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 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 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 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.

Written by Keith Schneerer

Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com

Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.

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