Why Is the Light on My Dishwasher Control Board Blinking

Have you ever walked into your kitchen, preparing to load your dishwasher after a long day, only to be met with an annoying flashing light on the control board? You know the one – it blinks incessantly, mocking you as if to say, “Figure me out if you dare!” It’s frustrating and confusing, leaving you wondering what the heck is going on.

Maybe you’ve tried pressing buttons or resetting the cycle, only to see that pesky light continue its relentless blinking. And let’s face it, calling a repairman can be costly and time-consuming – not exactly ideal solutions for a busy household. But fear not! Understanding why that light is blinking doesn’t have to be a mystery anymore. In this article, we’ll break down the common reasons why your dishwasher control board light might be flashing and how you can troubleshoot the issue yourself. So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to finally conquer that blinking light once and for all!

What a Blinking Light on Your Dishwasher Control Board Means

A blinking light on your dishwasher’s control board can indicate a variety of issues. Usually, this light is an indication that there is a problem with the dishwasher that needs to be addressed. It is vital to determine the cause of the blinking light to fix the issue and prevent further damage.

In most cases, a blinking light can mean that something is blocking the dishwasher’s drainage system or interfering with its sensors. It could also indicate that there is an electrical problem or malfunction within the unit.

The exact meaning of the blinking light will depend on your specific dishwasher model and brand. Therefore, it’s crucial to check your user manual for guidance on troubleshooting these errors if you see a flashing light.

Common Causes of Blinking Light

1. Clogged Drainage System: A clogged drainage system can cause water to back up into the dishwasher, leading to a blinking light. This issue commonly occurs when food debris accumulates in the drain hose or garbage disposal.

2. Sensor Malfunction: The sensor inside your dishwasher controls its various functions, including filling and draining water. If there’s an issue with this sensor, it can trigger a blinking light.

3. Electrical Problems: Faulty electrical connections or damaged wires inside your dishwasher may cause a blinking light.

4. Door Latch Issues: If there’s an issue with your dishwasher door latch, it may not close properly and cause a blinking light.

Identifying When the Light Started Blinking on Your Dishwasher Control Board

To troubleshoot any appliance issue accurately, it’s essential to identify when exactly did you notice that something was wrong with your dishwasher.

If you’re at home and notice that something seems off about your appliance while it’s running, take note of what stage it was in when you noticed any abnormalities – whether it was during the wash cycle or draining water from the appliance. This can help you identify the cause of the issue more accurately.

Also, try to remember if anything unusual happened before you noticed that there was an issue with your dishwasher. For instance, did you add a different type of detergent or use a different dishwashing cycle than usual? Did you overload the dishwasher or forget to scrape off food debris from your dishes before loading them into the unit?

Identifying Recent Changes

If you recently made any changes to your dishwasher’s settings or habits when using it, this could be a possible cause of the blinking light. Take note of any recent changes and revert back to your previous settings if possible.

Determining How Long the Light Has Been Blinking on Your Dishwasher Control Board

Knowing how long the light has been blinking can give valuable insight into what may have caused it in the first place. If it has been blinking for just a few minutes, it could be due to a minor issue like clogged filters, which are easy to clean.

However, if it has been blinking for hours or days without stopping, this is an indication of a severe problem that needs immediate attention.

How Long is too Long?

If your dishwasher light continues to blink for more than 24 hours, it’s time to investigate further. Prolonged blinking may indicate significant issues such as motor failure or an electrical fault inside your appliance.

It’s advisable not to use your dishwasher until you identify and fix its issues as continued usage can cause further damage.

Possible Causes of a Blinking Light on Your Dishwasher Control Board

There are several causes of a blinking light on your dishwasher control board. Some common reasons include:

1. Clogged Filters: Filters inside your dishwasher trap food particles and other debris during washing cycles. When these filters become clogged, they can cause a blinking light.

2. Drainage Issues: Drainage issues such as blockages or damaged hoses can trigger a blinking light on your dishwasher control board.

3. Faulty Sensors: Dishwashers rely on sensors to perform their functions accurately. If there’s an issue with any of these sensors, the dishwasher may start blinking its control board light.

4. Electrical Issues: Sometimes, electrical issues inside your dishwasher such as loose connections or broken wires could be the reason why your dishwasher control board is blinking.

5. Water Supply Problems: If there’s something wrong with the water supply or inlet valve inside your dishwasher, this can interfere with its functioning and cause it to blink.

