Why is the red light on my Whirlpool dishwasher?

Author: Mrs. Jena Fadel  |  Last update: Sunday, January 25, 2026

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 light mean on a Whirlpool dishwasher?

What do the Front Status Lights Mean? Blue - Washing In-Progress. Red - Drying In-Progress. White - Cycle Completed.

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 the Whirlpool dishwasher?

Make sure the dishwasher is in Standby mode (no cycle running). Press the "Heated Dry," and "Normal," buttons one after the other, twice. After entering the correct button sequence, the control panel should light up as the dishwasher begins the reset. Allow the process to continue until it automatically shuts off.

What does red star mean on a Whirlpool 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.

Whirlpool test program

What does the red light on a Whirlpool washing machine mean?

If a red light is flashing it means that the machine has sensed that the machine is unbalanced or there are too many items. You will have to remove some of the clothes, unplug the appliance for at least 15 minutes, and re-try again.

What is the red star on the dishwasher?

The STAR symbol indicates you have to fill the rinse aid in your dishwasher. Have you already topped up with rinse aid ? If you have already filled it with rinse aid, and the issue is still there, then this indicates, water has leaked in the base of appliance and activated the anti-flood device.

What is the most common problem with a Whirlpool dishwasher?

Most common problems with Whirlpool dishwashers

The dishwasher does not drain properly. The detergent cup is not working properly. The dishwasher is not filling with water. The dishwasher door is leaking.

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 Whirlpool have a reset button?

Many Whirlpool dryers have a reset button, but the location and appearance of the button can vary depending on the model of your dryer. In some cases, the reset button may be located on the control panel, while in others it may be located on the back of the dryer.

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.

How do you check if your dishwasher is clogged?

How can you tell if your dishwasher is clogged? If it's not draining very well or if an inch or more of standing water consistently collects in the bottom of the tub, you likely have a clogged dishwasher.

How do I clear the error code on my dishwasher?

Here are the general steps to reset the error code:
  1. Step 1: Turn Off the Dishwasher. The first step is to turn off the dishwasher by pressing the power button or unplugging it from the power source. ...
  2. Step 2: Wait for a Few Minutes. ...
  3. Step 3: Turn On the Dishwasher. ...
  4. Step 4: Check for Error Code.

What is the red light on my dishwasher?

A number of models project a red LED dot onto the floor to make it obvious that the appliance is running and therefore prevents accidental opening of the door during the cycle.

Why does the light stay on on my Whirlpool dishwasher?

Most dishwasher Clean lights will remain on until the door is opened, then closed, or the Cancel button is selected. This is normal.

How do you clear a Whirlpool error code?

How to fix the error: For a top-loading washer, press start and pause at the same time to clear the code; then press start and pause again to reset the washer. For a front-loading washer, unplug it for one minute, then plug it back in.

How do I reset a Whirlpool dishwasher?

Hold the start/reset button – If unplugging the dishwasher didn't work, the next thing you can try is pressing and holding the start or reset button for at least one full minute. All you have to do now is cross your fingers and hope it works.

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.

What is the average life of a Whirlpool dishwasher?

The life expectancy of a dishwasher is about 10 years, according to manufacturers surveyed by Consumer Reports. However, issues with the appliances tend to develop within the first five years.

Why won't my Whirlpool dishwasher run a cycle?

Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Is Not Working

The control lock is on. Sleep mode is on. You inadvertently turned on the delayed wash option. The dishwasher door is not fully closed and latched.

How do I find the error code on my Whirlpool dishwasher?

Whirlpool dishwasher fault codes are usually a two-digit code beginning with F or a flashing start button light which pauses intermittently. For Whirlpool dishwasher flashing light codes, you'll need to count the number of flashes between each pause to establish which code your dishwasher is displaying.

Why is the light on my dishwasher red?

This light turns red while the dishwasher is running, showing that it's in the middle of a cycle. After the cycle is complete, the light changes to green and stays on for two hours. However, if you notice it flashing, it could indicate a problem with the water supply.

What is red light on 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.

Will a dishwasher work without salt?

Can you use a dishwasher without salt? It's not recommended, especially in hard water areas. Without salt, your dishes may come out less clean and with cloudy residues.

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