Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes – Lights Blinking Flashing

Whirlpool dishwasher displaying an error code or flashing lights? If your dishwasher detects an error in the system, it will show an the appropriate error, the lights flash, will blink, or a fault code will show. When lights are blinking your dishwasher is identifying a specific fault. The light blinking sequence will indicate which part on your Whirlpool dishwasher needs to be replaced.

Some Whirlpool dishwashers display an error code by flashing the clean Light on the display in a pattern. If your Whirlpool dishwasher does NOT have a digital display, the clean Light will flash the function code then the clean Light will pause for 2 seconds and then will flash the problem code.  You need to count the number of times the clean light flashes to find out the error code on your Whirlpool dishwasher. As an example: If the clean light flashes 5 times followed by 2 flashes (5-2) then this error is showing the function code = “Door issue” and the problem code is “The door switch is in question”. The flashing light patterns repeat again after a 5 second pause. NOTE: The control panel console is fully non-functional when an error code is flashing.

Whirlpool dishwasher error codesWhirlpool dishwasher error codes

NOTE: You may attempt to run a diagnostic test cycle to find errors. Beginning the test cycle is different on dishwasher models.
Try the action below to run a diagnostic test on your dishwasher:
1 – Turn the dishwasher on.
2 – Press the rinse cycle button.
3 – Turn the dishwasher back off.
4 – Hold down the start button while you turn the dishwasher back to on.
5 – When the light starts flashing immediately let go of the start button.
6 – Press the start button one time and shut the dishwasher door.
7 – The test cycle should start.
8 – If an error is found the cycle will stop, the flashing error code will then display.

Whirlpool Dishwasher ManualWhirlpool Dishwasher Manual

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 1-1
Error Condition = Electronic control board is detecting a stuck electrical relay on the circuit board
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher for 5 minutes to try and reset. If the error code comes back when power is applied then check the wiring and the components. If the wiring and components check out then replace the electronic control board.
Replacement Parts Required = Electronic Control Board

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 1-2
Error Condition = All the lights are on as the user interface control is not compatible with the electronic control board
Repair or Check = This error code will show when the wrong user interface control is installed.
Replacement Parts Required = User Interface Control Board

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 2-1
Error Condition = Electronic control board detects a stuck key button on the control panel
Repair or Check = If no keys work replace the electronic control panel. If the control panel is damaged then replace the electronic control panel. If the control panel is in working order then the problem may be within the electronic control board.
Replacement Parts Required = Control Panel – Electronic Control Board

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 2-2
Error Condition = User interface control unable to communicate with the electronic control board
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher. Check the wiring between the user interface control and the electronic control board. If the wires and connections check out then replace the user interface control board. If the problem comes back then replace the electronic control board.
Replacement Parts Required = User Interface Control Board – Electronic Control Board

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 3-1
Error Condition = There may be a break in the electrical wiring OR the thermistor (water temp sensor) component failed. The optical water indicator that detects the amount of debris in the water may have also failed.
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher and check the wiring for the thermistor and optical water indicator circuit. If the circuit wiring checks okay then replace the thermistor and optical water indicator component.
Replacement Parts Required = Thermistor – Optical Water Indicator (OWI) – Wire Harness

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 3-2
Error Condition = The Thermistor / Optical Water Indicator circuit is electrically shorted
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher and check the wiring for the thermistor / optical water indicator circuit. If the circuit wiring checks okay then replace the thermistor / optical water indicator component.
Replacement Parts Required = Thermistor – Optical Water Indicator (OWI) – Wire Harness

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 3-3
Error Condition = Optical Water Indicator (OWI) has failed
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher and clean the optical water indicator. If the error code comes back once you apply power then replace the optical water indicator (OWI).
Replacement Parts Required = Thermistor – Optical Water Indicator (OWI)

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 4-3
Error Condition = Communication stopped from the wash pump motor and the electronic control board
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher and check the wiring from the wash pump motor to the electronic control board. If the wiring checks to be okay then replace the wash pump. If the problem comes back then replace the electronic control board.
Replacement Parts Required = Wash Pump Motor – Electronic Control Board

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 5-1
Error Condition = Dishwasher door will not shut (Door Latch Issue)
Repair or Check = Press start button and close the dishwasher door. If the code shows then remove power to the dishwasher. Check the door latch assembly and the wiring for the door switch. If the latch assembly and the wiring are in place and check good then replace the door switch.
Replacement Parts Required = Door Switch – Door Latch Assembly

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 5-2
Error Condition = Dishwasher door will not open
Repair or Check = Check to be sure the wiring in the door switch checks good. If the door switch wiring checks good then replace the door switch.
Replacement Parts Required = Door Switch

