Flashing lights on a Whirlpool dishwasher typically indicate an error code, a tripped control lock, or a disrupted cycle. To quickly get your machine running again, perform a hard reset, check the door latch, and ensure your water supply is active.
To hard reset a Whirlpool dishwasher, turn off the power at the circuit breaker or unplug it for 10 to 15 minutes to fully clear the control board's memory. Alternatively, press the Cancel/Drain or Start button for 3 to 5 seconds to cancel active errors.
If your dishwasher is not working, you may want to consider these potential causes:
Your dishwasher is likely failing if you notice pooled water at the end of a cycle, persistent burning smells, or dishes consistently coming out dirty or cold. These issues often point to failing motors, faulty heating elements, or blocked pumps.
Fix your Whirlpool dishwasher by ensuring the door is firmly latched, disabling the Control Lock, and performing a power reset. If it remains dead, check the power supply at your circuit breaker and inspect the water valve.
To hard reset a dishwasher, cut the power to the unit completely. Unplug it from the wall for 5 to 10 minutes, or if it’s hardwired, flip the corresponding circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel. This clears electronic glitches and resets the control board.
Performing a hard reset on a Whirlpool appliance—whether a washer, dishwasher, or refrigerator—typically involves a simple power cycle or entering a system reset mode.
Issues like leaks, poor drainage, unclean dishes, foul odors and overall appliance operation, though infrequent, can be the most common problems with a dishwasher that isn't operating properly. In some cases, you can resolve these issues with a little elbow grease and the help of your product manual.
The average lifespan of a dishwasher is 10 to 12 years. With proper maintenance and light use, some machines can last 15 years or more, while heavy use or high heat cycles may reduce this lifespan.
Check the Dishwasher Door Latch and Switch
The first and one of the most common reasons your dishwasher may have power but refuses to start is a faulty door latch or door switch. Dishwashers are designed to remain inoperative unless the latch is firmly closed.
The blinking start button indicates an error code, suggesting that the touch control panel may have a shorted or stuck button. You can try turning off the breaker for the dishwasher and then using a hair dryer to warm up the touchpad for a few minutes.
To hard reset a Whirlpool dishwasher, turn off the power at the circuit breaker or unplug it for 10 to 15 minutes to fully clear the control board's memory. Alternatively, press the Cancel/Drain or Start button for 3 to 5 seconds to cancel active errors.
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.
The most common dishwasher fault is clogged or poor drainage. This occurs when food debris, grease, or foreign objects (like broken glass or food particles) block the primary drain filter, the drain hose, or the garbage disposal connection, leaving dirty, standing water at the bottom of the unit.
Whirlpool dishwashers typically last between 10 to 12 years with proper care and maintenance. Some heavily used or improperly maintained models may reach the end of their lifespan closer to 7–9 years, while gentle use can push them past the 12-year mark.
To hard reset a dishwasher, cut off its power to clear the control board's memory. Unplug the unit or turn off the dedicated circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel. Wait at least 1 to 5 minutes before restoring power, then select your cycle and press Start.
If your Whirlpool washer has power but won't start, the issue usually stems from a control glitch, a faulty lid/door latch, or an improperly held Start button.
Common Signs It's Time To Buy a New Dishwasher
The control board or electronic control unit is typically the most expensive part in a dishwasher. It manages all the dishwasher's functions, such as the wash cycles, water temperature, and the timing of the washing and drying processes.