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ErrBase

Whirlpool Dishwasher Lights Flashing: What Each Pattern Means

Quick Answer

Flashing lights on a Whirlpool dishwasher control panel serve two different purposes depending on the model. On pre-2010 models without a digital display, blinking lights ARE the fault codes -- count the flashes before and after each pause to decode the fault. On post-2010 DTM platform models, all lights flashing at once typically indicates a communication error, a control lock condition, or a power reset state.

Flashing lights on a Whirlpool dishwasher control panel serve two different purposes depending on the model. On pre-2010 models without a digital display, blinking lights ARE the fault codes -- count the flashes before and after each pause to decode the fault. On post-2010 DTM platform models, all lights flashing at once typically indicates a communication error, a control lock condition, or a power reset state. A soft reset (Cancel/Drain 3 seconds) clears most flashing light states on newer models.

WhirlpoolDishwasherSeverity: low75% DIY Success
Time to Fix
2–15 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
—
Tools Needed
None

What Does the LIGHTS-FLASH Code Mean?

Flashing lights mean different things by model generation: on older models they are the fault code system (count the blinks). On newer models, all lights flashing together usually means a reset is needed or a communication error has occurred.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Control board fault code being displayed via blink pattern (older models)40%
Power surge causing all panel lights to flash simultaneously24%
Cycle interrupted by door opening causing status lights to flash22%
Control lock engaged on some models causes flashing14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Multiple lights blinking simultaneously or in a pattern
  • All panel lights flashing after a power event
  • A single light (Clean, Start, Normal) flashing repeatedly
  • Panel unresponsive while lights flash

Can you reset a Whirlpool dishwasher to clear the LIGHTS-FLASH code?

Soft reset: hold Cancel/Drain 3 seconds. Hard reset: unplug for 60 seconds. For persistent flashing indicating a stored fault, enter diagnostic mode to retrieve the code.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Hold Cancel/Drain for 3 seconds

Hold Cancel/Drain for 3 seconds. If the flashing stops and the panel returns to a normal state, the flash was a transient condition or power event response. Restart a cycle.

2

On older models without a display

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are all the lights on my Whirlpool dishwasher flashing at the same time?
All lights flashing simultaneously on a newer DTM platform model typically means the control board lost its state after a power event and needs a soft reset. Hold Cancel/Drain for 3 seconds. If that fails, unplug for 60 seconds.
What does it mean when the Start and Clean lights both flash?
On some Whirlpool models, Start and Clean flashing together indicates a cycle was interrupted (door opened mid-cycle or power loss during wash). Clear with Cancel/Drain and start a new cycle.

Related Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: CLEAN-BLINKWhirlpool Dishwasher Clean Light Blinking: What It Means and How to Fix ItCode: NORMAL-BLINKWhirlpool Dishwasher Normal Light Blinking: Causes and FixesCode: HUBWhirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes: Complete Guide to Every Fault Code

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Whirlpool shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience LIGHTS-FLASH Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WDT780SAEM, WDF550SAHZ, WDT730PAHZ, WDT750SAHZ, WDT970SAHZ, WDF518SAHM, WDT720PADE

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026