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 6-1
Error Condition = Electronic control board does not detect water coming into the tub
Repair or Check = Remove power and turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. Be sure the water supplying the dishwasher has proper flow and good pressure. Check wiring to the water inlet valve. If the wiring checks good and the water supply checks out then replace the water inlet valve.
Replacement Parts Required = Water Inlet Valve

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 6-2
Error Condition = The water inlet valve is having an electrical issue
Repair or Check = Remove power and turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. Be sure the water supplying the dishwasher has proper flow and good pressure. Check wiring to the water inlet valve. If the wiring checks good and the water supply checks out then replace the water inlet valve. If the problem persists then replace the electronic control board.
Replacement Parts Required = Water Inlet Valve – Electronic Control Board

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 6-3
Error Condition = Air or SUDS are in the water pump
Repair or Check = Check the water fill level. Check for suds in the fill water at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. If the water fill level is low then replace the water inlet valve. If you find excess suds then check the detergent dispenser and replace it if damaged.
Replacement Parts Required = Water Inlet Valve – Detergent Dispenser

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 6-4
Error Condition = The float switch is electrically open or stuck
Repair or Check = Check the overfill float switch and make sure it is not stuck under there is something under it holding it up. Be sure the water inlet fill valve is shutting off the water when the dishwasher is turned off.
Replacement Parts Required = Water Inlet Valve – Overfill Float Switch

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 6-6
Error Condition = Water coming into dishwasher is too cold
Repair or Check = Use thermometer to check the water temperature coming into the dishwasher. If the water is lower than 110F degrees then check your water heater. Adjust water heater if needed. If the water temperature coming into the dishwasher is between 110F to 120F degrees then replace the thermistor / optical water indicator or as last resort the electronic control board.
Replacement Parts Required = Thermistor – Optical Water Indicator (OWI) – Electronic Control Board

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 6-7
Error Condition = Flow meter is not connected or faulty
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher. Check the wires to the flow meter. If the wiring checks good then replace the flow meter.
Replacement Parts Required = Flow Meter

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 7-1
Error Condition = Heating element not heating
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher. Check the heating element and replace it if you find it to be burned or faulty. If the heating element checks good then check the wires to the heating element. If the wiring checks out then replace the heating element.
Replacement Parts Required = Heating Element

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 7-2
Error Condition = Heating element will not turn off – constant heat
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher for 10 minutes. If the error code comes back when you turn power back on then replace the electronic control board.
Replacement Parts Required = Electronic Control Board

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 8-1
Error Condition = Water is draining too slow
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher and turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. Check the drain path to see if something is blocking it. If the drain path is clean and completely clear then check the wires on the drain pump. If the wiring check out then replace the drain pump.
Replacement Parts Required = Drain Pump

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 8-2
Error Condition = Electrical problem with drain pump
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher and turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. Check the wires on the drain pump. If the wiring checks out then replace the drain pump.
Replacement Parts Required = Drain Pump

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Code 8-3
Error Condition = Drain pump is stuck ON constantly
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher and check the drain pump wires. If there is damage to the the wire harness replace it. If the wiring harness checks out then replace the electronic control board.
Replacement Parts Required = Wire Harness – Electronic Control Board

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Error Code 10-1
Error Condition = Electrical problem with dispenser
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher. Remove the outer door panel. Check the wires in the detergent dispenser. If the wiring check out then replace the detergent dispenser.
Replacement Parts Required = Detergent Dispenser

Whirlpool Dishwasher Flashing Error Code 10-3
Error Condition = Drying fan issue
Repair or Check = Remove power to the dishwasher. Check the wires for the the drying fan. If the wiring checks out then replace the drying fan.
Replacement Parts Required = Drying Fan

For other Whirlpool dishwashers that have a digital display, here are more error codes.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code F1
Problem with the NTC (temperature sensor) or thermistor

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code F2
A water leak has been detected

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code F3
Issue with water heating system

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code F4
The dishwasher isn’t draining

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code F5
Spray arms are clogged or otherwise malfunctioning

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code F6
The fault occurs when the dishwasher does not detect any incoming water despite the water inlet valve being open

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code F7
Fault with flow meter detected

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code F8
Water Turbidity Fault

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code F9
Water inlet is staying open

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code F0
Sensor fault or failure

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code FA
The optical water indicator is detecting high levels of water turbidity

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code FB
Motorized diverter valve fault detected

Whirlpool Dishwasher Fault Code FC
Water hardness sensor failure


Whirlpool Dishwasher – Clean Light Blinking – Diagnostic Mode Help Video

Whirlpool dishwasher partsWhirlpool dishwasher parts

If you need replacement parts for your Whirlpool dishwasher one of the parts listed above may be causing your Whirlpool dishwasher to have flashing or blinking lights.

