Previously, we looked at how to fix Whirlpool dishwasher red light blinking problems.
As a continuation of our Whirlpool dishwasher lights meaning, today, I shall show you how to troubleshoot and fix Whirlpool dishwasher clean light blinking problems.
So, read on to know what a flashing clean light means, what causes it, and how you can fix it.
Whirlpool dishwasher clean light blinking – what it means
For the most part, a flashing clean light usually indicates that there is an issue with the dishwasher’s water temperature.
This is usually the case if the control board cannot detect the temperature rising to the necessary levels during a wash cycle.
And by the way, if you were to closely examine the flashing of the clean light, you will notice that it is flashing in a pattern… It will flash seven times, pause, flash seven times, and the process continues.
Nonetheless, at times, the problem could be due to some other problems such as the dishwasher having excess suds or an acting-up overfill protection float.
How to fix Whirlpool dishwasher clean light flashing problems
Start by resetting the dishwasher
At times, the problem is usually due to the presence of static charges on the control board.
And the best way to solve this is by resetting the board.
To reset it, press the following button sequence: Heated dry → Normal → Heated dry → Normal.
All the indicators should light up to indicate that the process is successful.
Now, once these lights go off, press the Cancel button twice to complete the reset procedure.
Pro tip: For dishwasher models that do not have the Heated dry button, you can use any of the following in its place: Air dry or Energy saver dry buttons.
However, this will not work on some models. Instead, to reset such models, use the following sequence:
Heated dry → Normal → Heated dry → Normal → Heated dry → Normal
Note that in these models, you will not need to press the cancel button to complete the reset. However, the indicator lights should still light up in unison to indicate that the reset was successful.
If this reset does not work, you can proceed to hard reset the dishwasher.
To do so, trip the circuit breaker and let it sit for at least five minutes before you reset it.
Your dishwasher might not be getting hot water
If your dishwasher relies on hot and cold water inlets, it could be that the hot water inlet is bad. And as a result, your unit is not getting hot water.
Here, you will want to test the water temperature inside the dishwasher.
And of course, you’ll test the temperature after you select a cycle – don’t test it after the dishwasher has run since the water will have cooled down.
With that in mind, select a wash cycle, press the start button, and let water flow into the unit.
Next, measure the temperature of this water – it should be around 120 to 130⁰F.
If it is not, confirm that hot water is coming from the hot water faucet… If it is not, you might want to have a plumber inspect it.
On the other hand, if the faucet has hot water, check and confirm that the hot water inlet is not kinked.
The heating element could be bad
On the other hand, if your model relies on a heating element to heat the water, it is possible that the element might be bad.
So, give the element a visual inspection for signs (such as burns) that might mean it’s bad.
Alternatively, you can use a multimeter to test the element’s resistance… Basically, if the element is good, the resistance reading should be between 10 and 35 ohms.
If your reading is out of this range, it means that the element is bad and you should replace it – order a replacement heating element on Amazon.
The thermostat might be to blame
And the best way to know if it is bad is to test it.
To test the thermostat, use your multimeter to test it for continuity.
If it is good, it will have continuity.
On the other hand, if it is bad, swap it out to fix your dishwasher – shop for a replacement thermostat.
Whirlpool dishwasher clean light blinking – more troubleshooting steps to try
Remove any excess suds that might be in the dishwasher
Your dishwasher might have excess suds more so if you are using the wrong (or excess) detergent.
Also, it could be that you did not replace the rinse aid dispenser cap after refilling the rinse aid.
And, the excess suds might be resulting in water not filling properly.
What you can do
To clear the excess suds, Whirlpool recommends that you do the following:
- Remove the dishes.
- Use a cup (preferably plastic) to scoop out as many suds as possible.
- Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of cooking oil to the bottom of the dishwasher – this will suppress the suds.
- Run a full cycle – with no detergent or dishes
- Fill the dispenser cups with dish detergent and run another full cycle – again, no dishes.
Confirm that the overfill protection float is fine
This float normally prevents the dishwasher from flooding.
Now, to be sure that it is fine, you will need to confirm that it can move up and down freely.
Something else: If it is in the up position, be sure to press it down to release any water (or trapped food particles) that might be in there.
Confirm that the water supply is fine
Here, all you need to do is check your water tap – confirm that it is fully open.
And if it is open, make sure to straighten out any kinks that might be along the inlet hose.
Finally, remove any debris that might be trapped inside the inlet valve.
The control board might be bad – so, inspect it
Here, start by inspecting the wire connections to and from the control board… Re-insert any loose connections and replace the broken ones.
If the problem persists, odds are that the board is gone.
And in this case, your best bet is to get a replacement control board.
Whirlpool dishwasher clean light stays on
When the clean light stays on in your Whirlpool dishwasher, it means that the dishwasher has completed the wash cycle.
As a result, this is pretty normal.
Nonetheless, you can reset the clean light by opening and closing the dishwasher door.
Alternatively, you can press the cancel button.
Whirlpool dishwasher normal and cancel lights blinking
If the normal and cancel lights are flashing together, it means that the control panel is shorting.
And as a result, swapping out the control panel should fix your dishwasher.
But, before you swap it out, first try to reset the dishwasher – refer to the reset procedure above.
Other than that, also be sure to disengage any buttons that might be stuck.
Whirlpool dishwasher clean light blinking – parting words
A common troubleshooting step that I have seen people make is to assume that if any light flashes seven times, then the heating mechanism is to blame.
However, this is not the case… Only a clean light flashing points to this.
For instance, if the start button repetitively flashes seven times, it means that the flow meter has failed.
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