If you’re a Frigidaire dishwasher owner and you notice that the lights on your control panel are flashing, it can be frustrating and confusing. The good news is that troubleshooting can resolve the issue, and this guide will help you.
In this article, we’ll discuss the possible reasons why your Frigidaire dishwasher lights are flashing and provide some helpful tips on resolving the issue.
Here is a quick overview of the points discussed in this article:
- Various issues, including a malfunctioning heating element, a faulty control panel or main board, an open dishwasher door, or a faulty drain pump, can cause Frigidaire dishwasher lights to flash.
- Always ensure your safety and the safety of your dishwasher before attempting any repairs. Unplug the dishwasher and follow proper safety precautions.
- Inspect the dishwasher door to ensure it is fully closed before attempting other troubleshooting steps.
- Check the control panel’s signs of physical damage, such as cracks, water damage, or wear and tear.
- Inspect the dishwasher’s drain hose for any kinks or obstructions that may prevent the dishwasher from draining properly.
- Contact a professional technician if you cannot diagnose or repair the issue.
- Regular maintenance and cleaning of your Frigidaire dishwasher can help prevent issues like flashing lights from occurring in the first place.
By following these key points, you can keep your Frigidaire dishwasher running smoothly and efficiently and troubleshoot any issues.
Whether a simple fix like an open dishwasher door or a more complex problem like a faulty control panel, this troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and fix the issue quickly and efficiently.
Reasons Behind Frigidaire Dishwasher Flashing Lights
Understanding the possible causes behind your Frigidaire dishwasher lights flashing can help you troubleshoot the issue and resolve it quickly.
Here are a few common reasons why the lights on your Frigidaire dishwasher are flashing:
1. Dishwasher Door Is Not Fully Closed
One of the most common reasons for flashing lights on a Frigidaire dishwasher is simply that the door is not fully closed. This might seem obvious, but it’s important to check that the door is firmly closed before trying any other troubleshooting steps.
When the dishwasher door is not fully closed, it can prevent it from starting. In addition, the control panel lights will start flashing to indicate an issue.
If you see flashing lights on the control panel, ensure the door is securely closed by pushing it in until you hear a click.
If the door is not closing properly, check if any obstructions or debris prevent it from closing fully. For example, this can be caused by small items like spoons or forks that may have fallen inside and blocked the door from closing correctly.
If there is nothing in the way, the latch on the door might be faulty or broken, preventing it from closing properly. If this is the case, you might need to repair or replace the latch.
2. Heating Element Issue
A malfunctioning heating element is the next most common cause for flashing lights on a Frigidaire dishwasher.
The heating element is responsible for heating the water in the dishwasher, which is essential for effective cleaning.
If the heating element malfunctions, the dishwasher may not heat the water to the appropriate temperature. The control panel lights may start flashing to indicate an issue.
To check if the heating element is malfunctioning, you can use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the heating element is malfunctioning, you might need to repair or replace it.
Before assuming that the heating element is the problem, ensuring the dishwasher receives enough water is essential.
If the dishwasher is not getting enough water, it can cause the heating element to malfunction.
3. Faulty Drain Pump
A faulty drain pump is another common reason why your Frigidaire dishwasher lights might be flashing. The drain pump is responsible for removing the wastewater from the dishwasher and pumping it out.
If the drain pump is not working correctly, it can cause water to back up in the dishwasher and trigger the lights to flash on the control panel. Inspect the dishwasher’s drain hose for any kinks or obstructions to check if the drain pump is faulty.
A clogged drain hose can cause the dishwasher’s drain pump to malfunction, leading to flashing lights. If the drain hose is clear, you can check the drain pump for any signs of damage or wear.
A faulty drain pump may make unusual noises or not pump water out of the dishwasher correctly. If you suspect the dishwasher drain pump is faulty, you can use a multimeter to test its continuity. If it is not functioning correctly, you need to replace it.
4. Faulty Control Panel
Another possible reason for flashing lights on your Frigidaire dishwasher is a faulty control panel. The control panel communicates with the dishwasher’s internal components and sensors to ensure everything works correctly.
If the control panel is faulty, it may not be able to communicate effectively with the dishwasher components, causing the lights to flash. Inspect the buttons for any signs of wear and tear or water damage to check if the control panel is faulty.
If you notice that the buttons are not responding correctly, it could be a sign that the control panel is faulty and needs to be replaced. It’s best to contact a professional technician to diagnose and repair any issues with the control panel.
Attempting to repair a faulty control panel yourself can be dangerous and may damage your dishwasher further.
You can also try resetting the control panel to see if this resolves the issue. To do this, turn off the dishwasher and unplug it from the power supply.
Please wait a few minutes before plugging it back in and turning it on. If the lights keep flashing, it might indicate that the control panel is faulty and must be replaced.
5. Main Control Board Malfunction
A malfunctioning main control board is one of the most severe reasons for flashing lights on a Frigidaire dishwasher. The main control board is the brain of the dishwasher and is responsible for controlling all of the dishwasher’s functions.
If it’s malfunctioning, it can cause the dishwasher to stop functioning altogether or perform poorly. Unfortunately, diagnosing a malfunctioning main control board can be challenging, as various factors can cause the issue.
In some cases, the issue might be related to other components or circuits in the dishwasher. Therefore, it’s essential to consult a professional if you suspect the main control board is the problem.
If the main control board is faulty, you might need to have it replaced by a professional. This can be an expensive repair, but it’s necessary to ensure that the dishwasher is functioning correctly.
Remember, attempting to replace the main control board without the proper knowledge and tools can be dangerous and might cause further damage to the dishwasher.
Therefore, it’s best to leave this repair to the professionals.
Conclusion
Frigidaire dishwasher lights flashing can be frustrating and can prevent your dishwasher from working correctly. However, understanding the possible causes behind the flashing lights can help you quickly troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
From a malfunctioning heating element to a faulty control panel or main control board, there are several reasons why the lights on your Frigidaire dishwasher might flash.
Before attempting any repairs yourself, it’s crucial to ensure your safety and the safety of your dishwasher. Always unplug the dishwasher and follow proper safety precautions when attempting any repairs.
We hope this article has helped you understand the possible causes behind why your Frigidaire dishwasher lights are flashing and provided some helpful tips on how to fix the issue.
Following these tips, you can keep your dishwasher running smoothly and efficiently for years.
If you cannot resolve the issue, it’s best to contact a technician who can diagnose and repair it correctly.
A professional technician can also provide recommendations on how to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
