Dishwasher Clean Light Flashing or Blinking Seven Times

Whirlpool and Whirlpool-made Kenmore Dishwashers are equipped with a fault detection feature within the control software to help the user and most especially the technician diagnose a problem when it occurs. One of the common faults is indicated by a pattern of seven (7) flashes or blinks made by the Clean light indicator. It occurs when the control detects a failure in heating up the water to at least two (2) degrees Fahrenheit above the initial temperature during the first eight (8) minutes of the cycle.

The control monitors the temperature of the water both at the start and at the end the first 8 minutes of the cycle. It will not allow the machine to advance to the next cycle if the necessary end temperature of the water is not reached; instead, it will shut down the machine and will not allow the user to operate it unless the error is cleared. But the error will continue to appear until the problem is addressed.

The error can be cleared by pressing the Heated Dry button then the Normal button in sequence twice; that is, Heated Dry, Normal, Heated Dry, Normal. The user will then be able to restart the cycle but the error will eventually come up again and will not get the cycle completely done.

In order to complete the cycle, make sure water is being fed properly to the machine, the washer impeller is not stiff or stuck, and the float bulb is not stuck in the up or full position. Once all of these are ensured, preheat the water to at least 160 degrees or cool it down to below 62 degrees Fahrenheit before feeding it into the machine. These extreme temperatures will bypass the water temperature detection step and automatically proceed to the next step and complete the cycle.

The technique described above is not intended to address the problem which can be a failure of the heating circuit, water system, pump,or wash impeller. But rather to bypass the water temperature detection step and complete the cycle. The user is advised to determine the reason why the water is not able to heat up. Service of a qualified appliance technician is recommended if the user is not technically inclined to perform the necessary troubleshooting and repair. Disconnect power to the machine prior to servicing to avoid the risk of electric shock that may result to physical injury, disability, or even death.