problem is fixed.
- Turn off dishwasher power for 5 minutes
- Use control panel buttons to reset if possible
- Check for stuck or dirty buttons
- Clean the panel gently with cloth
- Try factory reset if manual allows
- Test with an empty cycle
- Reset often stops blinking lights
Clean the Filters and Spray Arms
One of the easiest things you can do to fix a blinking light is cleaning. Filters and spray arms play a big part in how your dishwasher works. If they are blocked, the water can’t move around, and the machine gets stuck.
First, open your LG dishwasher and pull out the bottom rack. Look at the bottom where the filter sits. Most LG dishwashers have a round filter that you can twist and lift out. Clean it under warm running water. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub away food and grease.
Look under the filter area for small bits of food, glass, or even paper labels. Wipe them out with a paper towel or cloth. If the area smells bad, use a little white vinegar on the cloth.
Next, check the spray arms. These are the long plastic arms that spin and spray water. You can remove them by unscrewing or unclipping. Run warm water through the holes. Use a toothpick or wire to poke out any food or dirt stuck in the holes.
Put the spray arms and filter back in place. Make sure they are locked in tight. A loose filter or spray arm can cause shaking or noise, which may lead to blinking lights.
If your dishes often come out dirty or still wet, it’s a sign that cleaning parts are not working well. Dirty filters and blocked spray arms can be the reason.
Clean these parts at least once every 2 weeks. This will keep your dishwasher running smoothly and prevent blinking lights in the future.
- Remove and clean the filter under warm water
- Scrub with a soft brush to remove grease
- Check under filter for small food or dirt
- Remove spray arms and rinse well
- Poke out blocked spray holes
- Put everything back tightly
- Clean every 2 weeks to avoid blinking
Check for Error Codes and Model-Specific Signs
LG dishwashers sometimes give more than just a blinking light. They also show error codes. These codes can help you know exactly what is wrong. Each code means something different. You can find the meaning in your user manual or online using your model number.
For example, if you see the code ‘OE’, it means the water is not draining. If you see ‘LE’, it means there is a motor problem. The ‘FE’ code tells you too much water is coming in.
To see the code clearly, watch the blinking pattern on the control panel. Some lights blink fast, others blink slow. Count the blinks. It may help you match the pattern to a code.
Use your phone to take a short video of the blinking light. Then play it back and count the blinks. This helps you not miss anything.
Once you know the code, search online for your LG dishwasher model and that error code. You will usually find repair tips from other users or from LG’s website.
Some dishwashers also have smart diagnosis. If yours does, download the LG ThinQ app. Open the app and follow the steps to scan your dishwasher. It will tell you what the problem is.
Knowing the error code helps you not waste time. You can fix the right problem instead of guessing.
If you don’t have a manual, go to LG’s website. Search using your dishwasher’s model number. You can download the manual in a PDF file.
- Watch for error code with blinking lights
- Each code tells you what is wrong
- Count the blinking pattern carefully
- Take a video to make counting easier
- Use LG app for smart scan if available
- Look up your model online for help
- Use the code to fix the right part
Final Thoughts
The blinking light on your LG dishwasher doesn’t always mean a big problem. In most cases, it is something small that you can fix yourself. Whether it’s a door not closing, a blocked filter, or a control panel reset, these simple steps can help. Don’t rush to call a repairman. Try each method one by one. Keep your dishwasher clean and checked often. This can stop future problems. A little time and care can save money and stress in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal for the LG dishwasher light to blink sometimes?
Yes, it can be normal for the light to blink at the start or end of a cycle. It might blink when the dishwasher is thinking or pausing. But if the blinking continues and the machine does not start or finish the cycle, then it’s not normal. That usually means there is a small problem. It could be the door, water, or control panel. Checking those areas can help you fix it easily. Don’t ignore blinking that goes on too long.
Can a blinking light mean my LG dishwasher is broken?
A blinking light does not always mean your dishwasher is broken. It usually means the machine has found something that needs attention. This can be a small thing like a door not closing or a dirty filter. Most of the time, you can fix the issue yourself. If the light keeps blinking even after checking, then it might need a repair. But many times, it’s something simple and not a sign of a big break.
Do I need to call a repairman for a blinking light?
No, you don’t need to call a repairman right away. First, try checking the door, water supply, control panel, and filters. Many blinking light issues are easy to fix at home. If you follow the steps in this guide, you may find the problem and fix it yourself. Call a repairman only if the blinking light continues after trying all the steps or if you see an error code you can’t fix.
Is it safe to keep using my LG dishwasher with the blinking light?
If the dishwasher is still running and cleaning dishes normally, it may be safe. But if it won’t start, stop, or finish the cycle, then you should not use it until the problem is fixed. A blinking light means something is not right, and it’s better to fix it before it gets worse. Using the dishwasher with a known issue might cause more damage over time.
Can dirty filters cause the LG dishwasher light to blink?
Yes, dirty filters can cause problems that lead to a blinking light. If food or grease blocks the filters, the dishwasher might not clean well or drain water properly. This can stop the cycle and make the lights blink. Cleaning the filter regularly helps your machine work better and avoids this issue. It’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes.
Do I have to reset the LG dishwasher every time it blinks?
Not always. If the blinking is caused by a small issue, like a door not closed right or a blocked spray arm, fixing that should stop the blinking. But if the dishwasher is stuck or frozen, then a reset can help. You can unplug it for 5 minutes or use the control panel buttons to reset it. You only need to reset when the machine doesn’t respond to simple fixes.
Is it okay to clean the spray arms myself?
Yes, you can clean the spray arms by yourself. It’s safe and easy. Just take them off carefully, rinse them, and poke out any food stuck in the holes. Cleaning spray arms helps your dishes come out cleaner and can stop problems that cause blinking lights. Do this every few weeks to keep your dishwasher running smoothly.
Can error codes help me fix my LG dishwasher?
Yes, error codes are like messages from your dishwasher. They tell you exactly what is wrong. Each code has a different meaning. If you understand the code, you can fix the right problem. Look in your manual or online using your model number. This saves time and helps you not guess what is wrong.
