Samsung Dishwasher Normal Light Blinking and Won't Turn Off?

You are washing dishes like normal, but your Samsung dishwasher shows a blinking Normal light and just won’t turn off. This can feel really annoying, especially when you just want your machine to work like it should. But the good news is, there is a clear reason and simple fix for this. In this article, you will learn what causes this issue and how you can fix it step by step without needing a repair person. You can solve this problem at home even if you are not a tech expert.

Check the Error Code Meaning Behind the Blinking Light

When the Normal light on your Samsung dishwasher blinks and doesn’t stop, it is usually trying to tell you something is wrong. It is not just a random light. The blinking means there is an error. Sometimes, the dishwasher cannot work properly, and it blinks to give you a message.

This message is like a code. Each blinking pattern shows a different kind of problem. For example, if only the Normal light is blinking, it can mean different things like:

The dishwasher has water inside and cannot drain it.
The door is not closed tight.
The control panel has a glitch.
There was a power cut while it was running.

You do not need to guess. Look at how many lights are blinking or how fast. If the Normal light blinks every second and does not stop, it is most likely a drain issue or a stuck cycle. The machine is stuck and doesn’t know how to stop or go forward.

You can try pressing the ‘Start’ button and holding it for 3 seconds to reset it. If that doesn’t help, unplug the power for a few minutes and plug it back in. Sometimes a reset like this can fix the blinking issue.

Some models also blink the Normal light if water is leaking or there is too much water. In that case, you need to remove the bottom panel and check for water under the machine.

To understand the meaning behind the light, check your model’s manual. Each Samsung model has slightly different codes.

A blinking Normal light is a warning sign.
It may point to a draining problem, door latch issue, or leak.
Try resetting the machine using the Start button or power plug.
Always check your model’s guide for exact error meaning.
If there’s water under the dishwasher, clean it before restarting.

Inspect the Dishwasher Door and Latch Carefully

One of the main reasons your Samsung dishwasher blinks and won’t stop is a problem with the door. The door needs to be shut tight for the dishwasher to start or finish a cycle. If it thinks the door is open or not closed all the way, it stops and the Normal light blinks to let you know.

Look closely at the door. Open and close it again slowly. Make sure there is no food, soap, or anything stuck in the door seal or latch. Sometimes even a tiny piece of food can stop the door from closing right.

Then, check the door latch. This is the small metal piece inside the top edge of the door. It clicks when you close it. If it feels loose or wobbly, it might be broken. If the latch is not locking into place, your dishwasher will think the door is open even when it looks closed.

Also, try to gently push on the door when it’s closed. If the light stops blinking when you push, that means the latch or door sensor is weak or not connecting well.

You can also look at the door sensor. It is inside the machine and knows when the door is shut. If this sensor is dirty or not working, it can make the dishwasher think the door is open.

Sometimes, if the door was forced shut too hard, the sensor or latch can break. You might need a new latch or sensor. But try cleaning them first. Use a soft cloth and a little vinegar or dish soap to wipe the latch and sensor area.

If your dishwasher is still under warranty, you should contact Samsung to get a free part replacement.

A weak or dirty latch can cause the blinking.
Check if anything is stuck in the door seal.
The door sensor might need cleaning or replacement.
A broken latch means the machine won’t think the door is shut.
Gently pressing the door can help test the latch problem.

Clear Out the Dishwasher Drain and Filter Area

Another big reason why the Normal light blinks and the dishwasher won’t turn off is a clogged drain. If your Samsung dishwasher cannot drain the dirty water, it will freeze the cycle and flash the light to tell you there’s a problem.

First, open your dishwasher and take out the bottom rack. You will see the drain area under the bottom spray arm. Look closely for any food, paper, or small items like seeds or glass pieces stuck in the drain.

Next, take out the filter. Most Samsung dishwashers have a round filter you can turn and lift out. Under it is the drain hole. If the filter is full of gunk, the water cannot drain. Wash the filter in warm water and dish soap. You can also use an old toothbrush to scrub it clean.

Now look inside the drain hole. Use a flashlight. If you see food or stuff stuck inside, try to remove it using your fingers or a spoon. Be careful of sharp things. You can also pour a mix of baking soda and vinegar to clear the drain. Wait 15 minutes and then pour hot water down.