If you need help identifying what the flashing lights on your Whirlpool dishwasher mean, please leave a question below and we can assist you with troubleshooting.

43 thoughts on “Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes – Lights Blinking Flashing”

  1. Have the Whirlpool Quiet Partner III model GU2400XTPB7…the green light is blinking over the normal cycle button. I have tried turning it off at the breaker for several minutes. I have tried the Heated dry/Normal, Heated dry/Normal, Heated dry/Normal reset sequence. I took the control panel apart and cleaned the contacts on the mother board. Nothing is working. The electronic schematics are missing from the toe plate so I do not have that resource to reference.

  2. We have a model GV2300XTVBI, series F02226074 dishwasher and the clean light keeps blinking after it went through a wash cycle last night. I have tried using the cancel button, and turned the power off for a few seconds, both did not stop the blinking. It flashes 7 times then stops for a couple of seconds then 7 flashes again.
    I did note when I opened it this morning, there was no steam or residual heat on the dishes. I never use the heated dry option. Does it need a new heating element or something else. Thanks

  3. Thank you for posting how to reset dishwasher, it help me tremendously.
    For others that didn’t see how to reset here it is:
    Press heated dry, normal, heated dry, normal and then it should reset

  4. My whirlpool dishwasher model GO2750XTS80 has power scrub flashing.
    Occasionally I can get it to start but will stop with code H4.
    Have reset it but still won’t work.

  5. My dishwasher is WDT780SAEM1
    The code F2 then E2 is flashing on my dishwasher.

    What do these codes mean and what can I do?

  6. Hi, I a Whirlpool Quiet Partner I Dishwasher that that had a draining issue. I took the piping under the sink apart but found no obstruction. The unit started having blinking lights appear while the draining issue existed. I suctioned all the water out and have been turning the breaker off and on to try to reset the unit. Right now, the draining issue may still exist, but I cannot turn the unit on or get it to cycle on any setting. The start and normal buttons keep flashing in an alternating pattern non-stop. Please help. I have no idea what the issue is. Thanks in advance.

  7. Did you get an answer?
    I seem to have the same problem with any cycle.
    Model WDP350PAAB6
    It starts, runs for about 2 mins then the start/resume button flashes constantly..
    Amy advice is welcome, thank you

  8. Whirlpool dishwasher-The cycle starts and water is working. Then at the 2:57 minute it beeps and then wash and time buttons blink continuously.
    Thoughts?

  9. Whirlpool Model WDF520PADM7
    Fills, drains (with cancel), does not run wash cycle.
    Entered diagnostic mode (1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2-3), all LEDS come on.
    Hit 2 to start service cycle
    When “Clean” LED lights, I then get 4-3 suggesting an issue with the heater relay.
    What’s my next diagnostic step?

  10. My Whirlpool Quiet Partner II has lights come on when I push the normal button and then Heated Dry the Soak and Scour light also comes on but will not let me depress it. If I try to press a delayed start button the 4 & 6 light up as well as all the status buttons on top row. Pushing cancel clears it all but same result when you start over again. If I manually start without delay buttons the washing status light comes on along with the drying light

  11. Whirlpool Dishwasher Model DU1055XTVSO. Both the Normal and Pots&Pans lights are rapidly blinking back and forth. DW stops in mid-cycle.

  12. Whirlpool dishwasher wdf320pads1 – the Clean light does not display at the end of the diagnostic test. The panel goes black.

  13. ALLEN VETTER - DIY Repair Assistant

    Andrew,
    What is the model number for your Whirlpool dishwasher?
    In the meantime, try simply cleaning out the filter in the dishwasher and see if that clears the error code.
    -RR

  14. My whirlpool dishwasher comes up with F- then E-, no numbers on the digital display, what does that mean?

  15. i have the same problem
    Whirlpool dishwasher ADP 4617
    it blinks 6 times
    and some times blink 7 times

  16. The clean light flashes 7 times and will not stop. Cannot start dishwasher. We had a thunderstorm. Not sure I I need to reset or how

  17. My Whirlpool dishwasher (WIC 3C26) is showing a fault code of ’10’, no F, with the on/start light flashing fast constantly. I cannot find this code described anywhere? Can anyone help?

