Kenmore dishwashers have earned a great name in the industry, thanks to their exceptional performance. They are undoubtedly durable; however, they can also run into a few problems over time, just like any other piece of equipment.
The normal wash light flashing is one of the most common problems associated with Kenmore dishwashers. Many users have reported that the wash light on these dishwashers starts blinking sometimes for no apparent reason.
If you have experienced the same problem recently, this guide is for you. In this article, we will take you through some of the reasons why the wash light occasionally flashes, along with its easy solutions. Let’s dig out!
How to Fix Kenmore Dishwasher Normal Wash Light Flashing?
Below are some workarounds to try if the wash light on your Kenmore dishwasher is flashing.
If you notice that the wash light on your Kenmore dishwasher is flashing, the first thing you should do is activate the diagnostic mode. Most modern dishwashers nowadays have this mode that helps you troubleshoot the problem.
Once activated, the system will carry out self-diagnosis and display the error code if there is something wrong with the unit. You can then read the user manual of your dishwasher to learn more about the error code.
To enter the diagnostic mode, press the heated dry button followed by the normal wash button. You will need to press them again quickly. This will activate the diagnostic mode on your Kenmore dishwasher, and the LED lights will blink to indicate that the mode has been activated.
Shut the door and keep it closed for some minutes while your Kenmore dishwasher carries out self-diagnosis. Once the diagnostic process has been completed, the problem will be displayed on the panel. Note it and make necessary adjustments to resolve the issue.
Sometimes, the unit may also fix minor problems by itself, and you won’t need to do any additional troubleshooting. However, if the wash light is still blinking, consider resetting the unit.
- Resetting
It may sound counter-intuitive, but resetting can also fix this issue. The wash light on the Kenmore dishwasher is actually an indicator light that illuminates to indicate some problem with the system. Sometimes, the unit has minor bugs that keep it from working properly.
By resetting, you get rid of those bugs and ensure the smooth performance of the appliance. Once you have flushed away the bugs, the light will automatically stop blinking. Take a look at the layout of your Kenmore dishwasher. You will see a “cancel/drain” button.
Press it right after the self-diagnosis to reset the appliance. That’s it! This will reset the Kenmore dishwasher. However, if it doesn’t, it would be better to check out the user manual of your unit and read the reset process.
- Water Flow
In some cases, the issue could be as simple as improper water flow. The Kenmore dishwasher needs a constant supply of water to wash the dishes. If it doesn’t get sufficient water, the wash light may start flashing.
So, if the wash light flashes, check to see if the unit is getting enough water. Check the water valve and make sure it is in the “on” position. Of course, if it is turned off, the water won’t flow to the unit.
Besides, have a look at the water hose as well, and make sure it is properly connected. Lastly, make sure that the hose is not kinked. If it is, the water flow will be restricted, ultimately leading to this issue.
- Stuck Overfill Protection
Kenmore dishwashers feature an overfill protection system for your convenience. This system has a float that works to keep the dishwasher from overflowing while working. However, it is seen that this float gets stuck at times.
Therefore, you will need to check it, and if it is stuck, releasing it will troubleshoot this problem. It is usually found at the bottom part of the dishwasher.
However, its location may vary depending on the make and model of your dishwasher. So, consider reading the operator manual to know about model-specific information.
- Excess Soap Suds
Excess soap suds is uncommon but a possible reason for this problem. If the water in the tub has too many suds, the wash light will start blinking to alert you. This problem will likely arise when you use the wrong detergent. Not only that, but it can also damage the unit.
Click on the “drain” button to drain the water and refill your dishwasher. Keep in mind that only those detergents should be used in the Kenmore dishwashers that are formulated for this purpose. Those detergents won’t make any suds, and the dishwasher will run smoothly.
- Professional Help
If you have tried all these fixes and the light is still blinking, the problem could be a lot deeper. Therefore, hire a trained electrician and let them deal with it. They will inspect all the components and identify the cause of the problem.
Dishwashers are complex appliances, and repairing them without enough knowledge can be dangerous. Moreover, consider going through the user manual, as it will likely have detailed information regarding error codes and indicator lights.
The Bottom Line
Kenmore dishwashers are known for their durability and convenience. These appliances feature indicator lights that illuminate to notify you about a problem. If the wash light keeps flashing, it’s not a good sign.
In most cases, the unit fixes the problem by itself in the diagnostic mode. Make sure to disconnect the power before working on your dishwasher.