What does a red light mean on the front of a KitchenAid dishwasher?

Author: Boyd Strosin  |  Last update: Friday, August 22, 2025

The red light just means your control lock is engaged. You should just need to press and hold the "TOP RACK ONLY" button for 5 seconds to unlock the control panel and then you should be able to use the dishwasher again.

What does the red light on the KitchenAid dishwasher mean?

Blue - Washing In-Progress. Red - Drying In-Progress. White - Cycle Completed. Blinking - Cycle has paused.

What does the red light on the dishwasher mean?

Red light indicates the cycle has started. Green light indicates the cycle is complete, and this light stays for 2 hours after a cycle is completed. No light indicates any of the following: The door was not closed within 4 seconds after touching Start. The cycle has been complete for more than two hours.

How do I reset my KitchenAid dishwasher?

If your dishwasher is plugged into an outlet, unplug the unit for one minute and then plug the unit back in. If the dishwasher is hard wired to the power supply, turn the breaker off at the home electrical panel that powers the dishwasher for one minute and then turn the breaker back on.

How do I get my KitchenAid dishwasher out of lock mode?

To turn off the Control Lock, press the Options key that says "Control Lock Hold 3 Sec" under it for 3 seconds. If the dishwasher has a dedicated Control Lock button in the Options selections, press and hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds (press the words "Control Lock).

Kitchen aid dishwasher light on front of door blinks red and

What is the most common problem with a KitchenAid dishwasher?

The most common dishwasher fault is often related to drainage problems. This can be due to a clogged drain, a blocked filter, or a faulty drain pump.

What buttons do I push to reset my dishwasher?

How to reset a dishwasher control panel
  1. First press the “Cancel/Resume” button, which won't be illuminated, then unplug the appliance from the outlet. ...
  2. Wait approximately 1 minute, plug the cord back into the AC outlet or flip the breaker back on.
  3. Start a new cycle and check if the dishwasher is working properly.

Does KitchenAid have a reset button?

KitchenAid refrigerators typically do not have a physical reset button like some other appliances. Instead, resetting certain functions or settings on a KitchenAid refrigerator involves using the control panel or display panel.

Why is my dishwasher red?

Pink slime, also known as biofilm, is a slimy, pink deposit that can form inside your commercial dishwasher or glasswasher. It's formed from microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, algae, that thrive in warm and moist environments, making glass and dishwashers a perfect breeding ground.

What is the red light on the front of my Whirlpool dishwasher?

Hi Brodie, for this Whirlpool - 24" Built-In Dishwasher the exterior status light on the front of the door panel will glow blue when washing, red while it is drying, and white when the cycle is complete.

What does red star mean on dishwasher?

A star or snowflake symbol means final rinse agent, or rinse aid. You'll typically see it on the lid of the rinse aid reservoir, located next to the detergent reservoir on the inside of the door. What's rinse aid?

What does a red light mean on a dishwasher?

Blue - Washing In-Progress. Red - Drying In-Progress. White - Cycle Completed. Blinking - Cycle has paused.

What would cause a KitchenAid dishwasher not to start?

One of the most common causes of a KitchenAid dishwasher not starting is simply needing to adjust the settings. The control lock, delay start, and sleep mode are all potential culprits. Firstly, check to make sure the control lock is not on. This is a feature that prevents the accidental starting of the dishwasher.

How do I reset my dishwasher panel?

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Reset Your Dishwasher Control Panel
  1. Step 1: Identify Your Dishwasher Model. ...
  2. Step 2: Power Off the Dishwasher. ...
  3. Step 3: Wait for a Few Minutes. ...
  4. Step 4: Reconnect Power. ...
  5. Step 5: Press the Reset Button (If Available) ...
  6. Step 6: Use a Specific Button Combination (If Applicable)

How do you reset a KitchenAid dishwasher?

KitchenAid Dishwasher Cycle Reset

Here's how to do a dishwasher cycle reset: Press and hold the “Cancel” or “Cancel Drain Button” continuously for 5 seconds. Your dishwasher should reset, and you can turn it onto a new cycle.

Does unplugging a dishwasher reset it?

Some models require you to shut off the power to the dishwasher either by unplugging it or shutting off the circuit breaker. Others are reset by pressing and holding the Start/Reset button on the control panel, then waiting a few moments before attempting to start a wash cycle.

Why would I need to reset my dishwasher?

Resetting the dishwasher might solve issues beyond just starting problems, such as malfunctioning controls, cycle sequence disruption, and error code issues.

What is the average life of a KitchenAid dishwasher?

10 years: Bosch, KitchenAid, Maytag, Thermador, Whirlpool, Samsung. Over 10 years: Beko, Blomberg, Electrolux, Frigidaire, Kenmore, LG. 20 years: Miele.

What is the class action lawsuit against KitchenAid dishwashers?

KitchenAid dishwasher owners may be able to recover class action rebates if their rack adjuster and top rack broke unexpectedly. The settlement benefits consumers who purchased certain KitchenAid dishwasher models equipped with an upper rack adjuster between October 2010 and June 14, 2019.

Why is the red light on my KitchenAid dishwasher?

The red light just means your control lock is engaged. You should just need to press and hold the "TOP RACK ONLY" button for 5 seconds to unlock the control panel and then you should be able to use the dishwasher again.

What does red lock mean on KitchenAid dishwasher?

In a Kitchen Aid dishwasher, a red lock symbol means that the control locked light is on. That is a way to lock the control panel. To fix it, press and hold the options key that says “Control Lock Hold 3 Sec" for 3 seconds, or if you have it, the option that says “CONTROL LOCK”.

What is the red lock on my dishwasher?

The red lock indicator shows that the control lock is activated, and the control panel cannot be used while this is activated.

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