  18. My Whirlpool 720 is showing a green leaf light – which it has never done before. Can anyone help?

  19. ALLEN VETTER - DIY Repair Assistant

    Ruth Morton,
    Concerning your Whirlpool dishwasher flashing and blinking lights on the control panel…
    Can you count how many times the blink occurs and which buttons blink?
    The number of times the blinking will tell the exact error.
    Let us know and we can let you know the exact error code.
    -RR

  20. Our dishwasher is blinking fast then turns red and shuts off. It won’t start at all. Could you help me please?

  21. hi, my wirlpool gold dishwasher is not working, the only pots & pans light is blinking, can you please help me. thanks

  22. carolyn a abram

    A pipe in the ceiling burst and water poured down through all my recessed lighting. I noticed the water level was so high in the dishwasher, it leaked out onto the floor once the water from the ceiling had been shut off. I pressed the start and drain down after I had bailed the level down, and the dishwasher drained. I turned it on tonight to wash the dishes an the E2 F2 codes were still flashing and nothing got it to stop flashing. The water is out. Now what should I do ? Thank you.

  23. I’m working of a Whirlpool dishwasher, model WDT720PADM1. Using the 123-123-123 button push method I’ve successfully run the service cycle. It shows codes F6,E6 then F6,E4 then F7,E1 and finally F8,E2. Each alpha-numeric combination blinks on 3 times, then it moves on to the next combination. What do these codes mean or where can I find that information. Then too, I’ve not been able to delete codes so some of these may no longer apply. How do I deleted old error codes or find that information. So, far, everything I’ve tried with the machine seems to be working OK.

  24. Our whirlpool dishwasher, owned for the past 10 years quit working. When we try to turn it on, the heavy and normal light will come on, will blink a few times then will stop blinking but the lights stay on. Sometimes the start light will come on but not every time. It did start one time but stopped after about 3 seconds. It won’t start at all for us to run any test. Any idea what we’re dealing with.

  25. HI. I have a dishwasher whirlpool adg 7554 model. When I did the code test the start led light flushing continuously without stopping. I don’t know what error is that could you please help. Thank you

  26. Try to see if there is any water leakage from the drain hose back into the under tray causing a short circuit. This caused my 16 year old dishwasher to do exactly what yours is doing. Replace drain hose and see if this works. Its a very cheap test run.

  27. I have just resolved a lights blinking error in my Whirlpool dishwasher.
    I scanned the web looking for a solution and eventually found I should remove a flap from within the water flow direction channel which allows a choice to only wash lower deck or upper deck or both.
    So I learned a lot about the various working parts of the dishwasher.
    It all turned out to be a simple solution.
    Any shorting of the electronics by water will cause a fault error code.
    I found that the drain hose pipe was leaking back into the under metal tray and causing the bobbing polystyrene failsafe off switch to activate which stops the machine and causes blinking lights.
    The replacement hose cost me €16.00 and now it is back working perfectly.
    First thing to do is replace the drain hose and see if this cures it.

  28. I have a Whitlpool quiet partner IV and the “normal” and “cancel” buttons are flashing continuously. I can’t turn it on. Any advice

  29. Hi, my dishwasher is a whirlpool DU1055XTVs2, the NORMAL cycle light flashes on the panel, already changed the control board did the whole diagnostics without problem and it worked for one day. Now it is back to the flashing normal cycle light with no response and can get into diagnostics. Is it the control panel?

  30. My whirlpool dishwasher was bought in 2010 and clean light flashing with no special way to indicate problem, just 2 seconds pose and no able to reset or start. One of website said I should push “high temp dry” and “high temp wash” button continuously which will reset control board. Should I try this one?

  31. Andrea, I never could get it to work and have just washed dishes by hand. There are no repairmen near me and I am sure a new machine would probably cost less than the repair. If you do fix yours, please let me know how and how much it cost you. Thanks, Mike

  32. Mike,
    Did you ever figure out the problem? I’m currently having that EXACT same problem with mine and, before I get someone out to repair it, I’d like to know if it is something I can do myself.
    Thanks,
    Andrea

  33. I have a whirlpool dishwasher which is 16 years old and has always worked wonderfully….

    However, now it just blinks on the start button and will not work…

    I thnik perhaps someone turned it off in the middle of a cycle.
    What should i do to rectify it?

    THANK§

  34. Charlene Connolly

    My whirlpool dishwasher 6th generation is flashing h04 any suggestions. Thanks

  35. Jon-Eirik Holm-Johansen

    Our less than 2 yr old dishwasher is blinking between E2 and F2.
    From above F2 states a water leak has been detected.
    What does E2 mean?

  36. Whirlpool Quiet Partner III starts to fill with water but stops just shy of the heat element. There is a slight buzzing sound but the machine will not progress beyond this point. I have run the diagnostic but get no code. No flashing lights. The machine will drain.

  37. DIY Project Help Tips

    John,
    If trying to reset the Whirlpool dishwasher panel does not work and it continually blinks or flashes, it is your control panel keypad assembly that has gone bad or a stuck key is causing the issue.
    -RR

  38. Cycles lights flashing. Disconnected power for 10 minutes then they started flashing again. The model #du1345xtvb0

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