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Error code · Dishwasher

Whirlpool Dishwasher Control Light Flashing Three Times After a Locked Button Press

A Control light that flashes three times on a Whirlpool built-in dishwasher means a button was pressed while the controls were locked. The lock is a setting that prevents unintended use. Press and hold the Control…

Low risk · DIY check OK
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Code
ControlLight
Appliance
Dishwasher
Brand
Whirlpool
Warranty
30-day workmanship

What ControlLight means

A Control light that flashes three times on a Whirlpool built-in dishwasher means a button was pressed while the controls were locked. The lock is a setting that prevents unintended use. Press and hold the Control Lock button for three seconds, depending on the model, to unlock. If that does not work, the dishwasher may be in Sleep Mode.

Common causes of ControlLight

  • Control Lock is enabled
  • The panel is in Sleep Mode
  • A control glitch if unlocking does not work
✓ One safe check you can try

1. Press and hold the Control Lock button for three seconds. 2. If the controls stay locked, press Start/Resume or Cancel, or open and close the door, to wake the dishwasher from Sleep Mode. 3. Try the lock button again. 4. Cycle power: unplug the dishwasher for one minute and plug it back in, or turn its breaker off for one minute if hard wired. 5. Check your owner's manual for your model.

! Why to stop there
  • If the lock stays on after all that, the buttons or the control may not be registering.
  • We test the panel and the control.
  • The price is written before work starts, and we say plainly when an older dishwasher is not worth repairing.
Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.
→Same appliance

Other Dishwasher codes

Sanitize Light FlashingOlder Whirlpool Built-in Dishwasher, Sanitize Light Flashing: Temperature Missed Start/ResumeWhirlpool Portable Dishwasher Start/Resume Light Flashing: Cycle Interrupted F6E4Whirlpool Built-In Dishwasher F6E4: Float Switch and Leveling F7E2Whirlpool Dishwasher Code F7E2: Wash Motor Not Responding F8E1Whirlpool Dishwasher F8E1 or H20: Not Detecting Water F8E2Whirlpool Built-In Dishwasher F8E2 and the Fill Valve Circuit F8E4Whirlpool Dishwasher F8E4 Error on a New Install: Fill and Float Checks F8E5Whirlpool Dishwasher Code F8E5: Fill Valve Stuck Open, Act Now
ControlLightControlLight questions
Why does the light flash three times?

It flashes three times when you press a button while Control Lock is on. It is telling you the controls are locked.

How do I unlock my dishwasher?

Hold the Control Lock button for three seconds. If that does not work, wake the dishwasher from Sleep Mode, then try again.

What is Sleep Mode?

It is a low-power state in which the panel does not respond until woken. Pressing Start/Resume or Cancel, or opening and closing the door, wakes it.

Book a visit

Still unsure about ControlLight?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 589-6107