Maytag Dishwasher Flashing a Light? How to Fix It

Having a dishwasher can be a lifesaver, and not just after Christmas dinner. When lights start flashing, it is unnerving, but don’t panic just yet. The light on a dishwasher control panel indicates which setting is activated. They also tell us when something is wrong. This is an incredibly useful feature of the Maytag dishwasher as it can help us to identify the issue. Flashing lights on your dishwasher can indicate a number of things such as the temperature being too low or an issue with the water draining. 

In this guide, we will walk you through the most common reasons your Maytag dishwasher has a flashing light and how to fix it. 

Maytag dishwasher clean light is flashing

It is normal for the clean light to come on at the end of your dishwasher cycle. This indicates the cycle has been completed and it is time to unload the dishwasher. A flashing clean light, however, is another story. 

Float switch 

The most common reason for your Maytag dishwasher clean light to be flashing is that the float switch has become stuck. 

In a dishwasher, a float switch is used to monitor the water level inside the dishwasher. It checks that the water level doesn’t get too high. 

Checking the float switch is something you can do yourself. It is generally located behind the panel at the bottom of the dishwasher door, directly under the float. There should be a few screws holding the panel in place. 

You will need to manually move the float switch up and down to ensure there is nothing obstructing its movement and causing it to get stuck. If there is an issue, it may need to be replaced. 

If you find no faults with the float switch, move on to checking the heating element. 

Heating element

The heating element is responsible for heating up the water to operating temperature. If there is an issue with the heating element and the water doesn’t reach the correct temperature after a set amount of time, the light should start flashing. 

Checking the heating element is another easy DIY check you can do yourself. You will need a multimeter to test for continuity to see if it has been burned out. If you find there is no continuity (a reading of 0 ohms indicates there is continuity), then the heating element will need to be replaced. 

If that is not the issue, then you can move on and check if there is a heating error. 

Heating error 

Your dishwasher uses a specific water temperature, so if the water coming into the dishwasher is too cold, it can take the dishwasher a significant amount of time to heat it up.

This is another easy fix. If this is the case, you will need to adjust the temperature on the water heater to a higher setting. Then you can clear the flashing light indicating the error by resetting the control board. To do this, press High Temp Wash and Heated Dry on the touch board in sequence until all of the lights on the touchpad are illuminated. If your dishwasher model does not have a heated dry option, you can use either the Energy Saver or Air Dry Button instead.

If this does not fix the issue, then move on to checking the pipes 

Drain pump or hose

The drain pump is responsible for enabling the water to drain out of the dishwasher through the drain hose. If there is a blockage in either the drain pump or drain hose, the water will not be able to drain out.

It is inevitable that food and other debris will eventually collect in and around the drain pump. If there is an excessive amount, then it will cause a blockage and stop the water from draining, causing an error. 

It is also common for the drain hose to become twisted or kinked, which may also be stopping the water from flowing. You will need to remove the drain hose and test for any leaking or blockages before reinstalling it. 

If the clean light is still flashing after having run through the checks above, it is time to call in a certified professional to give you a hand. 

Maytag dishwasher start button keeps flashing

If your start button is flashing then you can take a breath because it is a simple fix. 

The most common cause of a flashing start button is that the power to the dishwasher has been disrupted. This can be caused by a power cut or the door being opened mid-cycle. You can clear flashing lights and get on with your cycle by cutting their power completely by unplugging your dishwasher and waiting a few minutes or by restarting the cycle. 

Another less common cause to be aware of is the feature that occurs when the dishwasher door is not closed within three seconds of the start button being pressed. If this happens, then the start button will begin to flash, and you just have to follow the steps above. 

If that was not the issue, then move on to checking the doors. 

Door latch

It makes sense that a tight-sealing door is crucial to ensure your dishwasher can function as it should. As a result, all Maytag dishwashers have a door latch as a safety feature. 

This door latch works by ensuring your dishwasher will not start if there is anything preventing the door from having a tight seal. 

If this is indeed your issue, then you will need to Inspect the rubber seal along the door for any damage or build-ups. You should run a damp soft cloth along the seals to remove anything that may be interfering with the seal. If there is any damage, your door seals may need to be replaced. 

You should also inspect the door latch itself. Over time, it can get damaged or bent and may need replacing too.