Another part to check is the drain hose. This is a thick tube behind the dishwasher. If it’s bent, crushed, or blocked, the water cannot get out. You might need to pull the dishwasher out a little to see the hose.

If you just installed a new garbage disposal, make sure the knockout plug was removed. If not, your dishwasher cannot drain.

Once everything is clean, put the filter back, close the door, and run a short cycle. If the light stops blinking, then the drain was the problem.

Dirty filter can stop the dishwasher from draining.
Check for food or junk stuck in the drain area.
Use vinegar and baking soda to clean out clogs.
A blocked or bent hose can cause blinking lights.
Always recheck the filter before running again.

Do a Full Reset on the Dishwasher’s System

Sometimes the dishwasher just needs a full reset. Like a phone or computer, your Samsung dishwasher can get stuck because of a glitch in the control panel. When this happens, the Normal light blinks and the buttons might not work right.

To reset your Samsung dishwasher, follow these steps:

Turn off the power. You can do this by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker.
Leave the power off for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps clear the memory and reset the board.
Turn the power back on. Wait for the machine to power up.
Press the ‘Start’ or ‘Power’ button once.
If needed, hold the ‘Start’ button for 3 seconds to cancel the last cycle.

This reset helps clear out any stuck settings or errors. Many users find that after a reset, the dishwasher starts working normally again.

You should also look for any buttons that might be stuck. If a button is held down by accident, the dishwasher may freeze or blink a light. Wipe the control panel clean and make sure no buttons are stuck in place.

For some models, there’s a “Reset” or “Cancel & Drain” button. If your machine has that, press it once and wait.

If the light keeps blinking even after a reset, the control board may be faulty. That’s a part inside the machine that controls everything. If it’s damaged, you may need a repair.

Unplug or switch off power to reset the control board.
Wait at least 5 minutes before turning it on again.
Press ‘Start’ for 3 seconds to clear cycles.
Check buttons for dust, dirt, or if they are stuck.
A reset often fixes blinking problems from software issues.

Check for Water Leaks or Moisture in the Base

Your Samsung dishwasher may blink the Normal light if there’s water at the bottom. Under the machine, there is a small tray that can catch leaking water. When that happens, a safety sensor sees the water and stops the dishwasher from working.

This is a safety feature to stop more leaking. But it can also cause the light to blink and keep the dishwasher stuck.

To check, unplug the machine and slowly pull it out from the wall. Look under the dishwasher using a flashlight. If you see water or it feels damp, that means there’s a leak or overflow.

Take a dry towel and soak up any water under the machine. If you have a fan, place it near the dishwasher to dry the bottom area fully. You can also tilt the dishwasher slightly to let the water drain out.

Then, check inside the machine for too much soap or water. If someone used dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent, that could make too many bubbles, which can leak out.

Also check the float switch. It’s a small part inside the tub that rises with the water. If it’s stuck or broken, it may cause the machine to think there’s a leak.

If water comes back again after cleaning it, there might be a broken seal or cracked pipe inside. That needs repair.

Blinking can happen if water leaks under the dishwasher.
Unplug and dry the base of the dishwasher.
Look for soap suds, broken seals, or cracks inside.
A float switch can also be stuck from soap or food.
Use fans or tilt the machine to dry out hidden water.

Replace or Repair Any Faulty Parts After Testing

If you’ve tried everything above and the light still blinks, then it’s time to check for broken parts. Some parts of the dishwasher can stop working with time. These include:

Door latch
Control board
Float switch
Drain pump
Water sensor

Each part helps the dishwasher work smoothly. If even one fails, it can send an error that blinks the Normal light and locks the machine.

Start with the door latch and sensor. If it’s loose or broken, it can be replaced easily. You can buy a new latch online or from a Samsung parts dealer. Watch a simple video online to replace it using a screwdriver.

Next, test the drain pump. If you hear a humming noise but no draining, the pump may be stuck or dead. Replacing the pump takes time, but it is possible to do it at home with care.

If water stays in the bottom even after cleaning the filter, then the pump is likely the issue.

You can also test the float switch with a multimeter to see if it’s working. A broken switch must be replaced.

Lastly, the control board. If all else fails, and the machine won’t reset or start, the control board might be dead. This is the brain of the dishwasher. Replacing it is harder and may need a repair person.

Broken parts can keep the machine blinking and frozen.
Start with easy fixes like the latch or float switch.
Replace the drain pump if water won’t drain.
Control board problems usually show after all else fails.
Look up your model’s part number before buying replacements.