Checking for Error Codes or Messages Along with the Blinking Light on Your Dishwasher Control Board

Some modern dishwashers come equipped with self-diagnostic features that display error codes or messages in addition to a blinking light on the control board. These error codes are useful in identifying the exact problem that caused the blinking light.

If your dishwasher has a digital display panel, check if it is displaying any error codes along with the flashing light. Refer to your user manual for a list of what each code means so you can troubleshoot accordingly.

Common Error Codes

Here are some common error codes you might see displayed alongside a blinking light:

1. E1 – Indicates an issue with the door switch

2. E2 – Signifies that there’s an issue with filling water into your appliance

3. E3 – Indicates drainage problems

4. E4 – Can indicate incorrect water temperature

Can You Still Use Your Dishwasher While the Light is Blinking?

It’s not advisable to use your dishwasher while the control board is blinking as this could worsen an existing problem and cause more damages to your unit.

Continued use of your dishwasher without addressing the issue could result in significant repair expenses or even require you to replace your dishwasher altogether.

What if You Need a Dishwasher?

If you need your dishwasher, consider checking with a technician to see if there are any temporary fixes that can allow you to use it safely until the issue is fully resolved.

The Importance of Addressing a Blinking Light on Your Dishwasher Control Board

A blinking light on your dishwasher’s control board should not be ignored as it usually indicates an underlying problem. It’s essential to address the issue promptly before it causes further damage or becomes an expensive repair.

Ignoring the blinking light and continuing to use your dishwasher can lead to more severe issues that may require you to replace your unit entirely.

Why Addressing Issues is Important

Addressing issues promptly helps prolong the lifespan of your appliance, saves you money on repairs, and ensures that your dishes are cleaned effectively each time.

Troubleshooting and Fixing Issues with a Blinking Light on Your Dishwasher Control Board

Here are some steps for troubleshooting and fixing issues with a blinking light on your dishwasher control board:

1. Check for clogs in the filters, drain system, or garbage disposal

2. Inspect electrical connections inside the unit

3. Check sensors inside the dishwasher

4. Confirm that there’s no water supply problem or inlet valve malfunction

5. Refer to your user manual for instructions related to error codes displayed by digital displays

6. Call a professional technician if necessary

When Should You Call A Professional?

If you’re unsure about how to fix the issue, it’s best not to attempt any repairs yourself as this could worsen existing problems. Instead, call up a licensed technician who specializes in repairing dishwashers who can diagnose and fix the issue accurately.

In conclusion, a blinking light on a dishwasher control board can indicate various issues, including a malfunctioning sensor or electrical problem. It is important to refer to the manufacturer’s manual or seek professional assistance to diagnose and fix the problem effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions about Why Is the Light on My Dishwasher Control Board Blinking

How do you reset the blinking light on a GE dishwasher?
If your dishwasher is having problems, try resetting it by pressing the “Start/Reset” button and waiting for two minutes. If the issue persists, turn off power to the dishwasher from the house circuit breaker or fuse box for 30 seconds and then turn it back on. This should reset the dishwasher and resolve any issues.

Why is the lock control light flashing on my GE dishwasher?
If the lights on your dishwasher are blinking, it could mean that there is an issue with the micro switch located in the door latch assembly. To check if the switch is the problem, use a multimeter to test for continuity. If there is no continuity, either replace the switch or the entire latch assembly.

Why are the lights flashing on my Maytag dishwasher control panel?
If you notice the clean light on your Maytag dishwasher flashing, it is most likely due to the float switch becoming stuck. The float switch is responsible for monitoring the water level in the dishwasher and ensuring that it does not exceed a certain level.

Why are the lights flashing on my LG dishwasher control panel?
If the lights on your dishwasher are blinking, it may mean that there is an issue with the micro switch located inside the door latch assembly. You can check if this is the problem by using a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, you will need to replace either the switch or the entire latch assembly.

How do I reset my GE dishwasher control board?
To activate service mode for the dishwasher, press and hold both the Select Cycle and Start buttons for five seconds. Afterwards, to reset the dishwasher, simply press the Select Cycle button for another five seconds. This process can be done as of December 1st, 2021.

How do you reset the control board on a GE washer?
To reset the electronic controls on your washing machine, you can either turn off the circuit breaker or unplug the machine for two minutes. If your machine has a timer control knob, turn it to a different position than final spin for the interrupted cycle. Afterwards, restore power to the machine.