How to Solve Frigidaire Dishwasher Lights Blinking

Has your Frigidaire dishwasher suddenly started displaying blinking, flashing lights? While it might look alarming, in many cases it can be quite easily resolved. There are a few different causes of flashing lights, ranging from keypad issues to door latch issues. In this article we break down the common causes and solutions, so you can have your dishwasher up and running again in no time. 

This guide applies to all popular models of Frigidaire dishwashers, including:

DW1800Y0

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DW5900PW1

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Reset Your Dishwasher

The first step to take with any issue with your dishwasher should always be a reset. Sometimes display issues and flashing lights can simply be caused by a technical glitch or a power surge, which can be resolved by resetting your dishwasher. Here’s what to do:

• Cut power to your Frigidaire dishwasher, either by unplugging it or flipping the circuit breaker. 
• Leave the dishwasher without power for at least two minutes. 
• Restore the power supply and check to see if the lights are still blinking
• Run a test cycle to make sure the problem doesn’t recur. 

Check The Error Code

If your Frigidaire dishwasher display is blinking a specific error code, and the above reset didn’t work, you’ll need to figure out what the error code means and how to fix it. Some of the more common error codes and their meanings are below. :

1. HO: Heat Delay (Low Water Temperature)
2. LO: Low Rinse Aid
3. PF: Power Failure
4. i10: Low water level – Check the water supply line.
5. i20, i40, iF0: Restricted drain line
6. i30: Bottom pan leak
7. i50: Drain or wash motor failure
8. i60: Water heating system failure
9. iC0: Electronic control system failure 
10. UO: Vent open 
11. UF: Vent Failure 
12. ER: Membrane Switch Failure / Stuck Key 
13. CE: Configuration Error 
14. CL: Close Door (Door Switch Open) 
15. dP: Drain Pump 
16. FL: Water valve open  
17. hs: Hall Sensor Error 
18. rA: Rinse Aid Reed Switch Failure 
19. RE/RF: Rinse Aid Reed Switch 
20. rt: Relay / Triac Test – Relay test mode has been activated.
21. Sd: Detergent Dispenser – Displayed in relay test mode when detergent dispenser is activated.
22. tu: Turbidity Sensor Failure 

Check The Door Latch

If the ‘Start/Resume button on the keypad is flashing, it indicates a problem with the door latch. It could be as simple as your door not being closed properly, or it could indicate a more serious issue with your door latch. Here’s what to do:

• Firmly close the dishwasher door and check if the flashing stops. 
• If it doesn’t stop, open the door fully and check the latch for obstructions. This is most commonly caused by food debris that have been accidentally dropped during dishwasher loading. 
• If the latch is clean, inspect it for damage. If you have a multimeter, test the door latch for continuity to ensure it is functioning. 
• If your tests and inspection discover that the door latch is faulty, it will need to be replaced. 
• Look online for a replacement door latch assembly unit. Ensure the one you buy is compatible with your specific model of Frigidaire dishwasher. 
• Install the new door latch, ensuring all the wiring connections are correctly in place. 
• Restore power to your dishwasher and check to see if the lights have stopped blinking. 
• Run a test cycle to make sure the problem doesn’t recur. 

Check The Water Temperature

If your dishwasher is operating normally, the ‘Clean’ part of the keypad should only come on when the dishes are clean, and it should be steady, not blinking. A blinking ‘Clean’ button on the keypad indicates that there is a problem with the water temperature. Here’s what to do:

• Take a thermometer and test the temperature of the water in your kitchen sink.
• If the water temperature is less than 120°, turn up the temperature on your water heater.
• Wait at least two hours for your water tank to heat up, then check to see if the blinking has stopped. 

Another temperature-related issue can cause a blinking light on your Frigidaire dishwasher display, but it is not actually a problem – it’s supposed to be flashing! 

If you select a high-temperature wash or high-temperature rinse cycle, the Hi-Temp button on your dishwasher display will blink to show that the wash cycle has paused while your dishwasher is heating the water. Once the water has reached the appropriate temperature, the light will stop flashing and the wash cycle will resume.    

Check The Water Inlet Valve

Another relatively common cause of blinking lights in a Frigidaire dishwasher is an issue with the water inlet valve. The lights will blink if there is a problem with the valve which prevents sufficient water from flowing into the dishwasher. The valve is responsible for controlling the water flow into your appliance, and if it’s malfunctioning your dishwasher may not receive enough water to clean your dishes. 

Here’s how to check if this is the problem you have, and fix it if necessary:

• For your safety, unplug your dishwasher from its power source. 
• Gain access to the water inlet valve. You may need to consult your Frigidaire manual for its exact location, but in many models, it is located at the bottom front of the dishwasher, behind the lower panel. 
• Use a multimeter to test the water inlet valve’s solenoids. If the solenoids are functioning, they will show continuity, and if they are not functioning there won’t be a reading. 
• If you find the solenoids are not functioning, the valve will need replacing. Purchase a replacement valve, ensuring it meets the specifications of your model of dishwasher.
• Shut off the water supply to your dishwasher, then remove the faulty valve. 
• Install the new valve in its place.
• Restore power and water to your dishwasher, then run a test cycle to check that the blinking lights issue has been resolved.