Final Thoughts

Fixing a Samsung dishwasher with a blinking Normal light can feel hard at first. But with the right steps, you can do it on your own without calling a repair person. Most of the time, the problem is just a simple reset, clogged drain, or a door latch not closing right. Always go one step at a time, stay calm, and check every part closely. If nothing works, then replacing a small part may fix the issue. You don’t need to be a pro. Just follow the steps and your dishwasher will be back to normal.

Problem	Cause	What to Do	Tools Needed	DIY or Call Help
Normal light blinking only	Error code or stuck cycle	Reset machine, check manual	None	DIY
Door not closing	Latch broken or blocked	Clean latch, replace if broken	Screwdriver	DIY
Water not draining	Filter or hose blocked	Clean filter, check drain hose	Old brush, gloves	DIY
Light blinks nonstop	Control board stuck	Do a full reset	None	DIY
Water under dishwasher	Leak in base or float stuck	Dry base, fix seal or float	Towel, fan	DIY
Still not working	Part damaged (latch, pump, board)	Test and replace parts	Multimeter, tools	May need help

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to keep using my Samsung dishwasher when the Normal light blinks?

No, it is not safe to keep using the dishwasher when the Normal light is blinking. The light usually means there is a problem that needs fixing. If you keep using the dishwasher without checking the issue, it could make things worse. There could be water that is not draining, a leak, or even a part that is not working right. It’s best to stop using it until you find the cause. Fix the issue first so your machine does not get damaged more.

Can I reset my Samsung dishwasher to stop the blinking?

Yes, you can reset your Samsung dishwasher to stop the blinking light. First, turn off the power either by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker. Leave it off for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then turn it back on and press the ‘Start’ button once. Some models also need you to hold the button for 3 seconds. This reset clears any old settings or stuck errors. If the blinking stops after the reset, then the machine is ready to use again.

Do I need to replace the door latch if the light keeps blinking?

If you have already cleaned the latch and checked the door but the light still blinks, then yes, you may need to replace the door latch. A faulty latch means the dishwasher thinks the door is still open, even when it is shut. This will stop it from running. A new latch is not expensive and can be replaced at home with a screwdriver. Always get the right part that fits your model. Replacing the latch often fixes the blinking problem.

Is it possible the drain is causing the blinking light?

Yes, a clogged drain is a common reason for the blinking Normal light. If the dishwasher cannot get rid of dirty water, it stops the cycle and blinks to warn you. The filter might be full of food or the drain hose might be blocked. Cleaning out the drain area, filter, and checking the hose can help solve the problem. If the pump is broken, it will also need to be replaced. Always check the drain area first before moving to other fixes.

Can soap suds cause the blinking light?

Yes, using the wrong soap can cause too many suds and make the machine stop working. If someone puts dish soap meant for handwashing instead of dishwasher detergent, the inside fills with bubbles. These bubbles can leak into the bottom tray and trigger the leak sensor. When that happens, the dishwasher blinks and won’t turn off. You need to clean out the bubbles, dry the base, and run a rinse cycle to fix it. Use only proper dishwasher detergent.

Do I need a new control board if the reset doesn’t work?

Not always. Try other steps like checking the latch, drain, and leaks first. But if nothing else works and the machine won’t reset or run a cycle, then yes, the control board might be faulty. This is the main part that tells the dishwasher what to do. Replacing it is harder and may need a technician. If your dishwasher is still under warranty, contact Samsung before buying a new part. Always try simple fixes first before replacing the board.

Is it normal for the dishwasher to blink after a power outage?

Yes, it is normal for the dishwasher to blink after a power outage. When power is lost while it’s running, it may get stuck in the middle of a cycle. The blinking light tells you that it needs to be reset. Just turn off the power completely, wait a few minutes, then turn it on and press ‘Start’. If it does not start again, try a longer reset or cancel the cycle. Power cuts can confuse the system, but a reset usually helps.

Can I fix the dishwasher on my own or should I call someone?

You can fix many blinking light problems by yourself. Things like cleaning the filter, resetting the machine, or replacing the latch are simple enough for beginners. You don’t need special tools, just patience and a few steps. But if nothing works or you hear strange noises, or if the control board is bad, then it may be time to call a repair person. Try all the simple steps first. Most blinking light problems can be fixed at home without help.