What Causes a Whirlpool Dishwasher to Have a Flashing Light?

However, what these flashing lights mean may be a mystery to some dishwasher owners as is fixing whatever problem is present.

Start/Resume Light

When the “Start/Resume” light is flashing, it is usually because the Whirlpool dishwasher was in progress but was interrupted, which may be due to a power failure or someone opening the dishwasher door during the wash cycle without pressing “Pause/Cancel” first. To resolve this flashing light issue, simply close the dishwasher door and push the “Start/Resume” button to commence the rest of the wash cycle.

Rinse Only Light

The “Rinse Only” light should only illuminate if the rinse cycle was selected and is currently in operation. If the “Rinse Only” light is blinking, several keys on the control pad have gotten stuck. To resolve this situation, press “Pause/Cancel” and then press each key pad one at a time, which should release the key pads as needed.

Stuck Key

Any individual key pad that gets stuck will flash to notify users that it is caught in position. To resolve this situation, press “Pause/Cancel” and then push the corresponding key pad that is flashing a few times, which should release the stuck key.

Clean Light

Although the “Clean” light typically illuminates when the wash cycle is done to notify users that the dishes are clean and can be unloaded, if the light is blinking, this indicates that service is needed. Try to press “Pause/Cancel” and then start a new wash cycle. If the “Clean” light does not blink again, the problem is resolved through the reset, but if the light keeps blinking, contact Whirlpool for assistance.