“Encountering issues with your Whirlpool dishwasher, such as blinking lights and an inability to start the wash cycle? It’s essential to understand that many Whirlpool dishwashers are programmed to display specific light patterns when a problem occurs.
In the case of flashing lights, when you attempt to initiate a wash cycle, your dishwasher is essentially communicating, ‘I’m sorry, I can’t start because I’ve encountered an issue following your command to begin the cycle.'”
Whirlpool dishwasher not starting lights blinking How to troubleshoot
Solution 1:
Reset the Dishwasher When your dishwasher has power but won’t start, with lights flashing, it’s a good idea to attempt a reset. This can often resolve hardware or software glitches causing the issue. To reset the dishwasher:
- Unplug the dishwasher for approximately 1 minute and then plug it back in.
- If the dishwasher is hard-wired, switch off the breaker for about 1 minute and then switch it back on.
Solution 2:
Swiftly Close the Door For most dishwashers, it’s crucial to close the door promptly after pressing the Start button, usually within about 10 seconds. Try pressing Start/Resume again and swiftly latching the door.
Solution 3:
Open and Close the Door, Then Press “Start/Resume.” Another useful step is to quickly open and close the dishwasher door and then press “Start/Resume.” This action helps ensure that the door switch functions as intended by confirming that it opens and closes securely, preventing issues during the cycle.
If these steps don’t resolve the problem, you can consider trying the following additional fixes:
Whirlpool dishwasher not starting lights blinking: Further fixes to try
Troubleshoot for Stuck Keys or Short circuits in the keypad or control input Lines: Stuck keys or short circuits in the keypad or control input circuit can cause issues with your dishwasher. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- Unplug the dishwasher or disconnect the power.
- Disassemble the door to disconnect the keypad connection from the control or LCD display module.
- Ensure that all necessary connections to the control are properly made.
- Reassemble the door without closing it.
- Plug in the dishwasher or reconnect the power.
- Wait for the control to fully power up (about 7 seconds).
- Close the dishwasher door and observe the control’s response:
- If it activates the machine’s drain motor for a few minutes, the control is fine, and the issue lies with the keypad (replace the keypad and console).
- Replace the control or LCD display module (whichever the keypad connects to) if the drain motor does not activate (indicating a faulty control).
Additional Repairs for Stuck Keys and Shorts in the Keypad: Before trying the steps above, consider these additional repairs:
- Ensure all connections between the control or LCD module and the keypad are securely tightened.
- Clean any moisture or debris from the key’s surface.
Troubleshoot the Door Switch Further: There might be a loose connection in the dishwasher’s door switch circuit, or the door switch contacts may be stuck open. Check the following:
- Ensure that the door latch assembly is not loose.
- Confirm that the door switch is not experiencing high resistance.
- Potential solutions:
- Check the strike plate and avoid using excessive force when closing the door.
- Verify if the door seal is correctly seated.
- Ensure that no dishes are obstructing the door from closing properly, and rearrange them if necessary.
- Try bending the strike plate down for better engagement.
- Inspect the latch assembly and replace it if it’s damaged or broken.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, use a metre to check the resistance of the door switch contacts and all connections in the door switch circuit while opening and closing the door. Address any high resistance or loose connections.
Check for an error code: Look for error codes on the display. If you find one and resetting the appliance doesn’t clear it, the problem may be related to another component. Run service diagnostics to understand the meaning of the error code (more on running diagnostics for a Whirlpool dishwasher to follow shortly).
Read Also: Ge vs lG Appliances
Pros and Cons of whirlpool dishwasher
Pros
- Reliability
- Affordability
- Ease of Use
- Energy Efficiency
Cons
- Noise Levels
- Limited Advanced Features
- Plastic Interior
- Drying Performance
Differences Between Whirlpool Dishwasher and Amana Dishwasher
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers a range of dishwashers with varying noise levels, including quieter options for those who prioritise a quieter kitchen environment.
Amana
Amana dishwashers may lean more towards basic and might not offer the same noise reduction technology found in some higher-end Whirlpool models.
Alternative to whirlpool dishwasher
Bosch
Bosch is known for its high-quality, efficient, and quiet dishwashers. They offer a wide range of models with various features, including advanced cleaning technology and energy efficiency.
Whirlpool dishwasher not starting, lights blinking—other potential solutions
Disable Control Lock
If the control lock is accidentally activated, the dishwasher’s user interface won’t respond until you turn it off. Disable the control lock and attempt to press the start button once more.
Clear Obstructions in the Spray Arm
Check for any items that might be blocking the spray arm’s movement. Remove any obstructions on the lower rack that could be preventing the unit’s spray arm from rotating.
Inspect the Sump
Next, remove the filters to examine if there’s anything lodged inside the sump, as this could also be causing the issue. While doing this, take the opportunity to clean the filters, so you won’t need to reopen the dishwasher later for this task.
If you find anything obstructing the sump, remove it if necessary, reinsert the filters, and observe the dishwasher’s performance.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting issues with your dishwasher can often be a straightforward process. If you encounter problems such as control lock activation, a blocked spray arm, or sump obstructions, following these steps can help resolve the issues and get your dishwasher back to its normal operation.
Always ensure to disable the control lock, remove any potential obstructions from the spray arm, and inspect the sump for blockages. Cleaning the filters is also a good practice. By taking these steps, you can enhance the efficiency and functionality of your dishwasher.
