Fix a Kitchenaid Dishwasher Clean Light Blinking
If you’re the owner of a Kitchenaid dishwasher, you may have encountered the dreaded issue of the clean light blinking 7 times.
This can be a frustrating problem, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing it or how to fix it. But don’t worry – we’re here to help!
Fix a Kitchenaid Dishwasher Clean Light Blinking
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the clean light blinking 7 times error, including what it means, what might be causing it, and most importantly, how to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Kitchenaid Dishwasher Clean Light Blinking 7 Times – Reasons
First things first – let’s talk about what it means when your Kitchenaid dishwasher’s clean light blinks 7 times.
This error code indicates a problem with the dishwasher’s heating system. Specifically, it means that the dishwasher’s control board is not detecting the temperature increase in the water that it expects to see during a wash cycle.
In other words, your dishwasher is trying to heat the water to a certain temperature, but for some reason, it’s not able to do so.
The 7 blinks of the clean light are your dishwasher’s way of letting you know that there’s an issue that needs to be addressed.
Common Causes of the Clean Light Blinking 7 Times
So what might be causing your dishwasher’s clean light to blink 7 times?
There are a few common culprits:
- A Faulty Heating Element: The heating element is the part of your dishwasher responsible for heating the water during a wash cycle. If it’s not working properly, your dishwasher won’t be able to heat the water to the necessary temperature, triggering the 7 blink error code.
- A Malfunctioning Control Board: The control board is like the brain of your dishwasher. It controls and regulates all of the dishwasher’s functions. If there’s something wrong with the control board, it may not be able to properly detect the water temperature, leading to the clean light blinking 7 times.
- A Problem With the Water Supply: For your dishwasher to work properly, it needs a steady supply of water at the right pressure. If there’s an issue with your water supply, such as a kink in the hose or a clogged inlet valve, your dishwasher may not be able to get the water it needs to function correctly.
- A Stuck Overfill Protection Float: Your dishwasher has a safety feature called the overfill protection float that prevents it from overfilling with water. If this float gets stuck in the raised position, it can interfere with your dishwasher’s normal operation, including its ability to heat water properly.
- Other Faulty Components: In some cases, other parts of your dishwasher, like the door switch or the relays on the control board, could be malfunctioning and causing the clean light to blink 7 times.
Troubleshooting Tips for a Blinking Clean Light
Now that you know what might be causing the issue, let’s go over some troubleshooting tips you can try to get your dishwasher back up and running smoothly.
- Check the Overfill Protection Float: First, make sure the overfill protection float can move freely up and down. If it’s stuck in the raised position, gently press it down to see if that fixes the issue.
- Verify the Water Supply: Next, check that the water supply to your dishwasher is turned on and that the hose isn’t kinked or clogged. If the water supply seems to be working properly, move on to the next step.
- Examine the Heating Element: Take a look at the heating element for any visible signs of damage or malfunction, like cracks or blistering. If it looks damaged, it will likely need to be replaced.
- Test the Door Switch: The door switch tells your dishwasher when the door is closed and it’s safe to start a wash cycle. Use a multimeter to test the door switch for continuity. If it’s not working properly, replace it.
- Inspect the Control Board: Visually inspect the control board for any obvious signs of damage, like burnt or broken components. If everything looks okay, use a multimeter to test the relays on the board. If any of the relays are faulty, the control board will need to be replaced.
Potential Solutions to a Kitchenaid Dishwasher Clean Light Blinking 7 Times
If you’ve tried the troubleshooting tips above and you’re still seeing the clean light blinking 7 times, don’t despair.
There are a few potential solutions that can help get your dishwasher working again:
| Potential Solution | Description |
|---|---|
| Reset the Dishwasher | Disconnect your dishwasher from power, wait a few minutes, then reconnect it. This can sometimes reset the control board and resolve minor issues. |
| Start the Dishwasher Correctly | Make sure you’re starting your dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This includes ensuring the water supply is on and the overfill protection float can move freely. |
| Measure Component Resistance | Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the heating element and high-limit thermostat. If the readings are outside the normal range, replace the faulty component. |
| Replace the Control Board | If all else fails, you may need to replace the dishwasher’s control board. This is a more involved repair that may require the help of a professional service technician. |
Frequently Asked Questions About a Blinking Clean Light
To wrap things up, let’s answer some common questions about the clean light blinking issue:
- Q: Why is my dishwasher’s clean light blinking 7 times?
A: This error code indicates a problem with your dishwasher’s heating system. Specifically, it means the control board is not detecting the expected temperature increase in the water during a wash cycle.
- Q: What causes the clean light to blink 7 times?
A: Common causes include a faulty heating element, a malfunctioning control board, a problem with the water supply, a stuck overfill protection float, or other faulty components like the door switch or control board relays.
- Q: Why is the clean button flashing on my Kitchenaid dishwasher?
A: The flashing clean button is an indicator that your dishwasher needs attention. If it’s flashing 7 times specifically, it’s signaling an issue with the heating system.
- Q: Why is my Kenmore dishwasher blinking clean 7 times?
A: Like Kitchenaid dishwashers, Kenmore models use a similar error code system. The clean light blinking 7 times indicates a problem with the dishwasher’s ability to heat water properly during a cycle.
- Q: How do I reset a Whirlpool dishwasher with a blinking clean light?
A: The process to reset a Whirlpool dishwasher is the same as with a Kitchenaid. Disconnect the dishwasher from power, wait a few minutes, then reconnect it. This can sometimes clear the error code and allow you to start a new wash cycle.
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The Bottom Line
A Kitchenaid dishwasher with the clean light blinking 7 times can be a frustrating issue, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world.
By understanding what the error code means, knowing the common causes, and following some basic troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the issue on your own.
However, if you’ve tried everything and you’re still seeing the clean light blinking 7 times, it may be time to call in a professional for help.
The most important thing is not to ignore the issue. A dishwasher that’s not heating water properly won’t be able to effectively clean and sanitize your dishes, which can lead to health risks and unpleasant odors.
By addressing the problem promptly, you can get your dishwasher back to working like new and ensure that your dishes are always sparkling clean and ready to use.
